Teaching
Anyone can make music (yes, you too!) And music is most fun played together.
Music Lessons
Photo by Dylan Ladds
I teach tunes and ensemble-playing skills for all instruments. I also teach basic accordion and fiddling technique in Old-time and Quebecois styles. On these instruments, I teach ornamentation and styling, with a focus on dance-ability. I also include instruction on chording, back-up, and tune variations. Lessons can be individual, or small-group.
I want my students to have fun and feel successful so it’s important for me to hear about your goals and hopes. I’ll have you fill out a brief questionnaire when we begin, and we can return periodically as your needs evolve.
Lessons are held at my home in South Portland. Be warned - we will have fun!
Workshops
I teach one-shot workshops monthly on various skills. Here’s what’s coming up:
March 14th, 5:30-6:30 - Music Theory for Contra Dance
On Zoom this time - so you can make loud mistakes!
What’s all this “one, four, five” talk anyway? How do you use chords to match a tune? To elevate a tune? This class is for melody and rhythm players alike. We’ll focus on common major tunes (Seneca Square Dance, Hundred Pipers, Liza Jane, and Maison de Glace for starters) and I’ll show you the math behind the music! Please RSVP now to emilytrollmusic@gmail.com.
April 4th, 5:30-6:30pm Music Theory for Contra Dance - minor tunes edition (also on Zoom)
What makes a tune minor? What makes a tune modal? And how do you play chords for tunes like that? This class is for melody and rhythm players alike. We’ll focus on common tunes like Sandy Boys, Brenda Stubbert’s, and Reign of Love. And, once again, I’ll show you the math behind the music! Please RSVP now to emilytrollmusic@gmail.com
*To get the most out of class, you should be comfortable playing scales and arpeggios in the keys of D, G, and A. I’ll teach you the rest!
May 18th 5-6:30 - Ensemble-Playing, rhythm focus
Portland Friends Meeting House, Forest Ave
With our brand new set of tunes (Hundred Pipers, and Motel Henri), we’ll dig into the ensemble-playing skills. The special focus this time is rhythm! How to play tightly together, support each other, and make it danceable.
To join this class, you should be comfortable playing close to dance tempo, ready to try new things, and excited to make musical friends!
All classes are sliding scale $15-30, Paypal etroll@wesleyan.edu
Photo by Dylan Ladds