As Passim's Executive Director, Dan Hogan describes Passim School of Music, "The core of our mission is helping to develop artists. I think that is something we do that is very special. We really care about young artists that are talented and giving them a place to start and grow."
Located in Harvard Square, what is so special about Passim School of Music is adult students are given the opportunity to learn any instrument. Passim School of Music has every degree of skill from an advanced student who just wants to learn a particular musical style to a student that has never picked up an instrument before. Passim School of Music also offers voice and songwriting lessons. Students have the option to learn in workshops, private lessons, standard classes, or master classes. With a diverse class list offering lessons in a variety of musical genres, there is something for everyone. The only requirement is the desire to learn.
Take a look at some of the classes offered this semester at Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street 3rd floor in Cambridge, MA. For more information, visit www.passimcenter.org, call 617-492-5300, or email Sarah Fleischmann at sarah@passim.org.
ENSEMBLES
Celtic Ensemble with Kimberley Fraser
January 9, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27
Mondays, 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Blues Ensemble with Lloyd Thayer
January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23
Thursdays, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Have you always wanted to learn how to play the Blues? Join the Blues Ensemble and get some experience playing with others while learning the basics of the language we call Blues. We will cover basic blues progressions, chords, rhythms, scales and more in a way that is both educational and fun. We will listen to and learn from some of the men and women who invented this uniquely American form of folk music, many of whom played right down stairs at the historic Club 47. All instruments are welcome. This is a great opportunity for you to apply what you’ve learned in other classes. If you've always been intrigued by the blues, now it's your chance to play!
This class level is appropriate for students who have a good sense of rhythm, a basic understanding of improvisation, and general facility on their instrument(s).
Honky Tonk Ensemble with Kimber Ludiker and Celia Woodsmith
Wednesdays, January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22
6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Want to sound like Hank or George? We're going to try! Honky Tonk
music is one of the most rhythmic and exciting genres out there.
Accepting all singers/instruments! This class is going to rock.
Kimber Ludiker and Celia Woodsmith are members of the all-female bluegrass band Della Mae.
Kimber is a 4th generation fiddler who started playing at the age of 3. With over 20 years of experience, she has developed a strong love of Texas Style fiddling and other styles, and an even stronger desire to pass down the tradition of this music. Kimber is a 3-time Washington State, 3-time NW Regional, a 2-time Colorado State, and a previous National Jr Fiddle Champion. She has consistently placed as a finalist in both the Grand National and Grand Master Fiddle Competitions.
Jug Band Ensemble with Lloyd Thayer
January 9, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27
Mondays, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Jug Bands were wildly popular in the American South during the 1920’s and 30’s. Bands like the Memphis Jug Band and Canon’s Jug Stompers wrote and recorded some of the most unique and creative music in our country’s history. We will study the music made by the creators of this sound, who used guitars, fiddles, mandolins, harmonicas, washboards, washtub basses and of course the all important JUG........! We will follow the progression of these songs over time as they made their way to our own Club 47 and were the inspiration for bands like the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, The Even Dozen Jug Band, and the Lovin Spoonful.............continuing on to the Jug Band revival of today as seen in bands like the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Outrageous Fortune, The Barehand Jug band and many more. The class will be equal parts FUN and GOOD solid musicianship.
What more could one ask for?
This class level is appropriate for students who have a good sense of rhythm, a basic understanding of improvisation, and general facility on their instrument(s). Multi instrumentalists, singers, and those with a spirit of adventure are encouraged to register.
FIDDLE
American Fiddle Tunes with Kimber Ludiker
January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23
Thursdays, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
We will build tune repertoire and knowledge of American fiddle styles,
inspired by old tunes my grandpa used to play! Fiddlers should have
previous experience or instruction. Mandolins are welcome as well!
Tunes will touch on bluegrass, old time, western swing, etc.
Beginning Fiddle with Kimberley Fraser
January 9, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27
Mondays, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
This six-week course will encompass your basic "fiddle from scratch" class and is geared towards people with minimal or no previous experience. Students will learn how to tune and hold the fiddle, along with some basic scales. The goal will be to learn and memorize some basic and popular session tunes. There will also be focus on ear training development. By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand a little more about the instrument, and attend jam sessions without fear! Must have a tape recorder and blank tape (or the mini disc equivalent) at each lesson, and a fiddle. Please make sure fiddles are in good working order (having all four strings, relatively in tune, etc) for the first class. This class is for complete beginners to the violin; if you have violin experience, we encourage you to take Intermediate Fiddle.
GUITAR
Guitar 1 with Janet Feld
January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21
Tuesdays, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Would you love to learn to play the guitar but wonder if you’re too old, too slow, have no natural musical ability or just too busy? I’ve been teaching people as young as 3 and as old as 89 lessons for over 20 years and know from experience everyone can learn and enjoy playing the guitar. This class is for you if you’ve never played guitar before or know just a small amount. The group format offers a fun opportunity to learn while witnessing the fact that everyone has a learning curve. Each week we learn a song that utilizes different chords, strumming patterns and some basic sheet music navigation information. I’ll also help you create a manageable practice regimen. Please bring a guitar and flat pick. Song list: Amazing Grace, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Scarborough Fair, Hey Jude, Wildflowers (Tom Petty), I Fall To Pieces (Patsy Cline), Drunken Angel (Lucinda Williams), Heart of Gold (Neil Young)
Guitar 2 with Janet Feld
January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21
Tuesdays, 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
This class is a continuation of Guitar 1 and for you if you’re able to play and switch open chords with relative comfort. As with all of my classes, each week we learn a song or two each of which contains a skill set; new chords, strumming & finger picking patterns, information about navigating sheet music and tabs. Toward the end of the semester I’ll introduce you to bar chords and show you how to make friends with them. We’ll work on various finger exercises to help build strength and dexterity and I’ll help you create a manageable practice regimen. Please bring a guitar, flat pick and capo. Song list: Satisfaction (Rolling Stones), Killin’ The Blues, We’re Gonna Be Friends (White Stripes), Speed of the Sound of Loneliness (John Prine), As Tears Go By (Rolling Stones), Father & Son (Cat Stevens), Sugar Mountain (Neil Young).
Guitar 3 with Janet Feld
January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
This class is a continuation of Guitar 2 and for you if you’d like to work on making friends with bar chords. As with all of my classes, each week we learn a song or two each of which contains a skill set; new chords, strumming & finger picking patterns, information about navigating sheet music and tabs. Toward the end of the semester I’ll introduce you to open tunings and fun ways to explore using them. We’ll work on various finger exercises to help build strength and dexterity and I’ll help you create a manageable practice regimen. Please bring a guitar, flat pick and capo. Song list: She’s A Rebel (Green Day), Trouble In The Fields (Nanci Griffith), Fields of Gold (Sting), Heart of the Matter (Don Henley), Luka (Suzanne Vega), Diamond In The Rough (Shawn Colvin)
SONGWRITING
Songwriting 101 with Janet Feld
January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22
Wednesdays, 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
If you're not only drawn to listen to music but have also to play it, you're a songwriter; if you've never written a song before it's only because your songwriting "faucet" hasn't been opened yet. Opening your faucet is what this class is all about. Each week we will do specific, simple exercises that keep your pen moving and take the mystery out of writing songs. You'll also learn about basic song structure, creating melodies and simple music theory (the stuff you might feel like you'd have to study at a music school for hundreds of years to understand - thankfully, this is not so!). Please bring paper and a writing utensil.
"What a wonderfully creative experience! I have already written 2 songs, and I am feeling so much more confident that what I am writing is interesting. You are such a great teacher Janet. You always make something that can be vulnerable a very calming, comfortable and safe environment…most importantly….Fun! You have a true gift. Thank you for sharing it with me!" Jessica C.
VOICE
Voice Lessons with Lauren Flaherty
January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22
Wednesdays, 30 min. timeslots between 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Lauren for 6 weeks of private lessons to get your voice in good shape. If you sing a little bit, but you would like to learn new techniques and learn a healthier, more effective way to sing, these lessons are perfect for you. Lauren will help you develop and strengthen your voice while helping you build confidence in your singing. Since this is a private lesson, you will be able to focus on songs and aspects of singing that interest you. This opportunity is appropriate for beginners (including shower singers!) to experienced singers who are looking for more structured practice.
Voice Lessons with Maria McNeil
January 9, 23, 30, February 13, 27
Mondays, 30 minute timeslots between 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 21, 28
Tuesdays, 30 minute timeslots between 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23
Thursdays, 30 minute timeslots between 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Maria for a session of private lessons to get your voice in good shape. If you sing a little bit, but you would like to learn new techniques and learn a healthier, more effective way to sing, these lessons are perfect for you. Maria will help you develop and strengthen your voice while helping you build confidence in your singing. Since this is a private lesson, you will be able to focus on songs and aspects of singing that interest you. This opportunity is appropriate for beginners (including shower singers!) to experienced singers who are looking for more structured practice.
WORKSHOPS
Intro to the Irish Tin Whistle with Shannon Heaton
Saturday, February 25
1 PM – 3 PM
Learn a jig... in time for St. Patrick's Day! For players new to Irish music, Shannon Heaton will teach a few simple tunes and techniques on the Irish Tin Whistle to get you started on the instrument. She will also play live and recorded examples of traditional music and explain how Irish sessions work; and she will explain the different rhythms of various tune types. An upbeat, accessible introduction to the lively Irish tradition!
Named Female Musician of the year by the Irish-American News in 2009 and by LiveIreland in 2010, Shannon Heaton is a masterful flute player. Equally comfortable as a performer, instructor, and session player, Heaton is passionate about elements of style, etiquette, and rhythm for Irish traditional music. She performs as acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Matt & Shannon Heaton, and also with Irish trad/neo-folk four-piece band Long Time Courting and NPR-celebrated ensemble Childsplay.
Irish Style for Classical Flute Players with Shannon Heaton
Saturday, February 25
1 PM – 3 PM
Want to learn how to play a few Irish tunes with traditional style? For classical players who love the Irish "sound," Shannon Heaton will share simple stylistic ideas about how to play "trad." A thoughtful, informed introduction to Irish flute playing for flutists who want to add a few lively selections to their repertoire... and for flutists who are considering delving more deeply into the tradition.
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