a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
Instructor(s): Brian McCarty
In this class, we will dive into what a bluegrass mandolinist is not only doing in an ensemble, but also how and when. We will examine a double stop system that is infinitely useful on the fret board. Once this has been established, we will move onto embellishments such as triplets, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, and how to combine all these into improvised solos. There will also be a portion dedicated to explaining what these techniques look like in a standard notation piece of music, as well as tablature. Students will then learn the role of a backing mandolinist in a bluegrass ensemble with a vocalist. We discuss when and when not to play, as well as jam etiquette when it comes to back-up.
This is a ‘high level beginner’ to intermediate level class. Students are expected to know how to tune, maintain tuning, understand and identify the difference in basic time signatures ( 3/4 vs 4/4), and have a basic knowledge of scales and chords. Intimate knowledge of music theory is NOT mandatory. Likewise, the ability to read sheet music or tabs is NOT mandatory.
Brian Mccarty is a full time multi- instrumentalist and instructor who currently tours with Special Consensus. He has played and sang music for most of his life, growing up in a musical family that traveled extensively. He would later go on to play with several Midwest based bluegrass groups such as the Bluegrass Missourians and The Matchsellers before getting the call for Special C. He resides in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife and two daughters.