For six days we will have Tim’s undivided attention in what could be described as the perfect music workshop environment. In a small group setting, with lots of individual attention this workshop promises to be a highly informative and rewarding learning experience.
During our workshop sessions we will learn a bunch of new songs and techniques; receive tips and pointers on how to practice and improve our playing, and how to make our playing sound better. Each student will give a performance of a prepared song during the day.
At night after dinner we will run through a constructive critique session of each student’s performance before turning in for the night. All of this, plus the added bonus of an intimate ‘bush performance’ by Tim will make this an unforgettable music safari workshop experience.
Tim will quickly be able to gauge the level of all the students and he will make sure that everyone has a rewarding learning experience. Tim is open to the interests of the group, and we can tailor make our sessions as we go along.
Get in touch today for more detailed information on the Flatpick and Songwriting workshop!
Tim will cover the following topics:
1. The Guitar In Bluegrass Music
Making a study of Rhythm & Lead guitar roles in Bluegrass
Rhythm guitar – How to:
- Use effective mic techniques
- Listen
- Practice
- Use down stroke rhythm runs
- Use single note passages in Rhythm playing
- Play to the song
Lead guitar – How to:
- Pick direction
- Timing
- Speed
- Play the melody
- Rhythmic sense
- Cross pick
- Develop a unique style
2. The Basics and Why They’re Important
The five ‘Ts’
Tim will give detailed instruction and practical tips on how to approach and practice the five ‘Ts’, in order to become a better player.
How to improve:
- Timing
- Tuning
- Tone
- Taste
- Technique
3. Songwriting
Tips and Techniques
Tim will explain and give instruction on the four elements of a song, how to approach and apply these elements, and give tips and techniques on how to develop your ideas into songs.
- Lyrics
- Melody
- Harmony ( Chords)
- Rhythm
4. The Hank Williams Writing Exercise
Hank was one of the greatest performers and without a doubt one of the greatest writers ever.
Here’s a great exercise, maybe the ultimate songwriting exercise:
Assume that Hank Williams’ Greatest Hits (no such record was produced during his lifetime) was only one half of a double album. Write the remainder of the record, the “missing” Hank songs… They have to be as good as “I Saw the Light,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Jambalaya,” and “I Can’t Help it if I’m Still in Love with You.”
This is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. But the process might yield some great songs! And it would force you to LEARN what made Hank’s songs great, and by proxy insight into a genius’s viewpoint, what makes ANY song great…