Old Time Fiddling

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS

Get ready for a unique chance to dive deep into traditional American old-time fiddle music! In this course for beginner and intermediate fiddlers, we’ll learn a number of fun, hypnotic, and beautiful fiddle tunes rooted in the southern Appalachian mountains. This regional style draws from African, European, and Native American musical traditions.

We’ll learn each tune by ear, and slowed-down videos will be available to support your practice. Through these tunes, we’ll work on ear training, technique, tone, rhythm, and style. This is a great opportunity to geek out on fiddle music and history!

Prerequisites:Some experience on the violin or fiddle is recommended. A basic knowledge of how to hold the instrument and play a few basic scales will be very helpful.

Wednesdays: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, Dec. 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+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! 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.

Klezmer Ensemble

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS

Oy vey! Get ready to dive into the rich world of Klezmer music! Each week, we’ll learn tunes together by ear, exploring different dance forms, accompaniment rhythms, ornamentation, and the historical and cultural roots of this vibrant musical tradition.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to lead your very own Klezmer dance set! This ensemble is open to players of any instrument—welcoming both those new to klezmer and experienced shpielers alike.

Class Schedule

Thursdays: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4

Time: 6:30-7:45pm ET

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

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! 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.

Intro to the Rhythm Bones

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS

The rhythm bones are among the oldest musical instruments beyond the human body, with roots in ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. Variations of bone-like instruments can be found in cultures around the world.

In the United States, bones were so popular in the 19th century that they appeared in the Sears catalog. Today, they’re still heard in traditional music, especially Irish and folk genres.

This five-week class will cover the basics: how to hold the bones, make clear sounds, and shape those sounds into rhythm and music.

Class Schedule

Tuesdays: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 

Time: 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:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. Tickets may be available at the door. 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.

Intro to Mandolin

**THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS**

Are you ready to dive head first into the wide world of mandolin? Intro to  Mandolin is a group class designed to give students the essential skills they need to start playing the mandolin, and to begin making music with others.

This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of rhythm, melody, and harmony through popular mandolin repertoire. We will cover fundamental concepts – picking techniques, strumming patterns, left hand exercises, ear training, the Nashville Number System – while learning creative ways to practice and apply the concepts to our playing. Class will be taught by ear, with handouts provided afterwards.

By the end of the class, students will have acquired:

an understanding of how to hold the mandolin and pick in way that eliminates unnecessary tension and allows more freedom in our playing
how to play essential mandolin grooves
how to read and write a lead sheet
the ability to play the melody and strum the chords for a handful of tunes
ideas to keep practice productive, interesting, manageable, and fun

This class is geared towards beginner and developing mandolin players who are interested in pursuing any styles of music.

This class runs from 6:30-7:45pm and will be held on Tuesdays, Oct. 28, Nov. 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9

Please note:The class will be held at The Passim School of Music which is located at 26 Church St. Cambridge, MA. Classrooms are located on the second floor and, unfortunately, we do not have an elevator. 

Limited to students 18 yrs of age or older; Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sale end 2 hours before the class begins.before the class begins. 4 students are required for this class to meet. If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.

Intermediate 3-Finger Banjo

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS

In this 3-Finger Banjo – Level 2 class we will continue to focus on building strong technique while learning fun songs to play with others. New Roll Patterns, new Tunes, and new Ideas to bring you closer to your banjo playing goals!
 
Even if you haven’t taken the Beginning 3-Finger Banjo class you’re welcome to join as long as you’re comfortable with basic right hand patterns and can comfortably play a few basic tunes! Otherwise, consider the Beginning 3-Finger Banjo Class.

Tuesdays: Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, Dec. 2 

Time: 8:00-9:15 pm ET

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

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.

Harmonica Ensemble

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS

Also known as “Harpageddon,” this is a mixed-level class where we combine rhythms, bass lines, and melodies to create an all-harmonica band. If you already play the harmonica and want to learn new tricks while playing in a group setting, this is the class for you.

We’ll learn songs like:

Walkin’ Blues

New Orleans Second Line

Bring It On Home

Scratch My Back

Spoonful

Tequila…and other rock, roots, and blues classics.

There will also be an opportunity to perform at a Porchfest or two!

This class is for advanced beginners and up. Bending ability is helpful but not required.

Please bring:10-hole diatonic harmonicas in the keys of A, Bb, C, and D (more is welcome!)

Class Schedule

Thursdays: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 

Time: 8:00–9:15 pm 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:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. Tickets may be available at the door. 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.

Guitar 4 – Beginning Barre Chords, part 2

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON SEAT IN A HYBRID CLASS

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 help you develop better 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 play music with others outside of class.

Bring a guitar, flat pick, and capo.

Class Schedule

Wednesdays: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 

Time: 8:00–9:15pm ET

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

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. Tickets may be available at the door. 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.

Guitar 3 – Beginning Barre Chords

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON SEAT IN A HYBRID CLASS

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 develop better 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 Schedule

Wednesdays: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 

Time: 6:30–7:45pm ET

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

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. Tickets may be available at the door. 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.

Guitar 2

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON SEAT IN A HYBRID CLASS

When I first learned how to fingerpick, I thought, “Now I’m a REAL guitar player.” I’ve checked in from time to time with my Guitar 2 students, and apparently, I’m not alone in that feeling.

As with my other classes, you’ll learn fingerpicking, a few strum patterns, and basic music theory—all in the context of playing specific songs. I’ll also help you create a manageable practice regimen (even for us over-scheduled, over-functioning New Englanders!).

This level is right for you as long as you can switch between open chords with relative comfort.

Registration Includes:

5 weekly classes

Sheet music

Let Me Take the Mystery Out of It music theory worksheets

Lifetime access to video lessons of all classes

You’ll learn technique and theory while playing songs like:

Killin’ the Blues

We Are Gonna Be Friends (The White Stripes)

Take It to the Limit (The Eagles)

Speed of the Sound of Loneliness (John Prine)

As Tears Go By (The Rolling Stones)

Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)

“I think you are a revelation—such an excellent writer and performer AND you can teach. Your lucky students!”—Christine Lavin

Janet will run this class in a hybrid format, teaching both in-person and on Zoom. With advance notice, in-person students are welcome to join classes online if needed.

Class Schedule

Thursdays: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 

Time: 8:00–9:15pm ET

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

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! 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.

Guitar 1

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON SEAT IN A HYBRID CLASS

This class is for you if you’ve never played the guitar before—and maybe haven’t played any musical instrument at all. Most people are inspired to learn because they want to play their favorite songs and make music with others. If you can relate, this class will get you started on your journey to doing just that.

Each week, you’ll learn new chords and strumming techniques by learning a new song—because it’s easier and way more fun that way. Bring a guitar and a flat pick.

Janet will run this class in a hybrid format, teaching both in-person and online via Zoom. With advance notice, in-person students are welcome to attend class online if needed.

Class Schedule

Thursdays: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 

Time: 6:30–7:45pm ET

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

Ages: 18+

Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! 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.

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