MLAG 2024 Pre-Gathering Classes
MLAG will again present three Pre-Gathering workshops in 2024
Though the Gathering proper does not begin until Wednesday, June 5, 2024, these Pre-MLAG workshops will provide some wonderful options for early arrivals. The workshops will cost $130 per person. Instructors and levels are described below. You may register on-line for these workshops choosing the Pre-Gathering Class Only Ticket option under the Tickets drop down menu or include a Pre-Gathering class as part of your registration for the Gathering proper. If you need assistance with registration, please call our hot line. As usual, we will be limiting the maximum number of students in each workshop to 20 students so, if you’re considering taking one of these workshops, you should register as soon as you can.
The workshops will be conducted in three 3-hour sessions beginning at 9 am on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in classrooms at Shippensburg University. You will be notified of the details prior to arrival. If you register for a dorm room, your meals are all provided; otherwise, you will need to bring your lunch or purchase lunch in the dining hall.
These workshops provide a great opportunity for some hands-on training with three of the best autoharp players and teachers in the world. For at least the next few years there will be a Patsy Tressler Memorial Award. A random drawing from the names of all Pre-Gathering participants (who are registered for the full Gathering) will be made on Wednesday night and one lucky individual will be given a check to cover the cost of the class.
Pre-MLAG Workshops
Tuesday 9-12 & 1:30-4:30 • Wednesday 9-12
Tom Schroeder - Beginning Autoharp
Learning the core techniques for playing the autoharp is important, whether you have been playing the instrument for a few hours or a few years. In this workshop, you will learn the core techniques for song accompaniment and for melody playing. In addition, we will cover organizing your chord button hand and cover the most efficient ways to strum and pinch with the other hand. We will use numerous songs and song melodies that are familiar. Some will be easy. Some will challenge you. All will be fun! Bring two fingerpicks and a thumbpick.
Les Gustafson-Zook - Intermediate Autoharp
If you get excited about a chance to improve your melody playing while trying new styles of music, this is the class for you. We’ll explore different melody techniques, tasteful musical phrasing, rhythmic diversity, backup strums, controlling sustain, and improvisation on diverse songs like classic Broadway, rags, waltzes, fiddle tunes, hymns, and blues. Learn tricks to clarify your melody and stretch your chord selection well beyond the standard chords in a key. Join Les for a fun walk across your chord bars and strings to some great new songs!
Karen Mueller - Advanced Autoharp
Sharpen your skills in melody, rhythm and arranging with songs and exercises to help you take your playing to the next level. We’ll draw from a wide range of styles, including folk, fiddle tunes, Irish airs, blues, classical, and contemporary while working on improving melodic accuracy and expression, as well as more challenging rhythms such as swing, syncopation, and shuffle. There will be an emphasis on playing together to build confidence for performing and jamming. Music will be presented primarily in autoharp tab or chorded lead sheets, and we’ll also work on strengthening listening skills and playing by ear. You will need a chromatic harp for some pieces, with some optional open noting work on diatonics for those who have a GD harp.