Performing Arts Workshops 2013

Discover what moves you and helps you move others. Take the stage to perform for the first time in your life, become more proficient vocally or on an instrument you’ve played for years, or see how performing and improvising can help you in your other artistic endeavors.

Please be sure to click on the Supply List and Welcome Letter link for each class you plan to attend. They contain important information regarding necessary supplies, equipment, and pre-class deadlines.
 

Acoustic Guitar: Intro to the Blues

Learn the basics of this vital part of American Music—blues bass lines, chords and slides, and the scales and rhythms needed for soloing. Along the way we’ll try out standard blues, minor blues, and country blues using typical songs. You should know basic chords and strums. Music provided in standard notion and tablature. Beginning/Intermediate

C501; Saturday-Wednesday; 10:15am-11:45am; $150 Supply List and Welcome Letter (pdf)

Instructor Christopher Powers has worked as a professional acoustic musician for more than 30 years. He teaches private lessons through his home studio and the Madison Music Guitar Store, and in 2011 taught 11 adult group courses through UW-Madison Continuing Studies.

Acting and Improvisation: Exploring Fictional Characters and Ourselves

Acting is what we do in a play, and play is the essential element of acting. Improvisation is acting spontaneously, in the moment, without lines, without the safety net of a script and rehearsals. Actors strive to ‘live’ in the moment within their roles, to appear to be improvising, while improv artists want to ad lib a meaningful succession of moments that add up to some kind of truth, like a play does. Both are explorations into self-knowledge, character, psychology, and the human heart. As a writer, you can deepen your understanding of your and other’s characters through acting. And acting can help teachers and public speakers feel more relaxed in their skin. Join us for this safe, low risk, often hilarious workshop. Beginning

F502; Saturday-Wednesday; 3:15pm-4:45pm; $150 Supply List and Welcome Letter (pdf)

Instructor Bob Curry has MFA degrees in both acting (SMU Professional Theater Training Program) and Fiction (Vermont College). He has been a professional actor for 30 years.

Bluegrass Ensemble: The Music of Bill Monroe

This ensemble class is open to all instruments and singers as we focus on the songs and instrumentals of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. In addition to playing rhythm and backup, more advanced players will learn Monroe's unique melodies and approaches to instrumental solos. Singers will learn bluegrass harmony. Intermediate

B503; Saturday-Wednesday; 8:30am-10am; $150 Supply List and Welcome Letter (pdf)

Instructor Christopher Powers has worked as a professional acoustic musician for more than 30 years. He teaches private lessons through his home studio and the Madison Music Guitar Store, and in 2011 taught 11 adult group courses through UW-Madison Continuing Studies.

Finding Your Voice Through the Native Flute

As an instrument, the Native American Flute helps one to get in touch with their feelings and unleash their creative selves. In this workshop we’ll play and improvise on this instrument that is indigenous to the land that is now called Wisconsin. Whether you've never played a musical instrument before, majored in music, or have joined us before, join us to find your musical voice and learn to perform an improvisation on this significant instrument.  Flutes are available for rental or purchase. You may use your own flute if it is in the key of A minor and tuned to concert pitch A440. Beginning/Intermediate

B504; Saturday-Wednesday; 8:30am-10am; $150; Materials fee: $10 (flute rental) Supply List and Welcome Letter (pdf)

Instructor Wade Fernandez (Wiciwen Apis-Mahwaew) is an international award-winning touring musician/recording artist/songwriter/producer who performs with voice, guitar, and Native American flute.

Guitarists: Get Ready for the Stage

Want to take your guitar performance to another level? Learn improvisational (jam), songwriting, and performance techniques so you can share your music in front of others. Learn how to interact onstage with other musicians and gain confidence in your unique musical “voice”! Beginning/Intermediate

C505; Saturday-Wednesday; 10:15am-11:45am; $150 Supply List and Welcome Letter (pdf)

Instructor Wade Fernandez (Wiciwen Apis-Mahwaew) is an international award-winning touring musician/recording artist/songwriter/producer who performs with voice, guitar, and Native American flute.

I Drum, You Drum: A Drum Circle

Gather and experience the ancient musical tradition of drumming. Experience rhythm and become reenergized! Returning drummers from last year will find new material and new friends! Come find your place in the circle. Beginning/Intermediate

E506; Saturday-Wednesday; 1:30pm-3pm; $150 Supply List and Welcome Letter (pdf)

Instructor Judy Miller has taught music in public schools, taught piano privately for 24 years, and taught "I Drum, You Drum" at School of the Arts in 2012

I Sing, You Sing

Come add your voice with others who love to sing and make beautiful music together! We’ll explore unison singing, canons, and some choir pieces requiring harmony. We’ll  use tambourines, maracas, or other hand percussion to add some interest. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply sing for enjoyment, there is a place for you. Join the fun as we sing together. Beginning/Intermediate

C507; Saturday-Wednesday; 10:15am-11:45am; $150; Materials fee: $5 Supply List and Welcome Letter (pdf)

Instructor Judy Miller has taught music in public schools, taught piano privately for 24 years, and taught "I Drum, You Drum" at School of the Arts in 2012.