As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, I somehow get nostalgic and long for the days of going back to school. Though I can’t imagine going back full time, taking out student loans again, focusing every moment on studying, doing homework and taking tests, I can imagine, pushing myself to learn something new. And luckily for us musicians, here in Vermont, there is always that opportunity. Here are a few:
Traditional Irish Music Classes
If you’re looking to brush up on your Irish session music, sign up for fall classes at the Vermont School of Irish Traditional Music. All traditional melody instruments are welcome. Classes are taught by ear and each session has a theme. This session’s theme is The Flagstone of Memories: The Music of Vincent Broderick. Taken from the website: Musician and composer, Vincent Broderick’s music forms an essential part of Irish repertoire today. Like many Vermonters, he. had a particular attachment to the countryside from which he drew his inspiration. “You hear the lark singing, the frog croaking in the bog hole or the wind whistling through the heather. All these things seem to record inside your brain,” he explained as he described the process of composing tunes.
The class is broken into two sessions. One at a slower pace with 1 tune a week and the other at a faster pace with 2 tunes per week. Classes begin October 15. Registration closes October 9. Learn more.
Irish Dance Classes
The Garrett School of Irish Dance offers instruction in traditional and contemporary styles of Irish dance for all ages and abilities. Join for fun, fitness, performance, or competition. Fall sessions begin today, September 16. Learn more at Garrett School of Irish Dance.
Traditional Music Classes
If you’re looking for other traditional music, check out the offerings at The Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture. They offer a variety of classes like Klezmer music, harmony singing, and old-time fiddle, banjo to name a few. There is something for everyone. Fall classes begin the week of September 22.
Music Classes Online
You can also take music classes online at ArtistWorks.com and you don’t even have to leave your house. For these lessons, you watch videos, practice and send your own video back to your teacher for feedback. They offer classes in fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and voice.
There are plenty of other music and dance classes out there to quell your thirst for learning. Which ones are you interested in?
Session Obsession 