Classes begin September 8th and go thru December 12th
(Off for the week entire week of Thanksgiving) “Flatpicking”
Join Ed Acquesta in his journey starting with an intro to flatpicking and moving through bluegrass rhythm and song, and covering a variety Ed’s flatpicking repertoire. You will develop impeccable flatpicking skills and enhance your ability to play all styles of bluegrass guitar. This course is offered for players who have reached a plateau and want to transcend to the next level. Ed is a master of the guitar, a wonderful singer/songwriter and entertainer. Matching Ed’s love of music combined with his knowledge of the instrument in classical, jazz, bottleneck, and of course flatpicking, make him a great teacher for this course. You will have a ball in this class as you hone your knowledge of the neck of the guitar and learn how to play those inspired riffs and melodies.
Class Time: 8:00 – 9:15 Monday Evenings
Tuition: $240 + $20 (book) = $260 due at Registration
Limited Space: 12 per Class
“On Stage 101”
Louis Robinson has been writing, singing and performing for 40 years. In a career which began in 1968 in the British folk band "Green Ginger" and has brought him in 2008 to Ragamuffin Music, he has been on stage all of his adult life. Furthermore, as a BBC TV and radio producer he has observed (and directed) some of the best performers in the world including Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, Cliff Richard, Gilbert O'Sullivan, The Hollies etc etc and nearly all the great British comedians. (NOT BENNY HILL!!!) He has also appeared on stage with The Dubliners, Fairport Convention, Steel Eye Span, Stephan Grappelli etc etc and been responsible for personal appearances on TV of countless British and American stars. (Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Vincent Minelli, Carol Baker...etc etc...even worked with Bob Hope! He says that he has learned something from everyone single one of them, even if it was what NOT to do! In this Ragamuffin course, “On Stage 101,” Louis shares his experience with the "do's" and "dont's" of performing, and reveals some of the secrets that make performers look "professional". There are discussions on "off-stage etiquette" and practical exercises designed to make you a better performer as well as frequent opportunities to perform on stage culminating in a concert performance at Ragamuffin Music Hall on Friday night, December 12th at 8:00. This is a fabulous opportunity that you will not want to miss!
Class Time: 8:00 – 9:15 Tuesday Evenings
Tuition: $240 Due at Registration
Limited Space: 12 per Class
“Pickin’ on the Beatles”
Play all the songs….or most of the songs… of the FAB FOUR! This is a great class for anyone who has even minimal guitar skills on open chords all the way to the guitarist with more complex skills ready to throw in a few riffs. Bring your acoustic guitar or bass guitar and your voice! Strengthen your vocal technique, and improve your coordination of singing and playing as we create your own notebook of Beatles tunes to use at your next gig…even if it is in your own living room at your next house party! Join Gary McCoy, leader of the band, “Pickin’ on the Beatles” who performs regularly at RMH and other locations in the area. Gary is an accomplished songwriter, singer, entertainer, and teacher. You will have a blast in this non-threatening and totally fun course! Gary’s selections are sure to cross a wide variety of songs that will cover all ability levels in the class. This class is open to all ages and will culminate in a “Beatles Showcase Show on Wednesday, Dec. 10th at 8:00, where the class will deliver a program where the favorite songs of the semester will be performed by various groups/individuals within the class.
Class Time: 8:00 – 9:15 Wednesday Evenings
Tuition: $240 + $20 = $260 Due at Registration
Limited Space: 12 per Class
“The La La Sisters”
Kind of like the “Ya-Ya Sisters” ….I guess…except we keep our clothes on!!!!!! This class is for all ladies who want to be a part of a group of women guitarists who have basic guitar level skills in place and want to add to their list of songs that they play and sing. Join Jackie Whitaker, owner, instructor and founder of Ragamuffin Music Hall, as she leads the group thru a varied repertoire that will include many different genres throughout music history. These songs will be used to improve your skill level in voice, strumming rhythms in different meters, helping you become better at playing and singing at the same time, performing in front of others, and learning to play with other people. There will also be time to share songs that you have written on your own at each lesson. Not only will we grow your notebook of songs, we will also grow your knowledge of chords, meter, and genres and look briefly at the artists/songwriters who made these songs legendary. Bring an open mind, your voice, and your guitar and leave your inhibitions at home as we embark on a non-threatening journey through music!
Class Time: 11:00 – 12:15 Wednesday Mornings
Tuition: $240 Due at Registration
Limited Space: 12 per Class
“Beginning Banjo”
6 week class -- taught by Greg Gronholm -- more info to come
Classes start September 11th
Class Time: Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:15pm
Tuition: $120 + $20 (book) = $140 Due at Registration
Limited Space: 12 per Class
Join Greg Gronholm at he teaches the basics of the five-string banjo, including basic chords and three finger "Scruggs" picking styles. No musical experience is necessary. The teaching technique is one Greg learned from over thirty years ago from an older gentleman banjo teacher in North Georgia; the students will begin with the basics and learn at their own speed in a comfortable "group jam" environment, learning to take their own solos as well as to back up other players.
Teachers
Jackie Whitaker (Owner / Lead Instructor): Jackie combines her passion for music performance, guitar, piano, and songwriting with a true love for kids and adults who are wanting to add music to their lives. She has recently gained certification to teach Suzuki Piano and MusikGarten classes and is excited to add this early childhood music experience to Ragamuffin Music Hall’s offerings!!
Louis Robinson is a well known songwriter & performer in this area. He has hosted Open Mic and special event Candlelight Concerts on numerous occasions and is always a crowd favorite. He is one of the finest songwriters I know and truly a master of song delivery not to mention fantastic musicianship on the guitar. With over 40 years in the music business, he will be teaching songwriting, performance coaching, and advanced guitar techniques on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoon. If you are an aspiring singer/songwriter, don't miss this chance to work with Louis!!
Greg Gronholm is a great banjo, dobro player, accomplished songwriter, and a Ragamuffin Music regular. He has played with bands such as "Strung Jury" and the "Anitra Holley"
Ed Acquesta is a master guitarist with experience in reading and writing music. With 34 years in the industry and a full time musician, he will be teaching more advanced guitar skills in jazz guitar, flat-picking guitar, fingerstyle blues, ragtime guitar, bottleneck guitar, and beginning students. He will be teaching on Monday evenings and Tuesday afternoons.
