Hello to all,
It’s the last week of October, it’s cold and rainy and my furnace just clicked on.
But I’m in a great mood because I’m sending out my list of classes for the next two months…
As most of you know, I’m doing all of my classes (private and group) via Zoom these days. Still a little weird, but now it’s something that I genuinely look forward to. Every session I learn something, and as a teacher, that is very exciting.
If you’ve not attended a Zoom class but would like to, just email me personally and we can discuss your needs and fit you into the proper class for you.
Here is a breakdown of my November / December workshops:
Most classes start the first week of November (2 – 6), some will start later.
Because of the various holidays taking place these next two months, I am working to keep the length of any given class to either three or four weeks. Some classes may be a single session! Be sure to check the dates and the times.
Each class will be offered on the ZOOM platform. It’s fairly easy to operate and I’ll send specific direction over the upcoming week. They will range from forty-five to ninety minutes in length. Again, you will also have the opportunity to work privately with me for 15 – 30 minutes as well during any given week.
I take personal checks (send to:
David Hodge
P.O. Box 211
South Egremont, MA 01258
and I also accept Paypal. My account number is this email address.
Arranging Songs for Performance (Mondays 5:30 – 7:00)
Session 1: four classes – November 2 through 23 – $75.00
Session 2: three classes – Nov. 30 through December 14 – $60.00
This class truly works well in the ZOOM format. One person at a time presents a song currently in progress while the rest of us (myself included) listen and offer thoughts and observations that will hopefully allow the arranger to make improvements.
Our focus for this class varies. We will set out specific goals for each participant based on that individual’s desires. Since this summer, this class has provided a treasure of surprises, from students playing instruments they’ve not (or rarely) used before to the tackling of songs in a personally challenging style.
Songwriting Workshop (Mondays 7:00 – 8:15)
Session 1: four classes – November 2 through 23 – $70.00
Session 2: three classes – Nov. 30 through December 14 – $60.00
One thing that totally thrills me about this class is the risks that the class is willing to take. In our last two sessions, folks went out of their way to try new ideas and styles. Hopefully, this trend will continue to be the case in this class.
Each week, I dole out assignments (ideas for people who want challenges). Then we focus on the songs at hand. Because it’s a “songwriting” class, students should feel free to bring in songs that in the process of being written. We’ve listened to basic ideas, numerous lyrical and musical drafts, even chord progressions and rhythms that end up before end of the month turning into full-fledged songs.
Introduction to the Mountain Dulcimer (Tuesdays 5:15 – 5:55)
Two sessions – November 10 and 17 – $30.00
The Appalachian (or Mountain) dulcimer is easier to play than you might think! I’ll walk you through the steps, all you need is an instrument. Check your attics!
As with my other classes, I try to teach potential players through songs. Materials will be provided.
Coming Up with Set Lists (Tuesdays 5:15 – 5:55)
Single session – November 24 – $15.00
Creating a set list can be a complicated task. We’ll look at the logic behind putting together songs that you know to make your performance the best it can be. Plus, we’ll discuss other matters vital to making your show (even if it’s just playing an open mic) memorable.
Continuing Guitar (Tuesdays 6:00 – 7:00)
Session 1: four classes – November 3 through 24 – $60.00
Session 2: three classes – December 1 through 15 – $45.00
Every week, we explore one (or two) songs into to develop our guitar playing techniques. Since we’re heading into the holidays, I’m figuring to bring in some holiday songs! Requests are always welcome…
Classical / Spanish Guitar (Tuesdays 7:15 – 8:00)
Session 1: four classes – November 3 through 24 – $60.00
Session 2: three classes – December 1 through 15 – $45.00
Playing classical / Spanish guitar, even the simplest exercises make very nice songs to impress both yourself and anyone who’s listening. You can also use the techniques you learn in this class for your “every day” guitar playing.
If you can read guitar tablature (and / or music notation) you can take this course. We’ll start out extremely basic and work our way up to more complicated pieces. As always, even if you’ve taken this course before, there will be new pieces to learn.
Creating Chord Melodies on Ukulele (Wednesdays 5:15 – 6:00)
Session 1: three classes – November 4 through 18 – $45.00
Session 2: three classes – December 2 through 16 – $45.00
Coming up with chord melodies on your ukulele is a lot of fun and can be amazingly rewarding. It will show you how to put what you know about your instrument and your knowledge of chords all over the fingerboard to good use.
As will any of my classes, we will start out with some very basic pieces and work our way to more complicated ones. Expect holiday songs as well!
Creating Chord Melodies on Guitar (Wednesdays 6:15 – 7:00)
Session 1: three classes – November 4 through 18 – $45.00
Session 2: three classes – December 2 through 16 – $45.00
Coming up with chord melodies on your guitar is a lot of fun and can be amazingly rewarding. It will show you how to put what you know about your instrument and your knowledge of chords all over the fingerboard to good use.
As will any of my classes, we will start out with some very basic pieces and work our way to more complicated ones. Expect holiday songs, too, as well as some alternate tuning!
Open Mic Prep Class: (Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:00)
Session 1: three classes – November 4 through 18 – $45.00
Session 2: three classes – December 2 through 16 – $45.00
Exactly what it sounds like. People will get the chance to perform songs in an “open mic” setting. The rest of the class will be the audience and provide thoughtful, helpful, and (hopefully) encouraging feedback. These can be original songs or covers. The objective this time out, will be for each participant to be able to play a set of three songs, much like one would do at a real open mic.
Absolute Beginners’ Guitar (Part 4) (Thursdays 5:15 – 6:15)
Session 1: three classes – November 5 through 19 – $50.00
Session 2: three classes – December 3 through 17 – $50.00
This is a continuation of the “Absolute Beginners’ Guitar Workshop” from September and October. Every week we look at (usually) least two songs, and in the process, we will expand our ever-increasing toolbox of skills. These upcoming sessions will continue our recent focus on finger-style playing. And, yes, there will be holiday songs, as well.
Jam Prep (for any instrument) (Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00)
Session 1: three classes – November 5 through 19 – $60.00
Session 2: three classes – December 3 through 17 – $60.00
Let’s be honest – we’re all ready to get back to playing with others. This class will be very much like the old “Jam Classes” we’ve had at the BCC and Crissey Farm. My plan is to use songs that everyone knows and to explore how to add more parts to them. As always, I’ll make a point to help you grow based on where you are.
Just how much you get out of this class will be up to you, as you won’t be able to hear anyone besides me when we play “as a group.” If you’d like to improve your group playing by working out parts that are different than what someone typically plays (and we’ve all been in groups where six or more guitarists are all playing the same thing!), you are more than welcome to do so. You can play an instrument that you “kind of” know without being embarrassed.
You can also work on developing harmony vocal lines…
Hopefully, this class will be an excellent way to prepare yourself for playing for real when the occasions arise (hopefully) in the near future.
And just so you know, holidays songs!
Do let me know what you think about these. Class size initially will be limited to eight, but the cool thing about this is that we can start a second class should one get filled.
Question out of curiosity: would there be any interest in a class on “Exploring Alternate Tunings?”
As always, I’m more than willing to answer any questions or entertain any suggestions you may have. Email me directly or call me on my cell (413 – 717 – 1996).
Also, please feel free to share this with anyone you think may be interested.
Likewise, feel free to let me know if you’d like to be off this list.
I hope that everyone is doing well. I look forward to hearing from you and to sharing music with you all once more.
Stay well.
Peace
David