Ever wanted to jump into a bluegrass jam but weren’t quite sure when to take a break, kick off a tune, or pass the lead? This class is your roadmap to the jam circle.

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Instruction will focus on song arrangement, jam awareness and "bluegrass etiquette.” Participants will learn how to take traditional bluegrass tunes commonly found in jam circles and bring them to life by finding the right key(s) to play them in, construct intros, outros and apply other interesting arrangement ideas. Along the way, students will gain confidence, sharpen their jamming skills, and learn how to turn a favorite song into a tune they can lead at any jam. 

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Instructor Joe Schulte is a member of the local bluegrass band, Skillethead, and finds as much joy in teaching and helping others as he does in performing and working on his own musicianship. His favorite teaching method is passing folk music along much in the same manner people have for hundreds of years, through live interaction, sitting in circles jamming, listening, and sharing creative ideas.

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This is a beginner/intermediate class. Participants must be 18 or older to enroll and should have a solid ability to strum and switch between the basic and common chords on their chosen instrument. Bass, cello or fiddle players must be able to identify some common notes and to play at least one basic scale or simple melodies.

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Participants: Maximum of 20 

Tuition: $150*