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Adult Instrument Classes

VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT CLASSES! 

Please note: Sign ups for all virtual classes will take place weekly or by session. Classes will take place over Zoom, a free video-conferencing app! You’ll need to have a Zoom account available on your computer or device to participate in class. We will send you a link to join the class in Zoom no later than 5pm on the day of class.

 

 

 

Full Class Sessions: 

VIRTUAL Beginner 2 Ukulele with Christopher Davis-Shannon

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:15pm, April 5th through May 10th, 2022

Building upon our beginner course we’ll branch out into more chords, more right hand techniques, and more fun! Any one comfortable with basic chords (C F G ) is welcome to join and we’ll get you caught up nice and quick. This is the perfect class for folks who have taken Beginner Uke with Christopher before!

Register for Virtual Beginner 2 Ukulele Here!

 

VIRTUAL Intermediate Ukulele with Christopher Davis-Shannon

Tuesdays, 6:30-7:15pm, April 5th through May 10th, 2022

Getting beyond three chords. Take your ukulele a bit further as we dive into more complex songs and simple solo arrangements while expanding on the basics you learned in beginner class. Suitable for anyone that can strum confidently through easy songs without too much hesitation between chords.

Register for Virtual Intermediate Ukulele Here!

 

Virtual Beginner’s Harmonica for Adults with Seth Holzman (ages 16 and up):

Mondays, 6:30 – 7:45pm, April 18th, 2022 through June 13th, 2022

Learn to play simple traditional folk songs and elementary blues on one of America’s most popular, portable instruments – the harmonica!  Basic techniques such as bending, trilling, tongue-blocking, vibrato, and wah-wah will be covered.  Individual attention will be given to each student.  No musical background is required.  Bring a 10-hole diatonic key of C major harmonica (such as the Hohner Special 20, Hohner Marine Band Model 1896, or equivalent) to the first class. For our Zoom classes, have a 10-hole diatonic key of C major harmonica (such as the Hohner Special 20, Hohner Pro Harp, or equivalent) for the first class. Required text may be purchased for $10.00.

REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL BEGINNER’S HARMONICA HERE

Virtual Blues Harmonica I for Adults with Seth Holzman (ages 16 and up):

Mondays, 8pm – 9:15pm, April 18th, 2022 through June 13th, 2022

Let’s continue our work with the harmonica and focus on the Blues.  The harmonica’s unique sound is integral to the distinctiveness of many great blues bands.  Learn some techniques and styles of background and lead playing.  We will work on songs by Slim Harpo (“Something Inside Me,” “Raining In My Heart”), Little Walter (“Last Night,” “Hoochie Coochie Man”), Sonny Terry (“Bring It On Home To Me”), etc.  Bring a 10-hole diatonic key of C-major harmonica such as the Hohner Special 20, Hohner Marine Band Model 1896, or equivalent, to first class. For our Zoom classes, have a 10-hole diatonic key of C major harmonica (such as the Hohner Special 20, Hohner Pro Harp, or equivalent) for the first class. Required text may be purchased for $10.00.(Note: This class is for people who have taken Harmonica For Beginners or others who have acquired similar skills and knowledge and have Seth’s permission to take the class.)

REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL BLUES HARMONICA I HERE

Virtual Intermediate Blues Harmonica (Ages 16 and up)

Thursdays, 6pm – 7:15pm, April 21st through June 16th, 2022

No Class May 19th, 2022

Let’s continue to work on the songs we did in Blues Harmonica 1, including Slim Harpo’s “Something Inside Me” & “Raining In My Heart”, Little Walter’s “Last Night” & (with Muddy Waters) “Hoochie Coochie Man”, Sonny Terry’s “Bring It On Home To Me”, etc. Additionally, let’s work on songs or parts of songs that both you and I may suggest for the class. We’ll continue to work on techniques such as bending, vibrato, and tongue-slapping. For our Zoom classes, have a 10-hole diatonic key of C major harmonica (such as the Hohner Special 20, Hohner Pro Harp, or equivalent) for the first class. Required text may be purchased for $10.00. However, if you already have the Blues Harmonica 1 text, there’s no additional textbook fee.

Note: This class is not for beginners. If you have not taken the Blues Harmonica 1 class, the instructor will need to talk with you to make sure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to take this course.

REGISTER FOR INTERMEDIATE BLUES HARMONICA HERE

 

VIRTUAL Songwriting with Joe Makoviecki

Wednesdays, 6:05pm – 6:50pm, March 9th – April 27th, 2022

In songwriting group, our goal will be to awaken and inspire the writer within you. Our group is a forum for songwriters new and experienced. It works as a circle of song where everyone week folks have a chance to share a new idea, a new song, a question, or just listen along. Every week there will be a prompt designed to touch on and highlight different aspects of songwriting from: lyric techniques, chord progression, genres, writing methods, and more. There will be no critiquing, just sharing, open forum for questions, and encouragement. Come with an open mind, a willingness to write, and learn something about different types of songs and the methods used to write them.

Instruments are welcome for sharing, but not necessary.

REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL SONGWRITING HERE

 

VIRTUAL Beginner Guitar with Joe Makoviecki

Tuesdays, 5:30pm-6:15pm, March 8th – April 26th, 2022

For those who are rusty, know a chord or two, or have no experience at all! We will work on the basics of Guitar: the names of parts of the instrument, how to tune, how to hold it, how to play a few common chords, and beginner strumming working toward our first folk song.

REGISTER FOR BEGINNER GUITAR HERE

 

VIRTUAL Intermediate Guitar with Joe Makoviecki

Tuesdays, 6:30pm-7:15pm, March 8th – April 26th, 2022

This mixed level Intermediate class is for those who know the basic open chords (C, D, E, F, A, G, and some of their corresponding minor chords) and who have a little experience strumming. We will focus on new chords (7s, barre chords. Etc), some skills (scales and licks), with a heavy focus on learning how to play songs by reading a “lead sheet”.

REGISTER FOR INTERMEDIATE GUITAR HERE

 

VIRTUAL Fiddling Demystified with Donna Hebert

Wednesdays, 5pm-6pm, JOIN ANYTIME

Aimed at intermediate-advanced fiddlers and violinists and mandolin players but all are welcome.

Learn the language of theory a tune at a time — and never forget it. We’ll cover the three most common harmony styles in western fiddling, using classic fiddle tunes to illustrate them. We’ll play with rhythm riffs, harmony runs and work out individual backup strategies based on your own abilities. You’ll see your fingerboard more wholly as well as learn new rhythms and harmonies. Handouts include sheet music, chord charts, and mp3s, but all tunes are also taught by ear. Some knowledge of music theory is helpful but not required.

Register for Fiddling Demystified Here!

 

 

VIRTUAL Beginner Ukulele with Christopher Davis-Shannon

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:15pm, NOT CURRENTLY IN SESSION, CHECK BACK SOON!

Bring the Philadelphia Folk School to the comfort of your home with a crash course in the most adorable instrument around! On a week to week basis we will study and learn everything from the beginning, no prior music experience necessary. We’ll explore tuning the uke, proper posture, open position chords and learn a host of old folk music.

Register for Virtual Beginner Ukulele Here!

 

 

 

 

 

The Philadelphia Folksong Society is now offering numerous music related classes and workshops for children and adults of all ages through the newly established Philadelphia Folk School!

Our Beliefs & Vision

The Philadelphia Folk School believes that folk music is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The Philadelphia Folk School believes that everyone deserves music, confidence, and community.

The Philadelphia Folk School seeks to enhance Philadelphia and the surrounding areas by encouraging participation in traditional folk music and educating the public of its history through classes, workshops, and exhibitions, creating community connection, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Seth Holzman

Seth has been playing harmonica since 1965, teaching harmonica since 1975, and has performed with Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, Ronnie Earl, Roomful of Blues, Magic Slim & The Teardrops, and many others. Seth was inspired to play by (and eventually studied with) the great blues harmonica player Sonny Terry. He is a caring and thoughtful instructor who teaches the techniques and musical knowledge he wishes he had known when he began his own studies. Seth currently performs in the greater Philadelphia area with Stevie and The Bluescasters.  For any further questions about the courses, contact Seth at 610-724-3168 or email him at zepharpo@aol.com.

Karen L. Smith

Karen L. Smith, percussionist, playwright, director, poet, producer was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and attended Brooklyn College in the performing arts department  as well as H. B. Studio for acting and movement. In the early 90’s,  Philadelphia became an interest as well as the various entertainment venues. Ms. Smith was born with the love of rhythmic energy and embraced percussion instruments at an early age. Karen has played with many groups, performing artists, workshops and was the lead percussionist for Ms. Debbie Allen’s Artist in Residence program under the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. She manages two groups, Sistahs Laying Down Hands, all female percussive, poetry, storytelling, dance and drumming as well as written several plays with the most recent Legacy the play and Legacy II, Where are the Tubmans? which premiered this March at Rowan College. “The Arts are healing resources for all and everyone is welcome to get some of this medicine”. Karen is currently the Program Manager for the Philadelphia Jazz Project.

Christopher Davis-Shannon

As a multi-Instrumentalist, songwriter, and educator, based in Philadelphia, Christopher Davis-Shannon maintains a steady tour schedule with his own music, as well as a sideman for various acts. He brings to the stage not just the pure joy of music, but a vast knowledge of the history behind the songs that he holds close to his heart. An avid educator, Christopher has taught ukulele at numerous festivals across the country, as well as maintaining a private teaching studio for over 15 years.

TJ McGlinchey

Reverend TJ McGlinchey’s latest album “Still In Love” (2019, available now from GrindEthos Records) hearkens back to the golden age of recording with its lush arrangements and timeless melodies. His songs range from personal growth in becoming a father, stories of immigration, nostalgia for his second home in Greece, and losing religion. The Reverend is a well known veteran of the east coast folk music scene, a perennial performer of the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and a local favorite of the nationally popular 88.5 WXPN FM. TJ holds an MFA in Music Composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts and an MA in Education from Goddard College. He also teaches K-2 elementary general music in Wilmington,DE.

His website: revtj2.com

Cited for “outstanding artistic achievement” by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Franco-American fiddler Donna Hébert has deep roots in music. Donna has mentored eight Franco-American fiddle apprentices through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Master-Apprenticeship program and was named an Artists’ Fellow in the Folk Arts by the state of Massachusetts in 2008. A fiddle instructor at Smith, Amherst and Mt. Holyoke Colleges in western Massachusetts, Donna teaches at colleges and summer programs. Recent residencies include the Goderich (Ontario) Celtic College, John C. Campbell (NC) Folk School, the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra and Smith College. Donna’s “Fiddling Demystified for Strings,” an in-depth study of styles, “should be required reading for all string teachers hoping to branch out into fiddling,” said Laura Risk in Strings Magazine. String pioneer and Berklee professor Darol Anger says “Donna gets it all right,” in his foreword to the book.

Joe Makovieki

Joe Makoviecki is a folk musician/singer-songwriter from New Jersey who calls Manayunk home. The son of a band director, Joe has been playing guitar since he was eleven, and folk guitar since he was eighteen. After a chance encounter with Pete Seeger in Beacon, NY, Joe devoted his life to writing, playing, and teaching folk music ever since. He has traveled the country and abroad with his two bands over the last ten years, Thomas Wesley Stern and Jackson Pines, opening for bands such as Old Crow Medicine Show, Pete Seeger, Mumford and Sons, Margo Price, The Devil Makes Three, Fruition, and The Infamous Stringdusters. He specializes in fingerpicking styles similar to Mississippi John Hurt and Elizabeth Cotton. He performs at clubs and gives presentations about the history of Folk Music at schools around the country, as well as teaching at Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury Park, NJ and the Philadelphia Folksong Society.

Philadelphia Folksong Society | 6156 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128   (215) 247-1300    © 2017 All Rights Reserved          
  • Our
    Organization
    • PFS History, Mission & Vision
    • PFS Team
    • Our Organization
    • PFS Online Store
    • PFS Coloring Pages
    • Financial Statements
    • Employment Opportunities
    • About our Home
    • Venue Rentals
    • Contact PFS
  • Philadelphia
    Folk School
    • Early Childhood Music Education
    • Youth Instrument Classes
    • Adult Instrument Classes
    • Voice Classes
    • Folk Dance
    • Professional Development Workshops
  • Concerts &
    Events
    • 6/10 – Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys
    • 6/11 – Jake Blount
    • Open Mic at PFS
  • Odyssey of
    American Music
    • Odyssey Program Request
  • Philadelphia
    Music Co-op
    • Co-op Artists
    • Book Co-op Artists
    • Co-op Guidelines
    • Learn More / Apply
  • Philadelphia
    Folk Festival
    • 60th Annual IN PERSON Tickets
    • 60th Annual Digital Tickets
    • FAQs
    • 60th Annual Lineup
    • 60th Annual Schedule
    • 60th Annual Volunteering
      • Volunteer Code of Conduct
    • 2022 Craft Vendor Application
    • 2022 Food Vendor Application
    • 60th T-Shirt Design Contest
    • 2022 PFF Sponsor & Advertising Opportunities
    • Philadelphia Folk Festival Book
    • Contact Philadelphia Folk Festival
  • Music
    Getaways
    • Spring Thing
    • Fall Fling
  • Join
    PFS
Philadelphia Folksong Society