Class Type: Tickets

The Songs of James Taylor

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS

James Taylor is one of those artists who makes it hard to choose a favorite song—he’s written so many amazing ones. And I’m not the only one who feels that way—this class was created by request from a couple of my students.

We’ll spend the semester learning his signature technique by playing songs like Fire and Rain, Copperline, and Millworker. This is a Guitar 5 level class—some experience with barre chords is necessary. The ability to read guitar tab is helpful but not required. Please come prepared with a flat pick and capo.

Class ScheduleTuesdays: May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10Time: 8:00–9:15pm ET

Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are located on the third floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)

Ages: 18+Class Size: Limited to 12 students

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. A minimum of 3 students is required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

The Songs of Bob Dylan

*THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS*

Introducing the songs of Bob Dylan for the first time at Passim’s School of Music! Join Avi Salloway and a great group of students on a musical journey through iconic songs from Dylan’s seven-decade career. He’s a shapeshifter and one of the greatest and most prolific songwriters of all time—an artist in perpetual evolution, reflecting the world through his timeless songs. From The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan to Highway 61 Revisited, Blood on the Tracks to Time Out of Mind and beyond, we’ll dive into the gold of Bobby’s music. Fingerpicking tunes, country blues, going electric, gritty blues, and ballads— all aboard the Dylan train!

This ensemble welcomes all instruments and vocalists. As a group, we’ll create arrangements, pass around verses, add harmony and improvisation, share stories about the songs, enjoy good company, and shake the blues of the world.

Avi grew up learning music from Pete Seeger and the Seeger family at Camp Killooleet, and has had the honor of performing with Pete several times. Learning Dylan’s music as a kid was foundational to Avi’s artistic development. Pete was the bridge between the old and the new, helping launch Bob’s career and the folk revival of the 1960s. Bob took the rich American folk musical fabric he learned from Pete, Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and others and evolved into an artist who changed music and popular culture like no other.

This is an intermediate class. Familiarity with open chords, simple rhythms, and basic melodies, along with some experience playing songs, is recommended. All you really need is a love for playing music with others who also love songs!

Class ScheduleMondays: May 5, 12, 19, June 2, 9Time: 6:45–7:45pm ETLocation: Online (via Zoom)

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. A minimum of 3 students is required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

One-on-One Artist Strategy Sessions

THESE LESSONS WILL BE HELD ONLINE

After you register, please sign up for your lesson time at this link. You’re welcome to view available slots beforehand, but only sign up after you’ve paid for your class.

These personalized coaching sessions are designed for musicians at any stage—whether you’re just beginning to share your music or already performing and releasing work independently. No matter where you are in your journey, Rachel will meet you where you are and help create a strategy that fits your experience, goals, and resources.

Over the course of five 30-minute online meetings, Rachel will work with you to assess your current position, identify opportunities for growth, and develop an actionable plan. Before the first session, you’ll receive a short survey to outline your goals and challenges, ensuring that the sessions start with a clear direction. Topics in coaching sessions may include (but are certainly not limited to):

Booking and promotion plans

Creating an effective electronic press kit (EPK)

Pitching your music to publications and radio

Developing an album or single release plan

Navigating DIY distribution

With experience leading a band, independently releasing three albums, and advising other artists on their releases, Rachel will provide practical guidance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you are seeking structure, accountability, or a clearer path forward, you will leave these sessions with the tools and confidence to take your next steps.

Lesson ScheduleWednesdays: May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4

Available Time Slots:5:25–5:55pm6:00–6:30pm6:35–7:05pm7:10–7:40pm7:45–8:15pm8:20–8:50pm

Location: Online (Zoom link will be provided)

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the first lesson of the evening.

Songwriting in Trying Times: Lessons from the Folk Revival

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS

Join visiting artist-in-residence Mercedes Escobar for an exploration of songwriting’s enduring power to capture and transform difficult moments. This workshop examines the craft behind influential songs from the Club 47 folk revival era that continue to resonate today.

Through guided listening sessions and thoughtful discussion, we’ll analyze what made these compositions both artistically compelling and culturally significant. How did songwriters translate complex emotions into accessible melodies? What lyrical approaches created lasting impact? We’ll study song structures, storytelling devices, and the delicate balance between personal expression and universal themes.

The workshop culminates in a sharing session where participants can present an original song for constructive feedback—or simply share a meaningful piece they’ve been working on. Open to songwriters of all experience levels interested in crafting songs with depth and intention.

Class ScheduleWednesdays: May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 4Time: 6:30–7:45pm ET

Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are located on the third floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. A minimum of 4 students is required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

 

About Mercedes Escobar
 
Mercedes Escobar leads the way in Latin Americana, boldly interweaving the grit of old blues and classic country with the rhythms and magical realism of vintage Latin music. Her fearless vocals range from raw and guttural to hauntingly sweet, while her distinctive guitar style blends American fingerpicking with Latin rhythmic patterns. From playing in Guatemalan bars as a teenager to receiving a Berklee scholarship after a Boston fan encouraged her to apply, her musical journey has been remarkable. After graduating with honors and receiving a Berklee songwriting award in 2024, she quickly earned a nomination for Latin Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards. Her upcoming album (fall 2025) features collaborations with multiple Grammy-winner Gaby Moreno, blues icon Joe Bonamassa, Fabiola Mendez and Luis Conte. Mercedes has been featured in acclaimed Guatemalan film soundtracks including Tremors (2019) and Cadejo Blanco (2022). Her performance at DC’s The Hamilton Live and sold-out show at legendary Club Passim have drawn enthusiastic audiences.

Private Voice Lessons with Mairead Guy

*THESE LESSONS WILL BE IN-PERSON*

After you register, please sign up for your lesson time at this link. You’re welcome to view available slots beforehand, but only sign up after you’ve paid for your class.

Are you curious about singing and seeking to deepen your relationship with your voice? We’re excited to offer personalized 30-minute voice lessons focusing on developing your ideal sound and helping you reach your vocal goals. Together we will explore precise, healthy vocal techniques as well as technical elements of various styles. Through collaboration with your instructor, you’ll uncover your own unique voice and freedom of musical expression. 

Spring II Semester (Mondays):April 28, May 5, 12, 19, June 2

Available Time Slots:

5:30–6:00pm

6:05–6:35pm

6:40–7:10pm

7:15–7:45pm

7:50–8:20pm

Spring II Semester (Wednesdays):May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 4

8:00-8:30pm
8:35-9:05pm

Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are on the third floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)

Ages: 18+

Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are on the third floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)

Ages: 18+

Private Mandolin Lessons with Maxfield Anderson

*THESE LESSONS WILL BE IN-PERSON*

After you register, please sign up for your lesson time at this link. You’re welcome to view available slots beforehand, but only sign up after you’ve paid for your class.

Spring II Semester (Tuesdays):May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3

Available Time Slots:

 5:50-6:20

7:55-8:25

8:30-9:00

Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are on the third floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)

Ages: 18+

Private Guitar Lessons

*THESE WILL BE IN-PERSON LESSONS*

After you register, please sign up for your lesson time at this link. You’re welcome to view available slots beforehand, but only sign up after you’ve paid for your class.

These personalized 30-minute guitar lessons will explore how popular bluegrass tunes lay out across the neck and how to develop a deeper understanding of the fretboard. We’ll also dig into the rhythmic pulse rooted in the fiddle tradition—an essential foundation of bluegrass music.

Depending on your interests, we can focus on fretboard fluency and visualization, rhythmic feel, or crafting solo guitar arrangements.

Spring II 2025 Semester (Wednesdays):May 7, 14, 21, June 4, 11

Available Time Slots:

6:00–6:30pm

6:35–7:05pm

7:10–7:40pm

7:45–8:15pm

8:20–8:50pm

Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are on the third floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)

Ages: 18+

Please Note: Pre-registration is highly encouraged! If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

ONLINE: The Songs of James Taylor

THIS IS AN ONLINE SEAT IN A HYBRID CLASS

The instructor will Zoom online students into the classroom via iPad. Lessons will be recorded, and links will be sent to both online and in-person students for playback at any time during the semester.

James Taylor is one of those artists who makes it hard to choose a favorite song—he’s written so many amazing ones. And I’m not the only one who feels that way—this class was created by request from a couple of my students.

We’ll spend the semester learning his signature technique by playing songs like Fire and Rain, Copperline, and Millworker. This is a Guitar 5 level class—some experience with barre chords is necessary. The ability to read guitar tab is helpful but not required. Please come prepared with a flat pick and capo.

Class ScheduleTuesdays: May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10Time: 8:00–9:15pm ETLocation: Online (Zoomed into the live classroom)

Ages: 18+Class Size: Limited to 6 online students

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. A minimum of 3 in-person students is required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

ONLINE: Guitar 4 – Beginning Bar Chords, part 2

THIS IS AN ONLINE SEAT IN A HYBRID CLASSInstructor will Zoom online students into the classroom via iPad.

This class is a continuation of Guitar 3 and will help you get better at playing barre chords while learning new songs each week. It’s often a great jumping-off point for joining one of the fabulous ensemble classes here at the Passim School of Music.

I’ll also teach you how to practice in ways that build strength, dexterity, and finger independence—things that will make everything you do on the guitar feel easier and sound better. Plus, I’ll share some simple hacks for when you’re playing music with others outside of class.

Bring a guitar, flat pick, and capo.

Class ScheduleWednesdays: May 7, 14, 21, June 4, 11Time: 8:00–9:15pm ETLocation: Online (Zoomed into the live classroom)

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. A minimum of 3 students is required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

ONLINE: Guitar 3 – Beginning Barre Chords

THIS IS AN ONLINE SEAT IN A HYBRID CLASSInstructor will Zoom online students into the classroom via iPad.

Do you know why it feels hard to play barre chords at first? That’s because it is hard. So why go to the trouble to learn how to play them? Well, once you can, you’ll be able to play just about any chord you want.

We’ll practice playing them while learning a bunch of songs like She’s A Rebel by Green Day and Circle Game by Joni Mitchell. I’ll also teach you how to practice in a way that helps you build strength, dexterity, and finger independence—things that will make everything you do on the guitar feel easier and sound better.

Bring a guitar, flat pick, and capo.

Class ScheduleWednesdays: May 7, 14, 21, June 4, 11Time: 6:30–7:45pm ETLocation: Online (Zoomed into the live classroom)

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. A minimum of 3 students is required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

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