ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Leela Grace(Singer/
Banjo Player/ Guitar Player/ Performer/ Songwriter/ Teacher/ Percussive
Dancer) is a Columbia, Missouri native and a
Portland, Oregon transplant who has
performed and taught nationally for over 25 years, first with her
family, and now as a solo musician and with her sister Ellie Grace (as
Leela and Ellie Grace). She recorded
three albums with her family as a teen (in addition to doing studio
work with other musicians) and has released two acclaimed duo CDs
with her sister. The sisters have performed at prestigious venues
across the United States and Canada, ranging from the Winnipeg Folk
Festival to the Lincoln Center in New York City to the Summer
Solstice Festival in Los Angeles.
Leela has earned critical and audience praise for the “great depth
and insight” of her original songs, which have been featured on
NPR’s All Songs Considered and chosen for inclusion on a “Best of
Portland Acoustic Music” compilation CD. She picked up the banjo as
a young teen and has developed her own exceptional clawhammer banjo
style, marked by clear, bright melodies and powerful rhythm. Leela
is also recognized as a dynamic percussive dancer whose style draws
most strongly from Appalachian clogging, but also incorporates Irish
step dance, rhythm tap, body percussion, and much more.
As a teacher of music and dance, Leela has inspired literally
thousands of school children, banjo students, percussive dancers,
and singers of all ages through the classes, school assemblies,
week-long camps, and lessons that she has taught across the U.S. and
Canada since she was little more than a child herself. She has been
hired to teach at The Swannanoa Gathering (NC), The Christmas
Country Dance School (Berea, KY), Pinewoods Camp (MA), The Augusta
Heritage Center’s Old Time Week (WV), and Lady of the Lake Camp
(ID)! Her students have called her a “dynamic, engaging, and
knowledgeable instructor” and “a skilled musician” who “has a
wonderful ear, and a super way of motivating you to develop your
skill.” Leela’s “soaring” vocals, compelling originals, “sterling
credentials” in old-time music, powerful percussive dance, and
disarming teaching style make her a favorite at venues and camps
across the continent. She is a kind, entertaining, experienced
teacher who offers clear, understandable instruction to singers,
musicians, and dancers of all levels. She tries to disarm her
students with laughter and a bit of silliness while, unbeknownst to
them, they are not only learning to sing, dance, or play the banjo,
but also learning to believe in their own ability.
Leela's Famous By-Ear Harmony Singing Classes Contact Leela
for more information:
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and join Leela's E-List to receive updates about future classes:
NEXT HARMONY CLASSES WILL BEGIN LATE SUMMER '13 in PORTLAND!
Leela’s By-Ear Harmony
Singing I Class (down for
Harmony II,
Harmony III,
Group Sing)
Location: Artichoke School of
Music
(3130 SE Hawthorne Avenue, Portland, Ore.)
Dates:
TBA
Time:
TBA Fee:
TBA
Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes.
Information:Contact Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at
573-823-5650
Note:Class will be limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration
required. Class
Description: With a patient,
light-hearted approach, Leela will help you discover the
power of voices raised in harmony. Through large and small
group singing, we will practice the fundamentals of two-,
three-, and four-part harmony using by-ear techniques. This
class is all about singing . . . singing together, finding
your voice, listening, laughing, and generally having lots of
fun. We will learn to understand harmonies and how they work
by SINGING many different kinds of songs, from Appalachian
old time to contemporary folk to old country. All abilities
and experience levels are welcome. Come explore the
possibilities!
Here
is what former members of Leela’s By-Ear Harmony Singing classes
have said:
"I loved Leela's harmony singing class! No matter how tired I
was at the end of the day, it lifted me to go sit with a small
group of strangers and sing! The friendly informal atmosphere
and Leela's teaching style made it a comfortable experience for
everyone. It was marvelous to learn a different song each week
and to find at the end of a class, I could sing not only the
melody but the high harmony and low harmony--by heart. To be
able to stand at the end of the night and make music,
interchanging the parts--inspiring."
“I started taking Leela's By-Ear Harmony Singing class in
the fall of 2011, and loved it so much that I signed up for
a second class. Leela creates a classroom atmosphere that is
inviting, fun, and engaging. She makes understanding music
accessible for those of us who haven't been classically
trained. And she's a joy to spend time with: professional,
reliable, affordable, and always has a pun in her back
pocket. I would highly recommend Leela to anyone who wants
to learn about music in a fun, low-pressure way.”
"The class was fun and it
brought me joy to sing with others. I found a greater range in
my voice and began to exercise it in a way I never have. Leela
is a fabulous teacher! Even for a beginner like me, I felt I
could sing with others and hold my own and I also had room to
make mistakes and sing off key."
Leela’s By-Ear Harmony Singing II Class
(up for Harmony I; down for
Harmony III,
Group Sing) Dates:
TBA
Time:TBA
Fee:
TBA Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes.
Information:Contact Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at
573-823-5650
Note:Class will be limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration
required. Class
Description: This class is basically a
continuation of Leela’s By-Ear Harmony Singing Class. If you
have taken the class before, are currently taking it, or
have some singing experience, this is your chance to jump in
and fill those dim, rainy nights with beautiful harmonies!
The class will be structured similarly to the introductory
class, with some new repertoire and a bit more focus on
smaller-group singing and on finding and keeping a part by
ear. We will continue to learn to understand harmonies and
how they work by SINGING many different kinds of songs, from
Appalachian old time to contemporary folk to old country.
All abilities and experience levels are welcome, although
this class will be directed to slightly more experienced
singers.
Leela’s By-Ear Harmony Singing III Class
(up for Harmony I,
Harmony II; down for
Group Sing)
Dates:
TBA
Time:TBA
Fee:
TBA
(*Note: Sorry, but no sliding
scale is available since this class is
offered through Artichoke School of Music. However, if you
have financial challenges that might keep you from being
able to afford this class, please contact Leela --
leelagracemusic@gmail.com about possible discounts.)
Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes.
Information:Contact Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at
573-823-5650
Note:Class will be limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration
required. Class
Description: Wherein the singers shall create their own
harmony to an assigned song each week, using concepts
presented in class, their own creativity, and a good bit of
trial, error, and courage. Simultaneously, we will learn and
sing, by ear of course, new songs in two or more arranged
harmony parts and thereby strengthen our confidence, ability
to hear and hold parts, vocal power, and sheer joy in
singing. Song selection will mainly be drawn from folk, old
time, and old country repertoires, but may range outside of
those genres. Recommended for singers who have taken Leela's
By-Ear Harmony Singing I and/or II classes or for more
experienced singers.
Dates:
TBA
Time:
TBA
Fee: Sliding scale**
TBA (**Note
about the sliding scale: Pay what you feel you can afford at
this time. If you choose to pay the full price, you are
helping to make it possible for individuals to join the
class who cannot afford to pay the full price. No
explanation is needed if you pay closer to the lowest end of
the sliding scale.)
Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes. Information:Contact Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at
573-823-5650
Note:Class will be limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration
required. Class
Description: This is a brand new class for anyone who
has taken one or more of Leela's By-Ear Harmony Singing
Classes! We will gather each week with the sole (and soul?)
purpose of singing as much as possible... We will revisit
some of the songs we have sung in previous classes, learning
or reviewing the harmony parts and singing 2-3 songs each
week. We will continue to experiment with larger and smaller
group singing, strengthen our voices and ears, and have a
darn good time together while we're at it! Song selection will,
as usual, mainly be drawn from folk, old
time, and old country repertoires, but may range outside of
those genres. We may even decide to invite friends and
family to an informal performance of a few of our favorite
songs by the end of the 7 weeks. Come sing!! Recommended for singers who have taken Leela's
By-Ear Harmony Singing I, II, and/or III classes or for more
experienced singers who can learn melodies by ear.
You wonder what this By-Ear Harmony Singing Class is all
about?
Well,
mostly it is about singing…singing together, finding your
voice, finding the power of voices raised in song together,
listening, laughing, and generally having lots of fun.
We will learn to understand harmonies and how they work by
SINGING! All are welcome (from self-proclaimed
closet car-singers to classically trained
choral singers -- it is an open and understanding learning
environment).
You are welcome no matter your expertise or experience level.
Do you consider yourself a closet singer? You can find
your voice in a supportive, fun environment! Have you
been looking for a chance to sing in a group? Here it
is! Are you a trained choral singer who wants to
improve your ear? Come on down! Are you a strong
singer who wants to learn to sing more easily with others,
to feel the power of our voices joined together? This
class is for you. Have you never done anything like
this before? Even better! Come one, come all!
Here's what a few
former students have said about Leela's By-Ear Harmony Singing
Classes:
“I started taking Leela's By-Ear Harmony Singing class in the
fall of 2011, and loved it so much that I signed up for a second
class. Leela creates a classroom atmosphere that is inviting,
fun, and engaging. She makes understanding music accessible for
those of us who haven't been classically trained. And she's a
joy to spend time with: professional, reliable, affordable, and
always has a pun in her back pocket. I would highly recommend
Leela to anyone who wants to learn about music in a fun,
low-pressure way.”
-- Erin R.
“Leela Grace is a vivacious, creative,
inspiring, loving, knowledgable, and thoughtful teacher,
performer, and musical mentor. Her breadth and depth of
knowledge of her instruments and musical styles is astounding,
but she somehow manages to avoid being intimidating. Leela
builds confidence no matter the level of her students and I
would recommend her to anyone, regardless of past musical
experience or innate "talent". For Leela, music is community and
love and joy, and it comes across in every note, every class,
and every interaction. Take a class with Leela or catch one of
her shows - you won't regret it!”
-- Kelly B.
"I still find myself singing some of the songs that we learned
- and it evokes that same feeling of the energy of the group and
the state of grace that only "music that you make from scratch"
creates. The class challenged me to be more adventurous about
singing. I can only describe it as fun and freeing."
-- Maureen D.
"Leela's class is the best. Each
session we learned new songs, great harmonies, and best of all,
we sang our hearts out. If you like to sing and you like
harmonies, this class is for you!"
-- Ginny W.
"I loved Leela's
harmony singing class! No matter how tired I was at the end of
the day, it lifted me to go sit with a small group of strangers
and sing! The small size, the friendly informal atmosphere, and
Leela's teaching style made it a comfortable experience for
everyone. It was marvelous to learn a different song each week
and to find at the end of a class, I could sing not only the
melody but the high harmony and low harmony--by heart. To be
able to stand at the end of the night and make music,
interchanging the parts--inspiring! "
-- Terry S.
"The class was fun and it brought me
joy to sing with others. I found a greater range in my voice
and began to exercise it in a way I never have. Leela is a
fabulous teacher! Even for a beginner like me, I felt I
could sing with others and hold my own and I also had room
to make mistakes and sing off key."
-- Kristin P.
"Leela's Harmony By Ear class was a
powerful experience for me. I don't know how to read music, so
singing in a choir has always seemed too intimidating. Before
her class, I sang with the radio, which I still do now, but it's
different because now I hear vocals that I hadn't ever noticed
before, and I love it! It's like a new world of sound has opened
up for me--I can hear harmonies and melodies simultaneously,
which I could NEVER do before her class. I can sing harmonies
now--I'm able to follow them if someone is singing them, and
sometimes I can find them on my own.
One of the best things I got from this class is that my husband,
a professional musician, actually let me sing lead on stage with
him for one song while he harmonized with me. This was BIG
because before Leela's class, I couldn't maintain the melody
unless I heard someone else singing it. If I was singing alone,
and I heard someone singing harmony, I lost the melody and
followed them instead. Now I'm a rock star (individual results
may vary : ).
Leela's personality and methods blend in such a way that make
the class inviting, invigorating, and also challenging. She has
great stories to tell about learning how to play music and sing,
and she is funny and kind, so each class is different, and each
class is thoroughly enjoyable. This was my first time to take
her class, but there were several people who were taking it for
their third or fourth time, entirely because they enjoyed the
experience of singing with a group and being lead by such a
dynamic, engaging, and knowledgeable instructor. Leela is an
incredible folk musician and a very patient teacher--I'd take
her class again if she hadn't moved 1,605 miles away! Take her
class--you'll love it, and anyone who has had to listen to you
sing off-key will probably appreciate it too."
-- Lania K.
Learn to Play the Banjo! E-mail
Leela for more information:
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
Offering private lessons (and group
classes) in
Portland, Oregon.
Contact Leela for rates, information, and scheduling.
**Note: Next accepting new private banjo students in
August 2013**
Private old time / frailing / clawhammer
banjo lessons
Over 20 years of
professional performance experience
Over 15 years of
teaching experience
All levels and abilities
welcome, including complete beginners
Here's what a few of Leela's banjo
students have said about her teaching:
"After muddling through years of
instruction books and tabs, Leela's clear instruction helped me
to hear the music in a way that elevated my banjo playing to a
new level. Her creative arrangements of classic tunes have
inspired me as I work to develop my own style."
-- J.
"I would highly recommend Leela to
banjo students at all levels. Leela is a skilled musician,
has a wonderful ear (for hearing all your flubbed notes!),
and a super way of motivating you to develop your skills.
In about 18 months Leela helped me develop from a true
beginner to being able to say "I can play the banjo" and
prove it! She quickly taught me the basics and then
gradually helped me hone my basic skills by adding drop
thumbs, double thumbs, slides/pull-offs, triplets etc as I
grew in my abilities. I highly recommend her to anyone!"
-- B.
"Leela is a great and generous
teacher. She introduced me to some magical banjo tunes and
tunings and helped me hugely in learning to listen and play by
ear. Her easygoing teaching style and sparkling, clean playing
lured me down the first strange, crooked, and colorful paths of
old time music."
-- J.B.
NEXT CLAWHAMMER BANJO CLASSES START LATE
SUMMER 2013
IN PORTLAND!
(Beginning and
Banjo III) **e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
for more information**
and join Leela's E-List to receive updates about future classes:
Beginning Clawhammer Banjo
Class at Artichoke Music
Dates:
TBA
Time:TBA Fee:
TBA
(* Note: Sorry, but no sliding scale is
available since this class is offered through Artichoke
School of Music. However, if you have financial challenges
that might keep you from being able to afford this class,
please contact Leela --
leelagracemusic@gmail.com about possible discounts.) Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes. Information:Contact
Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note:Class will be limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration
required. Class Description: Always wanted to learn the old time
banjo? Get that banjo out
from under the bed and come on down. We will be learning how
to play the old time banjo from scratch! We will start with
the basics of how to hold and tune the banjo and then move
quickly into mastering the frailing strum and left hand
techniques. Utilizing by-ear learning, clear, step-by-step
instruction, and time for individual coaching, we’ll have
some fun learning how to wrangle this amazing instrument. By
the end of the 6-week class, you should be comfortable with the frailing strum, adept at basic chord changes, know how to do
hammer-ons, slides, and pull-offs, and have several old-time tunes in your repertoire.
Students ages 12 and up are welcome in this class. Please
contact Leela about younger students.
Since
this is a by-ear class, a battery-operated recording device
of some sort is strongly recommended. It will be an
important tool! It is also suggested that you bring a banjo strap
and
electronic tuner. More info will be given at the first
class.
Clawhammer Banjo II Class Dates:
TBA
Time:TBA Fee:TBA
(* Note: Sorry, but no sliding scale
is available since this class is offered through Artichoke
School of Music. However, if you have financial challenges
that might keep you from being able to afford this class,
please contact Leela --
leelagracemusic@gmail.com about possible discounts.) Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes. Information:Contact
Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note:Class will be limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration
required. Class Description: This class is designed for banjo
players who have completed Leela's Beginning Clawhammer
Banjo class or for players who have gotten started on basic
clawhammer banjo skills. For this class, we will assume that you know
how to tune your banjo, that you are somewhat comfortable
with the frailing/clawhammer strum, that you are familiar
with slides, pull-offs, and hammer-ons, and that you know at
least a few tunes and chords in the G tuning. From there, we
will venture further into the wonderful world of the old
time banjo! This will still be a class for beginners, not
advanced players. The focus will be on expanding your
repertoire and continuing to build your basic clawhammer
banjo skills. You will be learning a selection of old time
tunes in the open G tuning,
Modal, and Double C tunings. You will also be introduced to
the concept of using a capo to play in a variety of keys. Here’s what one of Leela’s banjo students said about her
teaching: "After muddling through years of instruction books and tabs,
Leela's clear instruction helped me to hear the music in a
way that elevated my banjo playing to a new level. Her
creative arrangements of classic tunes have inspired me as I
work to develop my own style."
Since
this is a by-ear class, a battery-operated recording
device of some sort is strongly recommended. It will be
an important tool! It is also suggested that you get
fifth string "spikes" installed (or other 5th
string capo device), bring a banjo strap,
electronic tuner, and banjo capo. More info will be
given at the first class.
Clawhammer Banjo III
Class
(formerly called Intermediate
Clawhammer Banjo)
at Artichoke Music Dates:TBA Time: TBA Fee: TBA
(* Note: Sorry, but no sliding scale
is available since this class is offered through Artichoke
School of Music. However, if you have financial challenges
that might keep you from being able to afford this class,
please contact Leela --
leelagracemusic@gmail.com about possible discounts.) Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes. Information:Contact
Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note:Class will be limited to
12 participants. Pre-registration
required.
Class Description:
This
more challenging class is designed for clawhammer banjo
players who have taken Leela's Banjo I and II classes or
for slightly more advanced players with existing skills who want to take
their old time banjo playing to the next level. For this
class, you should know how to tune your banjo and change
tunings, be comfortable with the frailing/clawhammer
strum at a moderate to fast tempo, be familiar with
slides, pull-offs, and hammer-ons and possibly some drop
thumbing, and know at least several tunes and chords in
the G tuning (and possibly a tune or two in alternate
tunings). We will spend
a bit of time refining the clawhammer technique and
introducing or practicing drop thumbing. Our focus will
be on expanding your repertoire and moving your playing
to the next level. A selection of old time tunes in the
G tuning will be taught, as well as the Modal and Double
C tunings. Depending on the interests of the class, we may discuss
jam etiquette and the place of the banjo in old time
music, how to learn tunes from the fiddler, work on
singing with the banjo, and/or focus on other topics. Of
course, we might have to spend a little time learning a
few banjo jokes, so you can be prepared to go out into
the world with your banjo (Q:
What’s the difference between a banjo player and a large
pizza? A: A large pizza can feed a family of four.).
J
Since
this is a by-ear class, a battery-operated recording
device of some sort is strongly recommended. It will be
an important tool! It is also suggested that your banjo
have a 5th string “spikes” in the 7th
and 9th frets (or a 5th string
capo) installed, and that you bring a banjo strap,
electronic tuner, and banjo capo.
NEXT APPALACHIAN CLOGGING/ PERCUSSIVE DANCE CLASSES WILL BEGIN
LATE SUMMER 2013 IN PORTLAND!
BEGINNING,
CLOGGING II, and
INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED
**e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com to get more information**
Wonder what clogging is all about? Check out a video
of Leela dancing and find out more!
and join Leela's E-List to get updates about future classes:
Beginning Appalachian Clogging
Class Location:Stomptown Collective
Dance Studio
(226 SE Madison St., Portland, Ore. -- detailed directions will be
sent to class registrants.)
Dates:
TBA
Time: TBA
Fee:
Sliding scale TBA
Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes.
Information: Contact
Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650 Note: The class will be limited to 20 participants.
Pre-registration is required.
Class Description: This class is for individuals with
little or no percussive dance experience. Now is your chance
to get "feet-on" experience in this wonderful, old time
percussive dance form. Starting from “step one”, everyone
will learn fun, exciting steps to take to any dance floor.
All steps will be broken down and taught in detail. Discover
the joy of making music with your feet in a high-energy,
supportive environment! No dance experience necessary. Tap
shoes may be worn for this class, but non-tap dance shoes
are preferred. You will need to find some good
hard/smooth-soled shoes: preferably shoes that lace up
(versus slip on), make a sound on a hard floor, and have a
low, sturdy heel.
Wonder what clogging is all about? Check out a video
of Leela dancing and find out more!
Appalachian Clogging
II Class Location:Stomptown Collective
Dance Studio
(226 SE Madison St., Portland, Ore. -- detailed directions will be
sent to class registrants.)
Dates:
TBA
Time: TBA
Fee:
Sliding scale TBA
Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes.
Information: Contact
Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650 Note: The class will be limited to 20 participants.
Pre-registration is required.
Class Description: This class will be for dancers who
already know some clogging basics (particularly those who
have taken Leela's Beginning Appalachian Clogging class) or who
have some experience in another percussive dance form. We will
move at a more relaxed pace and build on the
skills you already have. We will get in
the groove by reviewing the basic clogging steps and build
from there. You will work on getting your footwork “up to speed”
and learn exciting steps as you begin learn to respond
rhythmically to the music. All
steps will be broken down and taught and a lot of fun will be
had by all!
You will
need to find some good tap shoes or hard/smooth-soled shoes:
preferably shoes that lace up (versus slip on), make a sound
on a hard floor, and have a low, sturdy heel. -Top- Intermediate-Advanced Clogging/Percussive Dance Class Location:Stomptown Collective
Dance Studio
(226 SE Madison St., Portland, Ore. -- detailed directions will be
sent to class registrants.)
Dates:
TBA
Time: TBA
Fee:
Sliding scale TBA
Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes.
Information: Contact
Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650 Note: The class will be limited to 20 participants.
Pre-registration is required.
Class Description: This class will be for dancers who
are already experienced in clogging or who have extensive
experience in another percussive dance form. We will get in
the groove by reviewing the basic clogging steps and quickly build
from there. This class is particularly designed for those of
you who have already taken Leela's Intermediate Clogging class
and are looking for a slightly more advanced class that may end
with an informal group performance! We will be focusing on
choreographed clogging as well as freestyle flatfooting. In
addition to steps from the Appalachian clogging tradition, steps
from other percussive dance traditions (such as Irish step
dance, rhythm tap, body percussion, and more) may be introduced.
You will
need to find some good tap shoes or hard/smooth-soled shoes:
preferably shoes that lace up (versus slip on), make a sound
on a hard floor, and have a low, sturdy heel.
Oxford style tap shoes are preferred.
Wondering what clogging is
all about? Here's a video of Leela clogging:
As
you can see, clogging is a LOT of fun!! Basically, it is an
American percussive dance form that originated in the
Appalachian mountains, influenced by European (mainly
Scottish/Irish/English),
African American, and possibly even Native American (Cherokee)
dance styles and music. There are many "branches" of clogging
now, from modern competition clogging (done to
country/rock/hip-hop, etc.) to more traditional clogging done to
old time music (which is more of what Leela does). Once you
learn a few steps, you can dance to just about any kind of
music. Take a class and join the fun now! -Top-
OLD TIME FIDDLE/BANJO DUET
WORKSHOP
(CO-TAUGHT WITH
FIDDLER
LISA ORNSTEIN!)
IN PORTLAND!
Old Time Fiddle/Banjo
Duet Workshop Location:
Pacific Crest Community School
(116 NE 29th Ave.)
Teachers:
Lisa Ornstein (fiddle) and Leela Grace (banjo)
Dates:
TBA (Summer or Fall 2013)
Time: TBA
Fee:
sliding scale TBA
Registration:
Please e-mail
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
and/or sign up for Leela's
e-list to find out about future classes.
Note: Pre-registration required. Get in touch if you need to
make alternate payment arrangements.
Information:
Contact Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650 or Lisa at
lisa.ornstein@hotmail.com
or at 503-236-8277 Class Description:
Back by popular demand after a great fall 2012 workshop series! Come experience the
pleasure of creating conversation between fiddle and banjo.
Learn from two master players who are also supportive,
enthusiastic teachers. Leela Grace and Lisa Ornstein find great
joy in sharing the mysteries and magic of old time music with
anyone who wants to play! Meet other musicians who are
interested in making music together! Participants will have
access to mp3s of the tunes before the first weekend. The
two-weekend workshop
will focus on the basics of duet playing, on demonstration of
techniques and tunes, separate fiddle and banjo instruction, and
chances to play in smaller fiddle/banjo ensembles and
try out the new music, with Leela and Lisa dropping in to visit
and help as needed. If you took the workshop series in the fall,
please join us again! We will be offering all new tunes. Do not miss this rare opportunity!
Fiddle: This workshop is for you if you have been playing
at least two years, have a good basic bowing/fingering
technique, know a dozen or more tunes, and are able to learn by
ear (with help in class plus access to a class webpage with
downloadable sheet music and recordings). All tunes for this
workshop will be in the key of G major and played with standard
tuning (G,D,A,E). Questions? Get in touch with Lisa at
503-236-8277 or at
lisa.ornstein@hotmail.com
Banjo: This workshop is for you if you know the basic clawhammer strum,
the slide, pull-off, hammer-on, and possibly some drop-thumbing,
can play at at least a moderate tempo, can switch between the Open G, G modal (Sawmill/Mountain Minor),
and Double C tunings, know how to use a capo to play in the keys
of G, D, and A, can play several tunes in each key, and can pick
up tunes by ear (with help in class and from recordings).
Questions? Get in touch with Leela at
leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650.
Private old time / frailing / clawhammer
banjo lessons
Dates:
Class Description:
Back by popular demand after a great fall 2012 workshop series! Come experience the
pleasure of creating conversation between fiddle and banjo.
Learn from two master players who are also supportive,
enthusiastic teachers. Leela Grace and Lisa Ornstein find great
joy in sharing the mysteries and magic of old time music with
anyone who wants to play! Meet other musicians who are
interested in making music together! Participants will have
access to mp3s of the tunes before the first weekend. The
two-weekend workshop
will focus on the basics of duet playing, on demonstration of
techniques and tunes, separate fiddle and banjo instruction, and
chances to play in smaller fiddle/banjo ensembles and
try out the new music, with Leela and Lisa dropping in to visit
and help as needed. If you took the workshop series in the fall,
please join us again! We will be offering all new tunes. Do not miss this rare opportunity!