Bristol Bluegrass Workshop
05/04/2025 @ 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Learn banjo, guitar, mandolin, and double bass with members of one of the UK’s best-known Bluegrass band Old Baby Mackerel. Tutors Sam Garrard, Abbey Thomas, Rory Francis and Sadie Morningstar have years of playing and teaching experience and will help you play a tune in time with other musicians, no matter your playing level.
In the workshop you will explore new techniques and approaches, get feedback on your playing and get the chance to meet and play with other musicians. By the end of the workshop all four instruments will be playing together in pairs, small groups and as a class.
For banjo players there is option to choose either three-finger or a clawhammer styles and for guitar you can focus on rhythm, lead or a mix of both. Mandolinists will focus on chopping and lead and double bassists will explore Bluegrass specific techniques and elements of timing unique to the genre. These workshops offer an opportunity to develop your knowledge of Bluegrass techniques in a supportive, real-world setting.
Workshop Dates:
Jan 4th
Feb 1st
Mar 15th
Apr 5th
May 3rd
Jun 13th
Jul 5th
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (with a break for tea, coffee, and biscuits)
Cost: £40 per person, payable in advance via the booking form: here.
“Our workshops focus on playing together in time, an essential musical skill that’s hard to master alone or through online tutorials. Each session, we dive into a new tune, exploring different approaches to playing melody and backup. Each instrument will have the chance to practice in pairs, small groups, and as a larger group, enhancing your ability to play in time with others and practise active listening whilst playing.” – Sam.
For more information you can email Sam at banjoworkshops@gmail.com. (Sam is a hire at St Anne’s House, so any questions please reach out to him directly).
Stay connected and see what we’re up to by following us on Facebook and Instagram, where they share photos and videos from the sessions!
Sam Garrard – Banjo
https://banjoclasses.com
https://www.facebook.com/banjolesson
@banjoclasses on Instagram
Abbey Thomas – Mandolin
@abbeytthomasmusician on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube
Rory Francis – Guitar
@rory_francis on Instagram
Sadie Morningstar – Double Bass
@sadie.morningstar on Instagram
