Vermont guitar workshop with Russ Barenberg
Monday, June 13th, 2011Russ Barenberg, one of the giants of the acoustic guitar world, will be offering a three hour intensive workshop on guitar flatpicking technique this Sunday in Brattleboro, VT.
When: Sunday June 19, 1 – 4 pm
Where: Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery
139 Main St, Brattleboro, VT
Cost: $75
Preregistration required: email Keith Murphy, [email protected].
While some of Russ’ themes are rooted in his work as a bluegrass player, he covers them in a way that speaks to issues of musicianship relevant to everyone and their music. The workshop is for intermediate and advanced players with at least some experience with a flatpick. (Less advanced players may come with the understanding that they may spend more time watching and listening).
Flatpicking: Melody, Tone, Pulse and Expression
The workshop will focus on learning melodies to songs accurately and on how to use the melody to generate strong and interesting solos. Tone, timing and pulse will be emphasized, and coaching provided on how to bring fiddle tunes and song solos to life. We’ll spend time looking at how to play simple melodies beautifully and to use ornamentation to enhance expressiveness. Another core objective of the workshop will be to improve the way you practice. Often players have learned a lot of things to do on the guitar but plateau in terms of actually making it all sound good. We’ll emphasize how to listen to yourself more critically and in more detail-to take a microscope to your playing and very specifically pinpoint rough spots, identify what’s not working, and design ways to fix them.
About Russ Barenberg
In a series of beautifully crafted albums, GRAMMY nominated acoustic guitarist and composer Russ Barenberg has created an “exquisitely original” body of work that joyously integrates bluegrass, jazz, and American/Celtic fiddle and dance traditions. Long at the creative forefront of the acoustic music scene, Russ has collaborated with many of its finest artists, including Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss, Mark O’Connor and legendary jazz bassist, Charlie Haden. His playing has graced numerous film soundtracks, most notably Ken Burns‘ documentary,The Civil War. Russ’s most recent release, “When at Last,” was nominated for the 2008 GRAMMY for Best Country Instrumental Performance and for the International Bluegrass Music Association Instrumental Album of the Year award.
