fbridgeway - Posted - 01/24/2014:  08:43:06

I am doing this same workshop in the Tampa area of Florida in the same month so don't get them confused! :)

Brett Ridgeway's "Break Free" Acoustic Workshop!

March 1rst, Rochester, PA

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

This fun & unique two-part workshop is open to all acoustic stringed instruments including mountain dulcimer, banjo, hammered dulcimer, acoustic guitar, 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"

"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 mountain 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!"

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 Sylvania Hills Baptist Church,  567 PITTSBURGH ROAD, ROCHESTER, PA 15074. 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 last week of February. If anyone is interested or has any questions, please contact me at fbridgeway@juno.com or call me at 724-777-5234.

BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 01/28/2014:  19:35:09

Will there be a recording available for those who cannot attend?

Lance

fbridgeway - Posted - 01/30/2014:  21:27:10

Not that I was planning. I do teach these ideas via Skype Lessons if anyone is interested.

fbridgeway - Posted - 01/30/2014:  21:29:04

Still room...Whether you play banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar or any traditional instrument, you will benefit greatly from these to workshops! In the first workshop you will learn how to play by ear, pick out tunes without tab, freeing up your playing and giving you a new freedom. Once this ability is learned, you can pick up about any instrument and do the same! The second workshop helps you to fit comfortably in a jam, understanding chords and keys, and how to anticipate chord changes, and even how to mess up beautifully! Same workshop, one in PA and one in Florida. Read the bottom of the flyer for registration information!

BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 02/02/2014:  15:14:16

It was something to use with my 6 year old. I don't think he is ready for Skype lessons or anything like that yet. I was going to use it to help me help him learn how to play. Let me know if you record it. It sounds like you already have the handouts. Thanks!

Lance