Workshops

Band Association:  Kruger Brothers

Workshop Instructor:  Jens Kruger

Date:  September 1st, 2024

Time:  1:00pm – 2:15pm

Location:  Museum

Workshop Description:  During this workshop Jens will provide insights into how to find your own music and voice, how to develop skill and broaden your understanding of musical structure. Bring your banjo, as this workshop in hands-on, where you can try different sounds and thrills.

Intended Audience:  All levels are welcome but basic knowledge is recommended.

Curriculum:  Jens will talk about composition, musical structure, chord connections, intuitive playing, improvisations as well as traditional playing styles and approaches.

What your attendees need to bring: Banjos and some questions.

Bio:  Born and raised as a German citizen in Switzerland, Jens Kruger started playing accordion and harmonica at just five years old, taking up the banjo at ten. By the age of 16 he was working as a full time musician. Jens was signed to a recording contract with CBS in 1982, making his debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry with Bill Monroe just a short time later in 1982. Jens’ talents have earned multiple IMBA award nominations, cover stories for Banjo Newsletter and other publications, as well as appearances on programs such as the 60 Minutes radio broadcast and late night tv’s The David Letterman Show. In 2013 Jens was awarded the coveted Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, now called the Banjo Prize. Though known to many for his American Folk music, Jens’ technical abilities and classical influences have led him to work as a composer for many string quartets, chamber orchestras and symphonies. Jens has served as President of Double Time Music Inc. since 1997 and as Research and Development Director for Deering Banjos since 2003. Jens has been performing worldwide with his brother Uwe and Joel Landsberg as the Kruger Brothers since 1992.

Band Association: Outlander’s Progressive Bluegrass Social Club and Paper Bluegrass Revival

Workshop Instructor:  Matt C. Bruno

Date:  September 1st, 2024

Time:  9:30 am – 10:45 am

Location:  Playground Shelter

Workshop Description:  The Pentatonic Scale is the basis for the melodies of many popular bluegrass songs. This makes understanding how to use the Pentatonic Scale is very important.

This workshop provides a broad overview of the what the pentatonic scale is and how to use it to play both melodic breaks as well as backup rhythm. We’ll use a few popular songs to illustrate how to use this scale in all forms.

This is designed for intermediate players – but beginners and advanced players likely will benefit too. Attendees should be able to participate in a jam (i.e. play chord progressions, maybe lead songs and take breaks). Attendees are encouraged to review the handout information in advance.

Intended Audience:  Mandolin players

Curriculum:  This is more an intermediate course – though beginners and more advanced players can likely benefit too. The main prerequisites are being able to play a song (chords and melody) and ideally able to take basic breaks. We’ll cover:

1. What the Pentatonic scale is – High level overview of what the Pentatonic Scale is and why it’s important to know.
2. Standard Pentatonic patterns and some specific keys – There are a few “general” patterns that make using the Pentatonic in any key a lot easier. We’ll cover the basics of those and specifically look at the key of G.
3. How to use the Pentatonic scale to play rhythm – the chord tones for a basic 1 4 5 progression live within the Pentatonic Scale. Knowing where these notes are can help you play rhythm in more interesting ways.
4. How to use the Pentatonic scale to play melodies and solos – Since the melodies for many popular songs are based on the Pentatonic, using that scale for solo breaks is an easy start.

What your attendees need to bring:  Mandolins and tuners. Optional notebook and pen to take notes.

Bio: Matt C Bruno currently resides in Seattle WA, is a co-founder of the Outlanders Progressive Bluegrass Social Club, and hosts a weekly jam Wednesday’s at the Machine House Brewery in Seattle’s Hillman City neighborhood.

Matt’s workshops focus on providing actionable information for players at nearly all levels. His attention to detail and progressive learning help make it easy to both understand and utilize the information provided quickly. Aside from private coaching and workshops, Matt’s website (www.mattcbruno.com) provides a host of free educational content including chord charts and lessons on songs.

Matt’s educational materials have been widely used by groups like the California Bluegrass Association and the Washington Bluegrass Association in addition to nationally recognized players like Frank Solivan (Dirty Kitchen) who said:

“I absolutely love how Matt C Bruno has laid out his instruction assets. They are easy to read, follow and they will be a continued resource for me when teaching at workshops, music camps and private lessons.” – Frank Solivan