It’s a beautiful day today here in Portland, a real taste of spring with sunshine and warmth that allowed me to shed my winter coat for the first time this year! It’s a reminder that the seasons are turning, new opportunities for growth are ahead of us. After wrapping up winter classes last week, it’s time to start thinking about spring …
But first, let’s think about summer! Summer is a great time to gather with others outdoors to make music together – on the porch, in the yard, around the campfire, etc. In order to be truly present to moment, it’s really helpful to take our noses out of songbooks and look at each other while we play, or close our eyes to feel the music coming from inside us. However, this kind of playing is often easier said than done. So, this spring, let’s work on making it a little easier!
Registration is Open!
Beyond the Beginner’s Plateau (All Strummers Welcome!)
It’s fairly easy for some folks to pick up the ‘ukulele or the guitar and get themselves started. However, at some point, everyone needs a bit more guidance, perhaps some accountability, and the fun and support of a community to get them to the next level of their playing. That’s exactly what this class is designed to do!
We’ll start the term using popular and accessible songs to build up our repertoire of chords, keys, and ear-based musicality skills! By the end, we’ll be working on putting these skills to use playing and singing at the same time, as well as making music in community with others. Participants will receive a weekly recap email and links to practice videos to support their weekly practice between classes.
Class materials will be prepared for ‘ukulele, baritone uke, and guitar. Other strummers are welcome (banjo, mandolin, etc) and supported as the instructor is able, but it is helpful if you’ve got a chord chart handy for reference.
Join us for Beyond the Beginner’s Plateau:
- Wednesdays, April 15 – June 3 in Beaverton, OR – details and registration here
- Thursdays, April 16 – June 4 in SE Portland, OR – details and registration here
Stronger in Song: Songs for Community, By Ear and By Heart
In hard times, we turn to each other for comfort, strength, and help. Music offers us the powerful reminder that we are so much more than the mere sum of our parts! This mixed-level is designed for a wide range of musicians looking for opportunities to develop their skills while making music in community.
‘Ukulele, baritone uke, guitar, and other strummers are welcome, as well as vocalists. We’ll learn a variety of songs about and for the empowerment of communities, from resonant spirituals like “Wade in the Water” to campfire favorites like “Lean on Me”, as well as new songs emerging from current community action like the Singing Resistance movement.
In addition to learning the basics of playing and singing each song, we’ll focus on deepening our musicality skills: learning and playing by ear (without music), memorizing lyrics, singing vocal harmonies, and leading or performing a song in a public setting. Instruction will be adapted to accommodate varying levels of experience and comfort with these skills, offering a wide range of challenges and learning opportunities. Participants will receive a weekly recap email and links to practice videos to support their weekly practice between classes.
Join us for Stronger in Song:
- Wednesdays, April 15 – June 3 in Beaverton, OR – details and registration here
- Thursdays, April 16 – June 4 in SE Portland, OR – details and registration here
Questions?
As always, please reach out to me here with any questions you have about our upcoming term of classes. I hope to see you in class!