Demonstrations

On Friday afternoon, we offer an entire class-session that is devoted to demonstrations, or demos. Demos are essentially presentations or mini-performances combined with explication and Q&A sessions. They are similar to the kind of round-robin events called “workshops” at many Folk or Bluegrass Festivals. Following are a few examples of the kinds of demos we might offer:

• Old-time finger picking styles
• Singing with the Banjo
• Alternative Tunings
• Banjo-Fiddle duets
• All Scruggs All the Time
• Tips on Playing in a Band
• Jazz & Swing on Banjo, 3-finger Style
• Fiddle Tunes on Banjo

Why attend Demonstrations? Although there’s no hands-on instruction, demonstrations offer a valuable learning experience. By watching our instructors play in the demos, and listening to their explanatory remarks and verbal interchanges, you get a strong sense not only of the state of the field, but also of the history of bluegrass and old-time music. What’s more, observing the instructors in action is a great way to discover whose styles you are most attracted to, and whose methods of presentation suit you best.