2026 Workshops
Music Theory for Folkies (Ellen)
In the folk tradition, we don’t have to read music to make music. But a little understanding of how music works can help us identify patterns common to many different songs so that we can more easily pick out harmony parts, hear chord changes, play leads, and communicate in a common language with other musicians. In this workshop, you’ll have lots of “that’s so cool!” moments about why things sound good, and you’ll leave being able to hear thirds, fourths, fifths, and minors like nobody’s business. We’ll delve into some new material from past years, and we’ll leave time for your pressing questions. Mysteries revealed!
All instruments
Vocal Harmony Fun and Fundamentals (Ellen & Mitzi)
How do we find harmony parts as singers? At folk jams, where the goal is to get everyone singing, it’s ok to just grab a note that feels good. But if you're singing in a duo or trio, it's important to be strategic and choose a part that enhances the song. In this workshop, we’ll take a “behind the music” look at how harmonies work and play with easy ways to find them. You’ll learn how to think about the harmony line as being part of a conversation with the melody and other harmony lines. You’ll discover that you (yes, you!) already feel harmony in your body, and with a little confidence and practice, you’ll be harmonizing like a pro!
Vocal only
Write Your Own Damn Protest Song (Sue)
Is it time to write your own protest song? Look to the past, look at the now, look inside, look to the future. There is no wrong way to write a resistance song, but Sue can guide you with a few steps that can help you on your way dammit!
Songwriting
Introduction to the Pentatonic Scale for Guitars (Lou & Maura)
Have you been playing guitar for a while but want to expand beyond strumming chords? Learn to add fills and play leads in this gentle introduction to the pentatonic scale. There will be some theory, but most of the workshop will be devoted to hands-on practice with a few different songs.
Guitar
Arrange It! (Sue)
Hang out with Sue in this new class and work through layers, ideas, and harmonies to add to your songs. Find ways to include others in your repertoire for live or recorded life. Is it time to expand your work for more voices? Bring your songs, your instrument, & your phone to record ideas.
Vocals, All Instruments
Irish Jig Ensemble (Lou)
In this workshop we’ll learn a traditional Irish jig. We’ll start with the melody and then add backing chords and variations to round an arrangement. Much of the instruction will be geared towards fiddle, mandolin or guitar, but anyone comfortable learning tunes by ear is welcome.
Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, All Instruments
Double Stops on the Fiddle (Lou)
In this workshop you will learn how to use double stops to enhance your own melody playing and to provide accompaniment to other musicians. We’ll spend some time on the theory of how chords are built, but the emphasis will be on using your new double stop knowledge.
Fiddle
Singing & Playing (Amanda)
Can you do both at the same time? It’s not easy! We’ll work together to merge the two. All instruments are welcome as we learn ways to chunk, layer, and practice this handy skill.
All Instruments
Jump Into Jamming (Amanda)
The best way to improve is to play with others. Ditch the jam jitters at this workshop! We’ll cover jam etiquette, common styles of jams, and general tips to jump in and have a blast. All levels are welcome as we practice typical communication strategies (including body language cues, reading “hands,” Nashville numbers, and how to lead a song).
All Instruments
Blues Is The Truth (Peggy & Maura)
Come with guitar in hand to break down the blues riffs, lines and chords of some of the greats we celebrate. We’ll have a guitar focus, but other instruments are welcome.
Guitar, All Instruments
Fleming Brown’s Banjo (Peggy)
Fleming Brown was Chicago based and taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music. He traveled the country and learned from true old-time musicians and brought his knowledge back to his students at the Old Town School. In this workshop we’ll delve into two songs he handed down, Red Rocking Chair (the original one) and Mole in the Ground. We’ll look at what tunings he used on the banjo and some of his right hand techniques. This is banjo centric, but other instruments are welcome.
Banjo
Joyful Noise: Gospel Choir (Mitzi)
Rooted in the African-American tradition, gospel songs and spirituals have a way of touching our souls—regardless of our faith tradition. Get a taste of the exhilaration that comes from singing these powerful songs of survival, love, freedom, and transcendence. We’ll learn simple melodies and harmonies by ear, then join together as one voice to raise the rafters. Get ready to clap, sing, and sway in jubilation!
Vocal only
Put a Bow On It (Amanda)
The bow is a powerful option in the bassist’s toolkit. Let’s rosin it up and learn how to wield it to get a beautiful sound. We’ll load up on a few moves together, then create an arrangement to share. This workshop will have a bass focus, but other stringed instruments are welcome.
Bass