PHILOSOPHY

"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, but teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime."

Phil believes that the most satisfied players are those who create their own approaches to playing bluegrass. He also believes that creating special versions of songs, and writing original banjo music is within the ability of most players. Phil gives players a solid musical foundation, and encourages players' original ideas to come out.

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Banjo Basics Workshops

Phil talks about tunings, melodies, chord theory and chord structures, bluegrass rhythms, stylistic approaches to the banjo, and remembering banjo parts. Participants receive helpful handouts regarding making and using chords, and understanding musical scales. Phil discusses stylistic approaches to bluegrass banjo, and Phil gives his insights regarding how a bluegrass band's sound is "layered." Participants practice such skills as backing up and soloing, essential for jamming and formal group playing.

Intermediate Banjo Workshops - Soloing

Creating solos is where the greatest fun and satisfaction lies. We’ll listen to great banjo playing, and discuss areas such as playing the melody and altering the melody, as well as using chordal and rhythmic effects in creating excellent solos. Phil demonstrates some of his interesting solos. Each participant has the opportunity to develop a song. To stimulate the creative process, Phil circulates tablature that has portions missing, required participants to create their own banjo parts. Then, members of the group play their creations for each other.

Composers' Workshop

We listen to great banjo compositions and discuss how players achieved their individualistic effects. It could be a special tuning, or a special rhythmic, melodic or chordal idea. Phil demonstrates some of his original tunes, and talks about the ideas behind the tunes. Participants and encouraged to play their original music, and discuss it with others.

Band Arranging Workshop for up-and-coming bluegrass players