Women in Music: From Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog” to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter

Description

What do Big Mama Thornton and Beyoncé have in common? Let’s explore…

For those students who have completed my Beginner and Beyond Beginner ‘Ukulele class series, I like to go more in depth on the historical and social context in which music is written, recorded, performed, and shared. Women in Music is a common theme in my ‘ukulele classes, as I have found women to be so much more profoundly present in American music history than the traditional books and commercial radio let on.

Although Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter might have been considered ground-breaking, it is rooted in a long history of Black musical traditions. Country music is one of many American genres shaped by Black artists, and Black women in particular have been central to shaping the sounds that define much of American music. This history is often obscured, as when the commercial success of Elvis Presley’s cover of “Hound Dog” looms larger in American culture than Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton’s powerful original recording of the song.

Class Description

This “mix tape” class of Women in Music digs into Black women’s genre-birthing, genre-bending, and genre-defying contributions to the lineage of American country, blues, and rock’n’roll. Join us to learn to play, sing, and appreciate the music made by foremothers from Big Mama Thornton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Libby Cotten to contemporary musicians like Rhiannon Giddens and Beyoncé. 

This class is designed for ‘ukulele, with adapted charts for baritone uke and guitar as needed, but anyone interested in learning more about the topic and willing to sing along is welcome. While most of our class time will be devoted to learning new music, we will also have the opportunity for discussions of short texts or documentary film footage, informed and led by historian and author (and fellow ‘ukulele student!) Lois Leveen. 

I recommend my “mix tape” classes for players who are comfortable with:

• playing 4-chord songs in the keys of C, D, G, and/or A
• a basic strum pattern or two
• taking risks to learn new techniques and material

I’m in! When and Where?

The Southwest PDX cohort of Women in Music meets live, in person, in Beaverton OR

• Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm
• 8 weeks: January 21 – March 11
• Music Together Resonate @ Cedar Hills Crossing: 3205 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. Suite 51, Beaverton, OR (A detailed map will be sent to registrants before the first class.)

For those interested in attending our Southeast PDX cohort, please visit this registration page to sign up via our host, Artichoke Music.

How Much and How Do I Pay?

Cost for this class is $235. Class fees cover both quality, prepared instruction and follow up materials (class recaps, practice videos, relevant links, etc) via email. If you need to miss class one week, you will still receive the class recap and tutorials and practice videos for everything, so you can fill in the gaps on your own. Alternatively, you’re welcome to attend the same class with a different cohort for that week.

Save $5 by paying with Venmo, cash or check! Third-party fees add up quickly for a one-person business like mine. If you’d prefer your entire payment apply to my time and effort preparing and teaching it, select “Pay with Cash / Check”, complete registration, and then either:

• bring your payment of $230 to our first class (check made out to “Avery Hill”), or
• send your $230 via Venmo to @averyhillstudio (#5922)

This price point is too steep for me right now! If you need a more accessible price point, please use the coupon code ACCESS for an automatic 25% off your order, no questions asked. If you need further assistance, please reach out to me directly and we will make it happen!

About the Instructor

I’ve been teaching music for over 10 years now, and am always excited to invite new musicians into the fold (though I would say you’ve always been a musician!). Learn more about me here.