This course focuses on bluegrass repertoire and technique. Students develop arrangements, new material, and ensemble playing skills. Students are expected to challenge themselves by learning repertoire, licks, solos, and vocal parts from recordings; by developing their own approaches to bluegrass improvisation; and by listening closely to each other and supporting each other’s sound. One goal of this class is to recognize that bluegrass did not emerge from a blank slate in 1945 with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, but arose from a confluence of styles including jazz, blues, Appalachian old-time music, etc. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prerequisite: Proficiency on an appropriate stringed instrument and permission of instructor.
- Teacher: Benjamin Krakauer