Vocals
Photo by Mike Melnyk
Vocal Lab: A Song a Day—Keith Little—Join Keith Little for an exploration of song and singing in the bluegrass tradition. We'll explore the works of one particular songwriter/artist per day, from which we'll choose at least one song for vocal study and performance. Small groups might choose to tackle a particular song in a variety of keys, time signatures, or harmony possibilities, while individual singers might wish to try something new. At the top of each day we identify the song material to be used, then break into smaller lab groups for study, returning for performance at the end of each session. Along the way, we'll cover basic vocal technique, elements of harmony singing, and vocal performance.
Bring: In addition to a passion for singing, students are encouraged to bring a small recording device.
Keith Little is a nationally acclaimed bluegrass musician, recording artist, and composer. As a vocalist, he’s participated in many top bluegrass recordings, including Dolly Parton’s award winning albums The Grass Is Blue and Little Sparrow. Performing on guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle, Keith regularly appears with duo partner Jim Nunally, and is also a featured member of the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, and the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience. His compositions have been recorded by Longview, Tim O’Brien, Claire Lynch, and the Whites (among others).
A dedicated teacher and coach, Keith has taught at the California Coast Music Camp, British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop, Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, Augusta Heritage Workshop, American River Acoustic Music Camp, and the Sore Fingers Workshop in Sommerset England. His vocals class at our camp has been one of the most popular classes we offer, and we’re proud to have him on our staff.
www.keithlittle.com
Vocal Style—Peter Rowan—Peter will sing with you, and help you find your voice and your part, as applied to bluegrass singing. This workshop is sub-titled The Singer and the Song, and will include thoughts on how to make each song shine. If there is interest, we may also get into some songwriting work.
Prerequisites: a love of singing is the main requirement for this class
Peter Rowan, Grammy-award winner and six-time Grammy nominee, is a bluegrass singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years playing under the tutelage of bluegrass patriarch Bill Monroe, Peter’s stint in Old & In the Way with Jerry Garcia and his subsequent breakout as both a solo performer and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through his continuous stream of original recordings, collaborative projects, and constant touring. We are excited to have him on our staff for the first time this year.
www.peter-rowan.com
Photo by Mike Melnyk
