Next banjo classes start in late January 2012 in Portland. Harmony and clogging classes start in early March 2012.
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Leela's Banjo Lessons and Classes,
Harmony Singing Classes, and Percussive Dance Classes
Portland, Oregon

Old Time Banjo Lessons and Classes

Percussive Dance Classes

About the Instructor

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Leela Grace (Singer/ Banjo Player/ Guitar Player/ Performer/ Songwriter/ Teacher/ Percussive Dancer Extraordinaire) 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.

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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:

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NEXT HARMONY CLASS WILL BEGIN MARCH 2012 in PORTLAND!

Leela’s By-Ear Harmony Singing Class at Artichoke Music
Dates: TBA (Tentatively scheduled to begin March 7, 2012)
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: Class will be limited to 20 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, experiencing 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 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."

"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 at Artichoke Music
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: 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.

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 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.

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Learn to Play the Banjo!
E-mail Leela for more information: leelagracemusic@gmail.com
Offering private lessons (and group classes) at Artichoke Music in Portland, Oregon.
Contact Leela for rates, information, and scheduling.

Private old time / frailing / clawhammer banjo lessons
Over 20 years of professional performance experience
Over twelve years of teaching experience
All levels and abilities welcome -- complete beginners welcome
By-ear techniques, rhythm, melody, chords
Individualized instruction

Listen to Leela play the tune, "Big Scioty" (mp3)
(*if it won't play, try saving first then opening)

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."
-- Jim R.

"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!"
-- Bud S.

"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."
-- Jim B.
E-mail Leela for more information:
leelagracemusic@gmail.com
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NEXT BANJO CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 25, 2012 IN PORTLAND!
**e-mail leelagracemusic@gmail.com for more information**
and join Leela's E-List to receive updates about future classes:

Get Email Updates About Classes

TWO Beginning Clawhammer Banjo Classes at Artichoke Music

Dates: Wednesdays for 6 weeks, January 25-February 29, 2012
Time: 5:00-5:55pm (6:00pm-6:55pm Class is FULL)
Fee: sliding scale $65-$115
Registration: **Note: A 5:00pm section of the class has been added because the 6:00pm class is FULL! Pre-registration has ended, but there is still space in the 5PM class. If you would like to join, call 573-823-5650.
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? Now’s your chance to get started! 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 six weeks, 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.

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 at Artichoke Music
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: 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 G tuning, as well as possibly delving into the Modal and Double C tunings.
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, bring a banjo strap, electronic tuner, and banjo capo. More info will be given at the first class.

Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo Class at Artichoke Music

Dates: Wednesdays for 6 weeks, January 25-February 29, 2012
Time: 7:00pm.-7:55pm
Fee: sliding scale $65-$115
Registration: Pre-registration has ended, but there is still space in class. If you would like to join, call 573-823-5650.
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 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 5^thstring “spikes” in the 7^th and 9^th frets (or a 5^th string capo) installed, and that you bring a banjo strap, electronic tuner, and banjo capo.

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BEGINNING and INTERMEDIATE APPALACHIAN CLOGGING/PERCUSSIVE DANCE CLASSES WILL BE SCHEDULED IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH 2012 IN PORTLAND .
e-mail leelagracemusic@gmail.com to get more information
and join Leela's E-List to get updates about future classes:

Get Email Updates About Classes

TWO NEW CLASSES TENTATIVELY STARTING SPRING 2012:
Beginning Appalachian Clogging Class

Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Fee: TBA
Registration: Please e-mail leelagracemusic@gmail.com to find out about about future classes.
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Class Description: Now is your chance to get "feet-on" experience in Appalachian clogging. Starting from “step one”, everyone will learn fun, exciting steps to take to any dance floor. Discover the joy of making music with your feet in a high-energy, supportive environment! No dance experience necessary. The class will be limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration required.
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Intermediate Appalachian Clogging / Percussive Dance Class
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Fee: TBA
Registration: Please e-mail leelagracemusic@gmail.com to find out about about future classes.
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com
or at 573-823-5650
Class Description: This class will be for dancers who already know some clogging basics or who are somewhat experienced in another percussive dance form. We will get in the groove by reviewing the basic clogging steps and quickly 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. We will be focusing on choreographed clogging as well as freestyle flatfooting. All steps will be broken down and taught and a lot of fun will be had by all! 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) will be introduced. If you took Leela's previous Intermediate classes, we will cover some of the same material in this class, but you are encouraged to come continue to build your dance skills! Pre-registration required.

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BEGINNING and INTERMEDIATE APPALACHIAN CLOGGING/PERCUSSIVE DANCE CLASSES WILL BE SCHEDULED IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH 2012 IN PORTLAND . **e-mail leelagracemusic@gmail.com to get more information** and join Leela's E-List to get updates about future classes:

BEGINNING and INTERMEDIATE APPALACHIAN CLOGGING/PERCUSSIVE DANCE CLASSES WILL BE SCHEDULED IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH 2012 IN PORTLAND .
e-mail leelagracemusic@gmail.com to get more information
and join Leela's E-List to get updates about future classes: