"Winfield Warmup" Flatpicking Guitar Workshop, September 12-14

[GrierRiceFan]

Greetings,
Mark Fulford (Collings Forum member “dreaded picker”) and I are producing a flatpicking guitar workshop weekend to be held September 12-14, 2014 in Overland Park, KS.

Instructors are Jim Hurst, two-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year; and Jeff Guernsey, multi-instrumentalist, Winfield Fiddle Champion, and guitar instructor extraordinaire.

In addition to the instructional workshops, we will also have a "vintage guitar" workshop, led by Jim Baggett, owner of Mass Street Music in Lawrence, KS. Jim is a well-known vintage dealer, does vintage instrument appraisals on Antiques Roadshow, and has amassed a vintage collection that is unrivaled. We will also have an opportunity to play the instruments he will have on hand, including some pre-war D-18s and D-28s.

As an attendee at many such workshops, both Mark and I have often come away somewhat disappointed. It seems as if there is no structure to the sessions and no real determination as to whether or not attendees have improved their playing skills. In many cases, you rarely play your guitar. Our workshop is intended to address and overcome these shortcomings. As educators, we are using our knowledge of adult learning concepts, combined with our passion for flatpicking, to structure the sessions to ensure everyone leaves a better player than when they arrived.

For more details, to purchase a ticket to the workshop (which includes one concert ticket) or the concert (instructors will be the performing artists), or book a hotel room (should it be needed), please go to our website: http://www.wiresandwoodproductions.com

We are also planning another workshop weekend for March, 2015 in Nashville. We don't have the specific dates or other details just yet, but will post once we do.

Please join us in September if you are able.

Cheers!

Mark Fulford and Jim Kitterman

[GrierRiceFan]

If you were to attend a flat picking guitar workshop, what topics would you like to see covered by the instructors? Please provide a list of 4 or 5 topics. To get your thought process kick-started, I am providing a list of some sample topics below, but please don't be limited by those. If something not on the list comes to mind, go for it and put it on your list in your reply.

Many thanks, in advance.

Mark

POTENTIAL WORKSHOP TOPICS

Common Kickoffs
Backup Rhythm
Rhythm (strumming) patterns
Walking Bass Lines
Crosspicking
Moveable Chord Shapes - related to the CAGED system?
Improvising
Accompaniment - enhancing the melody
Scales for soloing - closed position scales
Dynamics - picking hand issues
Flatpicking related to other styles - western swing, jazz, etc.
Moving beyond the "cowboy" chords
Use of drone notes - double stops
Maximizing your tone
Hammer-Ons, Pull-Offs, Slides
Practice routines

[GrierRiceFan]

Reminder, the "early bird" discount for the Winfield Warmup flat picking workshop tickets is good for only two more weeks. Regular pricing takes effect August 1st. www.wiresandwoodproductions.com

Get 'em while they're HOT!