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Group Courses

Bluegrass Banjo (Scruggs Style)
Eric Mardis is a demon on the banjo. He is also a well-versed instructor of the Earl Scruggs style of five-string banjo playing. Designed for the complete novice, this course presents the banjo as an exciting and playable instrument. Starting with some simple chords, Eric will have you strumming sings in the first class.

Course Schedule: Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm (Eric Mardis, Instructor)

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Ol' Timey Banjo (Frailing Style)
This class is tailor-made for beginning students. Participants will learn the basics of old-time Southern banjo playing in several different styles: two finger picking, three finger picking, up-picking, clawhammer, as well as frailing. Different tunings will be explored to help the students understand the versatility of this uniquely American instrument.

Course Schedule: Tuesdays 8:30-10:00pm (Jim Krause, Instructor)

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Dulcimer - Hammered and Mountain
The Hammered Dulcimer and its backwoods cousin the Mountain Dulcimer have been mainstays of old time and country music for nearly two centuries. A member of the zither family, the Hammered Dulcimer came to North America from Britain in colonial times and is played with mallets. The Mountain or Appalachian Dulcimer typically has three strings, is strummed or played with a plectrum and is a uniquely American instrument. In this age of volume and technology the beautiful tones of these instruments have nearly disappeared. Sign up and take pride in keeping these traditional American instruments alive.

These classes are meant for the beginner and novice level player. We will work on the basic care and feeding of your instrument, including tips on tuning hammering patterns (for the Hammered Dulcimer), left hand techniques (for the Mountain Dulcimer), repertoire building, chords for accompaniment and basic musicianship.

Course Schedule (Mountain): Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm (Allen Macfarlane, Instructor)
Course Schedule (Hammered): Wednesdays 8:30-10:00pm (Allen Macfarlane, Instructor)

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Beginning Fiddle
Begin with the basics: How to hold the bow and the instrument. You'll be playing a simple tune by the end of the first night. After four weeks, you'll have a small repertoire of standard fiddle tunes and all the notes you'll need to know for that old time fiddling.

Course Schedule: Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm (Diane Gillenwater, Instructor)

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Intermediate Fiddle
In this course, Diane takes you to the next level, teaching you more techniques and giving you a better handle on your instrument overall.

Course Schedule: Tuesdays 8:30-10:00pm (Diane Gillenwater, Instructor)

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Beginning Guitar
Learn basic chords and easy songs in a relaxed group atmosphere. You'll be playing songs by the end of the first class! Then, solidify your ability to use basic chords as you're introduced to new songs arranged for beginners.

Course Schedule: Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm (Matt Gertken, Instructor)
Course Schedule: Saturdays 10:30-Noon (Dan Rempel, Instructor)

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Intermediate Guitar
Begin simple finger picking patters, bass runs and rudiments of music theory. You'll learn more chords and complex right-hand rhythms. Use these skills to put some sparkle on material drawn partly from class requests.

Course Schedule: Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm (Thom Alexander, Instructor)

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Half Notes
This 45-minute journey for kids, ages 6 months through 3 years, explores the wonderful world of music. Babies and toddlers love singing with their parents and in the company of other children. In each session, children sing, play rhythm instruments and do circle dances. This class is a great way to spend some musical time with your child. Join us as we share the joys of music.

Course Schedule: Saturdays 9:30-10:15am (Shelly Sanders, Instructor)
Course Schedule: Saturdays 10:30-11:15am (Shelly Sanders, Instructor)
Session 1: June 26 - July 17
Session 2: July 24 - August 14
$35 per Session (Members save $5)

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Harmonica
Whether sitting in the back of a smoky bar or around the campfire, the harmonica has helped define the sound of American music over the last 150 years. It's easy to learn and it's easy to play. We offer a course that will have you blowing harp in no time. Sign up and have a band in your pocket!

Course Schedule: Mondays (Call the Academy at 785-830-9640 for Times) (Jimmy Meade, Instructor)

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The Horn Section
Discover how great horn sections like Chicago, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears, Muscle Shoals and Motown developed their sound. Renowned horn player Tommy Johnson will show you how to work in tight, funky R&B units and take your playing to the next level. Students must have approximately 1½ years playing experience to get the most out of this course. Class size is limited to six players per session.

Course Schedule: Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm (Tommy Johnson, Instructor)

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Introduction to Percussion
One of the wonderful things about percussion is that it's really easy to start learning how to play. Bring your own drum if you have one. If you don't, we have plenty to share. Try an assortment of shapes and sizes and see what's right for you. We'll learn traditional rhythms from West Africa as well as rhythms from Cuba and the US. Learn the art of finding percussion instruments all around you. Discover tools that help you create your own music. Questions and input are warmly welcomed from all. What do you want to know about percussion and music making? Open to all ages and abilities.

Course Schedule: Saturday, July 24, 1:00-3:00pm (Dylan Bassett, Instructor)
$5 for Session

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Beginning Mandolin
Because of its small scale and violin-like tuning, mandolins are perfect for playing fiddle and harmonized melodies. Good mandolin rhythm skills compliment guitar rhythm, and the sweet tones of the mandolin are a welcome addition to any ensemble.

Course Schedule: Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm (Matt Gertken, Instructor)

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Intermediate Mandolin
Because of its small scale and violin-like tuning, mandolins are perfect for playing fiddle and harmonized melodies. Good mandolin rhythm skills compliment guitar rhythm, and the sweet tones of the mandolin are a welcome addition to any ensemble.

Course Schedule: Wednesdays 8:30-10:00pm (Matt Gertken, Instructor)

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Recording Technology
This course will teach you the basics of recording engineering and give you a keen understanding of the inner workings of a modern recording studio. You'll learn the rudiments of microphone use, room acoustics, and amplifiers and drum sounds. Dan Balsinger will demystify it all, from the most elementary recording decks to the most up-to-date computer-generated sounds. In the process you will get hands-on experience at our in-house studio. This course is foundational for all that want to be part of the music industry.

Course Schedule: Mondays 7:00-8:30pm (Dan Balsinger, Instructor)

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Rock & Roll Band
This class gives you the opportunity to learn how to play in a group with professional musicians to guide you. Students will be placed with others of their own musical level and ability and will develop a set of songs so they can go out and perform at the end of the course. Rehearsal techniques, listening and sectional playing techniques will be taught and you'll learn how to perform in front of an audience (The Beatles called this "making show"). The songs you play will be ones agreed upon by the group. Let your imagination go and learn how to rock! For all instruments.

Course Schedule: Thursdays 1:00-3:00pm (Corey Merritt, Instructor)
PREREQUISITE: One year's experience or equivalent.

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