fbridgeway - Posted - 01/16/2014:  08:03:57

Brett Ridgeway's  "Break Free" Acoustic Workshop!

This fun & unique two-part workshop is open to all acoustic stringed instruments including bluegrass banjo, hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, acoustic guitar, clawhammer banjo, mandolin, fiddle etc.

 "I just attended on of Brett's workshops at Dulcimer Days in Coshocton. I learned more in one hour with Brett than I learned in a 3 day workshop in Gettysburg, Pa. I am very pleased with his easy and to-the-point teaching methods. I'll be attending many more of his workshops in the future. Kudos to you, Brett for a great workshop!"   Tammy, Wooster, Ohio

"Diddling, Noodling, & Jigging-Learning to Play by Ear" Taught by Brett Ridgeway

"Does anyone have the music for..." (cringe) FREE YOURSELF and your dependency of reading music, standard notation or tab to learn a tune! This is definitely our largest and most requested workshop! Using traditional Celtic techniques, virtually anyone can learn to play any instrument by ear, they just don't know it, or know how to do it, and are often surprised at their ability to do so! Noodling and diddling, also called jigging, lilting, dowdling are excellent tools in learning to play the hammered dulcimer, Appalachian dulcimer, banjo, fiddle, guitar...or any instrument for that matter! This is a HANDS-ON workshop for all instruments and will help you to learn and understand your instrument from the inside out! Using simple ear training exercises, playing a simple scale and you will be picking out tunes-by ear- by the end of this workshop! You will surprise yourself! I have used these techniques several times in my workshops and one-on-one teaching and the most often exclaimed phrase is, "I can't believe I can do this!!!" Whether you read music or not, learning to play by ear is a helpful skill and yes, can be learned in this workshop!  Level: All Levels; All Instruments

 “Surviving a Jam”or "Playing Well with Others!" Taught by Brett Ridgeway

Has there ever been a time that you wanted to join in on a jam, but found the idea of making it through one too intimidating? Have you ever joined a jam, only to find yourself lost and not able to keep up? Come learn tips that are so simple yet valuable techniques that will help you maneuver through the next jam with ease and enjoyment. Learn to anticipate chord changes, understanding chords and key changes, keeping time, jam etiquette and how to "mess up well"! It only takes a few tips and a little practice and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient jammer! This is a hands-on workshop so bring your instrument! Level: All levels and instruments.

 The total cost of BOTH workshops is only $35 and includes all hand-outs, personal instruction, a very fun time, and most important - the freedom to play!  The Acoustic “Break-Free” Workshop will be held at the Bible Baptist Church, 401 W. US Hwy 92, Seffner, FL 33584. The workshop will begin at 10:00 A.M. and will run for three to four hours. PRE-REGISTRATION IS A MUST!  To reserve a place in the workshop, please send a check or money order to: Brett Ridgeway, 105 Ashwood Drive, Industry, PA 15052. Checks will be held until the beginning of March. If anyone is interested or has any questions, please contact me at fbridgeway@juno.com or call me at 724-777-5234.