Wednesday, September 17, 2025
These wonderful artists have lots of music and insights to share. Please read the complete descriptions of the workshops being offered. Register online, or call the Office at 620-221-3250 to register by phone with a credit card. These classes are IN-PERSON and Hands-On workshops, so bring your instrument & music stand!
Workshops will take place at the First Baptist Church in Winfield, 200 E 11th St., Winfield, KS.
Early Registration is now OPEN.
Early Registration will close Friday, September 12th at 5:00pm. Registration for workshops will reopen Wednesday, September 17 at the First Baptist Church, 200 East 11th Ave, Winfield with Debit or Credit Card use for registration.
Mixed Instruments and
Hammer Dulcimer
Dancing with the Modes for All Instruments
9:15am – Noon CDT $55.00 ea
Skill Level: Intermediate for All Instruments (hammer dulcimer and harp friendly)
Class #25wksp1
We often use the term “modal” to refer to tunes with scales other than major or minor. Many folk/bluegrass/old-timey melodies use other modes. With a few tricks, exercises, and chord progressions you will learn to recognize, improvise and accompany in the common modes used in American and Irish music: Ionian, Mixolydian, and Dorian. If you can play a D and G scale on your instrument, you are ready! This workshop will give you a taste of Karen’s popular Mystery of Modes online course. NOTE: Handouts will be in standard music notation.
This Intermediate Modal class will run from 9:15am to Noon.
Cost is $55 per Participant
If you take both of Karen’s classes you will receive a discount on the second class!
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants
Dancing with O'Carolan for Hammer Dulcimers
1:30pm to 4:30pm CDT
Skill Level: Intermediate Hammer Dulcimer
Class #25wksp2
The famed Irish harper Turlough O’Carolan is best known for his slow airs and melodies in 3/4 time, but he also composed upbeat dance tunes. With his “Planxty Mary O’Neil” also known as “Carolan’s Favourite” you will learn a lively jig with variations in D Mixolydian that will let you sweep up and down your full instrument. You’ll also learn a simple jig accompaniment with classic patterns that can be used on all jigs!
This Intermediate Hammer Dulcimer class will run from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Cost is $55 per Participant or
$50.00 for the afternoon class if you take both classes.
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants
Learn about Karen at karenashbrook.com
Finger Style Guitar
Finger Style Guitar
9:00am – 4:30pm $90 ea
Skill Level: Solid Intermediate to Advance
In the morning session, I will teach one of my more recent original fingerstyle guitar compositions. In so doing, I’ll discuss my compositional process – how the tune began and then developed. The class will get the music and tab for the tune – but depending on how things go, it might not be until later in the session, or maybe not until afterwards. Because, there is value in trying to learn a piece of music through listening and repeating rather than looking at a piece of paper. I often like to demonstrate a part of the music and have the class try to play it back to me. There is much repetition with this method and very often attendees at my workshops will have (more or less) correctly played each section of the tune by the end of the session. The music/tab then goes home with the student so that they consolidate the tune with practice on their own. I realize that people learn in different ways and so I am flexible with this approach.
A Shubb-style capo is recommended for this session. The reason being that only 5 strings will be covered by the capo, with one string thus being left open. A Shubb-style banjo capo, while not essential, is very helpful with this technique.
For the afternoon session I will teach an arrangement of a classic tune and discuss the musical choices involved in coming up with the arrangement. And, as in the first session, attendees will likely leave having a pretty good idea of how to play the arrangement.
This Finger Style Guitar class will run from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Cost is $90 per Participant
*** Minimum of 4 Preregistered Participants
Maximum of 12 Participants***
Register for Stephen's Class
Learn more about Stephen at harpguitar.com
Songwriting
Songwriting
10:00am – 4:oopm $80 ea
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced, however Beginners will gain from this workshop
This workshop will focus on songwriting as a creative practice, with an emphasis on identifying self-imposed limits. We will begin with an in-depth analysis of several songs, starting with the standard folk/bluegrass song in some of its forms, and moving through a few modern examples of more progressive songwriting that remain rooted in tradition. Examining the four major elements of the song: Melody, Lyric, Chord Movement, and Arrangement, we will explore some helpful tools as well as opportunities for innovation. A basic knowledge of chords and intervals may be helpful, but is not required.
We’ll look at some strategies for opening up new territory for ideas across each of those major elements, then spend time individually looking at our own unfinished work with a 1:1 facilitator-participant time to creatively explore different options. Participants should come prepared with an idea or work in progress, along with their preferred musical instrument for maximum productivity during this segment. Following this individual exploration time, we’ll reconvene as a group to share progress, ask questions, and discuss different perspectives on the ideas presented.
This Songwriting class will run from 10:00am am to 4:00pm.
Cost is $80 per Participant
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants
Maximum of 12
Participants ***
Register for John's Songwriting Class
Learn more about John at johndepewmusic.wordpress.com
Mountain Dulcimer
Mountain Dulcimer
9:00am – 3:00pm $80 ea
Skill Level: All Skill Levels Welcome
Ready to take your mountain dulcimer playing to the next level? Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned strummer, join internationally recognized performer and educator Bing Futch for a full day of hands-on learning, inspiration, and musical exploration. The M.O.D.E. workshop dives deep into technique, repertoire, and creativity through four dynamic sessions: build strength and accuracy with Exercise Essentials, expand your tune collection in Building Repertoire, unlock your unique voice in Creative Improvisation, and pull it all together in Putting It All Together – a guided performance practice to solidify your skills.
With clear instruction, practical exercises, and an encouraging atmosphere, this workshop is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. The day wraps up with a live concert by Bing, showcasing the artistry and possibilities of the mountain dulcimer and leaving you inspired to continue your journey.
This Mountain Dulcimer M.O.D.E. class will run from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Cost is $80 per Participant
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants ***
Register for Bing's Mountain Dulcimer Class
Learn more about Bing at bingfutch.com
Roots and Branches,
Celebrating the Blues in American Music
Roots and Branches, Celebrating the Blues in American Music
10:00am – 4:30pm $105.00 ea
Skill Level: All Skill Levels Welcome.
There are things in American music that really celebrate America’s diversity, and one of those things is the relationship between black and white traditional music. While most people think of blues as a modern urban style of music dominated by electric guitars, blues and gospel music, like bluegrass are rooted in southern acoustic music. This workshop is designed to highlight both the differences and similarities that exist between these essential styles of American music. We will explore how key creators of American acoustic music developed a musical language that is common to these iconic styles. We will address things like the shared I-IV-V progression of blues and bluegrass. We will also explore differences in approach such as fingerpicking vs. flatpicking, ensemble vs. solo playing, and the difference between the blues and bluegrass singing aesthetic. We will also explore things that help to define sacred and secular traditional music styles. Participants are welcome to bring their instruments and to share their insights about these two great styles of American music.
This Roots and Branches class will run from 10:00am to 4:30pm
Cost is $105.00 per Participant
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants
Maximum of 12 Participants
***
Register for Rev. Robert's Roots and Branches Class
Learn more about Rev. Robert Jones at revrobertjones.com
Autoharp
Autoharp
9:30am – 4:00pm $65 ea
Skill Level: Early Intermediate through Upper Intermediate
Com enjoy a class to take your playing to the next level! We’ll start by covering the basics of playing solid rhythm to accompany folk and bluegrass songs for singing and jamming with others. Then we’ll look at producing clear melodies, working by ear as well as with song sheets and autoharp tablature, a system of writing down autoharp chords and pick strokes. If you can play melody on your autoharp and are ready to learn more songs and techniques for greater accuracy and expression, this is for you. We’ll work in a variety of styles, including bluegrass, ol-time, and Celtic, with both melody picking and a variety of strum patterns to accompany singing and add breaks, using sheet music with autoharp tablature. As a multilevel workshop, there will be a variety of ways to learn and participate. Come and pick up some new skills, songs and ideas! Any type of in-tune autoharp will work, focusing on the keys of C, G, and D.
This Autoharp class will run from 9:30am am to 4:00pm.
Cost is $65 per Participant
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants
Maximum of
20 Participants
***
Register for Karen's Autoharp Class
Learn more about Karen at karenmueller.com
Flat Pick Guitar in DADGAD
Flat Pick Guitar
Morning Jigs Class: 9:00am to Noon
Afternoon Reels Class:
2:00pm to 5:00pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ready to dive into the captivating world of DADGAD tuning and the lively rhythms of Celtic traditional music? This intermediate guitar class is designed for players who have a solid foundation in basic guitar technique and are eager to explore a new sonic landscape. We’ll delve into the unique characteristics of DADGAD tuning, unlocking its unique harmonic possibilities and open string resonances that lend themselves beautifully to traditional melodies.
Over the course, we’ll focus on mastering the art of flatpicking jigs (morning) and reels (afternoon). You’ll learn effective right-hand techniques for achieving clarity, speed, and rhythmic drive essential for these vibrant tunes. We’ll break down common ornamentation such as cuts, drones and triplets, adding authentic flair to your playing.
We’ll explore a variety of traditional tunes, dissecting their melodic structures and rhythmic patterns. You’ll gain insights into arranging these tunes for solo guitar, focusing on creating dynamic variations and engaging accompaniment. We’ll also touch upon techniques for playing in sessions, including understanding chord voicings that complement DADGAD and strategies for playing along with other musicians.
This class emphasizes developing both technical proficiency and musicality. You’ll learn how to effectively use a pick to articulate individual notes and create a strong rhythmic pulse. Ear training will be incorporated to hel pyou learn tunes by ear and understand the nuances of Irish traditional music. By the end of this course, you’ll have a smal repertoire of jigs and reels under your fingers and a deeper appreciation for the versatility and beauty of DADGAD tuning in the context of flat-picked traditional music.
Prerequisites: Familiarity with basic chords, scales, and flat-picking technique is recommended. Some prior experience with alternate tunings is helpful but not required. A willingness to learn by ear and a passion for traditional music are essential! Tablature and standard notation will be provided.
Take Both Classes for a
Discounted Price!
This Flat Pick Guitar class will run from 10:00am to Noon and
from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost is $55 per class per Participant
Or
Register for both classes to receive discounted price on the afternoon class
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants
Register for Flat Pick Guitar Class
Sing Better, Playing Better
Performing Better
Sing, Play, Perform Better
10:00am to 4:30pm
All Skill Levels
In this interactive class, Matt will show you the choices great performrs make to get the most out of their singing, their playing, and their time on stage, or in a song circle. Participants will then be encouraged to apply what they’ve learned in a short performance at the end of the day. This workshop promises to be a safe, friendly place where beginners and professionals alike will benefit from the wisdom and experience of the instructor as well as the group. Phrasing, stage fright, transitions between songs, using humor, audience connection, breathing – these are just a few of the areas we will explore on the way to all of us getting a little bit better at sharing the music we love with other people. Bring what you need to perform one or two songs. Performing is encouraged but not required.
This Sing, Play, Perform class will run from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
Cost is $105 per Participant
*** Minimum of 5 Preregistered Participants
Register for Sing, Play, Perform Better
Register for your favorite Class and improve your skills.
Early Registration Closes
5:00pm Friday Sept 12.
Registration will reopen at the First Baptist Church at
8:30am on Wednesday Sept 17