COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2013

"Acoustic Guitar" Morning Master Class with Richard Thompson
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30-11AM

This Master Class is run as a Morning "Seminar" Series and is open to All Levels and All Campers! Richard will cover a wide range of topics in 3 separate classes. It is not a prerequisite to have attended a previous Frets and Refrains camp.

Tuesday 9:30-11AM
"Acoustic Guitar - Right Hand Techniques"
Continuing our work from last year, more dance tunes and rock-derived examples.

Wednesday 9:30-11AM
"Acoustic Guitar - Song Accompaniment"
More ways to expand your accompaniment vocabulary and make a bigger sound.

Thursday 9:30-11AM
"Acoustic Guitar: Soloing"
Single-string soloing, harmonic ideas, more advanced techniques, feel, phrasing, etc.


"Guitar and Songwriting" Late Afternoon Master Class with Richard Thompson
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-5PM

Richard will also have three Late Afternoon Seminars in Guitar and Songwriting for Advanced Students.

"Advanced Acoustic Guitar"
Details tba.

"Emotion in Songwriting and Performance"
How much is inherent in the song, how much is added? How much is too much? Emotion as a style or a feeling? With illustrations from recorded music history and RT's own catalogue.

"Modern and Traditional Storytelling in Song"
All songs are stories, how much detail do you need? From 2 verses to 200, we look at the possibilities and techniques.


"Zak's Guitar Circle"
As a follow-up to Richard Thompson's guitar classes, Zak Hobbs will host an informal circle to go over points raised by Richard's class - techniques, interpretations, and more general questions. Times and locations tba.

"In Depth Acoustic Guitar" with Martin Simpson
Group A: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:15AM-12:30PM
Group B: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2:30-3:45PM

"I teach an overview of traditionally based open tunings, giving people a system to relate those tunings to standard and vice versa. I also spend time looking at right hand techniques including fingerstyle and Carter Family picking, percussive banjo based and slapping accompaniment styles and more. Arranging traditional songs and tunes, vocal accompaniment, slide guitar... a broad spectrum of ideas. At the basis of it all, is the idea of internalizing the instrument so you can play it in your head, visualizing the fretboard."


"Songwriting" with Teddy Thompson
Group A: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:15AM-12:30PM
Group B: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2:30-3:45PM

Teddy's Songwriting Class is a 3 class series that can be taken either in the morning or the afternoon slots. With "homework" and lively discussion you will cover all the useful topics a songwriter needs!

"Songwriting" with Shawn Colvin
Group C: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:15AM-12:30PM
Group D: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2:30-3:45PM

Shawn's Songwriting Class is a 3 class series that can be taken either in the morning or the afternoon slots. With "homework" and lively discussion you will cover all the useful topics a songwriter needs!

"Intermediate-Level Guitar Classes" with Happy Traum

Both of Happy's guitar series classes are very hands-on and students will be expected to play along with him (unlike RT's courses, which are seminar  format, and Martin Simpson's classes that are mostly Q&A). You will learn specific songs and techniques and will go home with some new things to practice!

"Intermediate Level: Alternate-Bass Fingerpicking"
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2:30-3:45PM

This class is a good crash course in fingerpicking! Alternate-bass fingerpicking can be used effectively for all kinds of songs, but the first order of business is to learn the power of the "independent thumb"; i.e. the ability to maintain a steady rhythm on the low strings while improvising syncopated melodies in the treble. Think Elizabeth Cotten's "Freight Train", John Hurt's "My Creole Belle", or Merle Travis' "I Am a Pilgrim." The beauty of it is that once you get the rhythmic pulse down pat, you can play just about anything in this style. Separating bass and treble in your picking hand is a prerequisite for many other styles, including many of Richard Thompson's guitar arrangements.

"Intermediate Level: The Basics of Fingerstyle Song Accompaniment"
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4-5PM

This class could be called "making the best of what you've got." Happy shows intermediate players how even the simplest song can be arranged in a way that makes it interesting and compelling for the listener. You'll learn some traditional ballads as well as contemporary songs (including one or two by Bob Dylan) incorporating bass lines, chord substitutions, double-stop harmonies, dropped D and other musical devices.

"Beginning Guitar" with Bobby Eichorn
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4-5PM

True beginners know nothing about the instrument. Others might know a few chords but not sure what to do with them. If this describes you... then this class is for you! Bobby can help with your first steps on the guitar - beginning with left and right hand techniques.

This will be a small, hands-on class so bring your instrument.

 

"Singing with Heart, Body & Soul" with Sloan Wainwright
Group A: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:15AM-12:30PM
Group B: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2:30-3:45PM

If you are a guitar player and/or songwriter, and feel that singing is the weaker part of your performance, this is the class for you! If you are a non-singer and would like to be, look no further. If you are a proficient singer, learn tips and exercises to extend you vocal stamina and range.

Singing is fun! And everyone can do it! With an emphasis on vocal health and self care, we will use a combination of vocal warm-ups and work-outs, to help relax and strengthen the voice - making it more flexible and reliable. Individual attention and support is offered to each person in class as well as the group as a whole.

Bring yourselves, a song, a recording device if you like and wear comfy clothes! Sloan will also be available for one-on-one classes.


"Live Sound" with Simon Tassano
Wednesday 5:20-6:20PM

A workshop designed primarily with the gigging, acoustic musician in mind, but open to anyone who would appreciate some insight into the realm of live audio. The theme will be very much an *Audio 101* learning to overcome some of the basic problems associated with amplifying acoustic instruments. There will be practical demonstrations.

"Frets & Remains - Guitar Clinic 101" with Bobby Eichorn
Tuesday 5:15-6:15PM

Bobby will discuss and demonstrate basic upkeep and maintenance of the acoustic guitar including Neck Adjustment, Fingerboard Treatments, Fret Polishing and General Setup tips. This extremely useful class is open to all musicians/all levels!

Bobby will be joining Jack Thompson in hosting the nighttime Open Mic sessions at the Roadhouse.

"Yoga for Musicians" with Megan Leigh and Peter Wallace
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8-8:45AM

Why do Yoga when all I want to do is play music?

Let's say you're right handed. So you're playing your instrument with the right hand, on the right side of the body. Here's the thing... the body is cross wired. So the right body stimulates left brain. Left brain is good, don't get me wrong. We all need to pay the bills, think things through, and employ logic.  But this is a camp to help you MASTER MUSIC. Right Brain! What Lalita Yoga will do is balance out the brain activity so that you can move with greater comprehension through the process. You cannot think your way through a creative process. At a certain point you must stop doing the home work (scales, warm ups, whatever else you do) and OPEN and FREE your channel. You can craft a good song. But great songs are channeled. Great musicians are not thinking, they are opening. Lalita yoga changes the brainwaves, kind of smoothes them out, relaxes the nervous system and will allow you to achieve more with LESS WORK.  

We have scheduled our 45 minute yoga classes at 8AM to allow you time before or after class to have breakfast and prepare for the day! All levels welcome! Just wear comfortable clothes. MATS are provided.

"Massage" with Peter Wallace
(By appointment. Additional fee.)

Why get a Massage when all I want to do is play music?

Body work is crucial for integration. You are going to get a ton of new information thrown your way. Information, memory, takes up a receptor in the body. So, you need a free receptor or two to learn new things. Massage will help you to move out the stuck stuff and make room for more creativity - New songs, new skills. Better retention.  

Peter and Megan believe that this combination of intuitive deep tissue and Lalita Yoga is crucial to you getting what you want out of the camp. Let them support you in your desire to be great, and let go of being good!

 

TENTATIVE CAMP SCHEDULE -- JUNE 24 - 28, 2013

Following is a tentative Camp Schedule, subject to change, to give you a "flavor" of our Frets and Refrains camp! All classes are optional... you always have time to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of over 100 acres at the Full Moon Resort with hiking, swimming, and relaxing!

Morning Master Classes are open to All Campers / All Levels.


Monday, June 24th
3-4PM: Camper check-in
4:15-5:30PM: Meet the staff! Introductions, descriptions of classes, recommendations, advice, camp essentials, plus Q&A and Group Photo in the Barn
5:30-6:30PM: Welcoming Social on the Front Lawn
6:30-8:00PM: Gourmet dinner in the Tent Paviliion
8:30-9:30PM: Welcome performance in the Tent with Richard Thompson, Shawn Colvin, Happy Traum, Martin Simpson, Teddy Thompson and Sloan Wainwright
9:30PM onwards: Song Circles. Also the Café, Barn, Practice Tent and Roadhouse are all open for practice and nightly jam sessions!

Tuesday, June 25th
8-8:45AM: Yoga for Musicians
7:30-9:30AM: Buffet Breakfast
9:30-11:00AM: Richard Thompson "Master Class"
11:15-12:30PM: Morning Class Options:
-Teddy Thompson "Songwriting" Group A
-Shawn Colvin "Songwriting" Group C
-Martin Simpson "In Depth Acoustic Guitar"
-Sloan Wainwright "Singing with Heart, Body & Soul" Group A
12:30-1:30PM: Buffet lunch / sign up for Open Mic tonight
1:30-2:30PM: Swim/ R&R
2:30-3:45PM: Afternoon Class Options:
-Teddy Thompson "Songwriting" Group B
-Shawn Colvin"Songwriting" Group D
-Martin Simpson "In Depth Acoustic Guitar"
-Happy Traum "Intermediate Level: Alternate-Bass Fingerpicking"
-Sloan Wainwright "Singing with Heart, Body & Soul"
4-5PM: Late Afternoon Options:
-Richard Thompson "Advanced Acoustic Guitar" Master Class
-Happy Traum "Intermediate Level: The Basics of Fingerstyle Song Accompaniment"
-Bobby Eichorn "Beginning Guitar"
5:15-6:15PM: Bobby Eichorn "Frets & Remains - Guitar Clinic 101"
6:30:-8PM: Gourmet dinner in the Tent Pavillion
8:30PM: Handpicked guitar and music films in the Barn
8PM 'til late: Open Mic session & Cash Bar in the Roadhouse hosted by Bobby Eichorn & Jack Thompson (here's your chance to strut your stuff!)... as well as Campfire Jam sessions under the stars!

Wednesday, June 26th
8-8:45AM: Yoga for Musicians
7:30-9:30AM: Buffet Breakfast
9:30-11AM: Richard Thompson "Master Class"
11:15AM-12:30PM:
Morning Class Options:
-Teddy Thompson "Songwriting" Group A
-Shawn Colvin "Songwriting"
Group C
-Martin Simpson "In Depth
Acoustic Guitar"
-Sloan Wainwright "Singing with Heart, Body & Soul" Group A
12:30-1:30PM: Buffet lunch /
sign up for Open Mic tonight
1:30-2:30PM: Swim/ R&R
2:30-3:45PM:
Afternoon Class Options:
-Teddy Thompson "Songwriting" Group B
-Shawn Colvin "Songwriting"
Group D
-Martin Simpson "In Depth
Acoustic Guitar"
-Happy Traum "Intermediate Level: Alternate-Bass Fingerpicking"
-Sloan Wainwright "Singing with Heart & Soul" Group B
4-5PM: Late Afternoon Options:
-Richard Thompson "Advanced Songwriting Part 1" Master Class
-Happy Traum "Intermediate Level: The Basics of Fingerstyle Song Accompaniment"
-Bobby Eichorn "Beginning Guitar"
5:20-6:20PM: Simon Tassano "Live Sound"
6:30-8PM: Gourmet dinner in the Tent Pavillion
8:30PM: Guitar & Music Films in the Barn
8PM 'til Late: Open Mic session & Cash Bar in the Roadhouse hosted by Bobby Eichorn & Jack Thompson (here's your chance to strut your stuff!)... as well as Campfire Jam sessions under the stars!

Thursday, June 27th
8-8:45AM: Yoga for Musicians
7:30-9:30AM: Buffet Breakfast
9:30-11AM: Richard Thompson "Master Class: Acoustic Guitar - Soloing"
11:15AM-12:30PM: Morning Master Class Options:
-Teddy Thompson "Songwriting" Group A
-Shawn Colvin "Songwriting" Group C
-Martin Simpson "In Depth Acoustic Guitar"
-Sloan Wainwright "Singing with Heart, Body & Soul" Group A
12:30-1:30PM: Buffet lunch
1:30-2:30PM: Swim/ R&R
2:30-3:45PM: Afternoon Class Options:
-Teddy Thompson "Songwriting" Group B
-Shawn Colvin "Songwriting" Group D
-Martin Simpson "In Depth Acoustic Guitar"
-Happy Traum "Intermediate Level: Alternate-Bass Fingerpicking"
-Sloan Wainwright "Singing with Heart, Body & Soul" Group B
4-5PM: Late Afternoon Options:
-Richard Thompson "Advanced Songwriting Part 2" Master Class
-Happy Traum "Intermediate Level: The Basics of Fingerstyle Song Accompaniment"
-Bobby Eichorn "Beginning Guitar"
6:30-8:00PM: Awards Dinner in the Tent Pavilion
8:15-10PM: Concert in the Tent Pavilion with Richard Thompson and Frets and Refrains faculty.

Friday, June 28th
8-10AM: Farewell Breakfast in the Tent Pavillion
11AM: Check Out

Full Moon Resort Music Masters Camps

Email or Phone (845) 254-8009 for additional information.