Lessons with Patrick
July 24, 2010
In addition to being a quiet place to write and film workshops, I am also going to be using the Manassas office for one-on-one banjo and guitar instruction.
Lessons will be available both here in the office or online via Skype.
Lessons fees are $25.00 for 45 minutes. I know I could charge more but the idea is to make a living, not a killing 
Lessons can be scheduled weekly or monthly.
Students who come to the office will be given a music notebook to write out exercises and songs from week to week. I will use my Zoom H2 to record each lesson, so be sure to bring some blank CD’s with you.
Students using Skype will need to get their own notation book, and lessons can be recorded with the Skype interface.
For more information or to schedule your first lesson call (410) 202-2324 or email ask.patrick@gmail.com.
This . . . is . . . Manassas!
July 28, 2010
Benjamin commemorated video #300 with something downright Shatneresque:
For some reason Amy thought this was pretty funny . . .
300
July 27, 2010
Today’s video makes for 300 workshops on our YouTube channel.
Folk Song of the Day: Freight Train
July 27, 2010
A quick guitar workshop at the Manassas train station.
Wildwood Flowers
July 27, 2010
Mark in Texas writes:
Hello patrick an everyone. Heres wildwood flower.. Its ok kinda speed up alittle twords the end. Trying to get used to recording. Kinda nerving. Well i tryd to sing . But havein a hard time. My vouce is deep n i sound .. Well bad tring to sing higher. Is there a way u know or anyone else to practice singing? Low to high ? Id apriciate any help.
MP3: http://tangiersound.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/wild-flower-2.mp3
Infirmary Blues
July 27, 2010
Benjamin writes:
Patrick & Amy,
I have been trying to think of a few things to take to class this evening. I have a few students that are bare bones beginners and a couple that are advanced beginners. I got practicing St. James Infirmary from the daily frail lesson, and I knew that would be a good one to teach my more advanced beginners. I am going to have to get a steel guitar or 6 string Banjo, because this Guitar that I have doesn’t make the Subway Shuffle that ‘sound’ that I’d like to be able to produce. I kept thinking there has to be something that I can do to make this interesting with what I have… I mixed me playing the guitar and singing with the Banjo. I have been learning how to play the Rumba on the Guitar, and that is what the ‘percussive tap’ is. I thought it turned out alright so I thought that you’d like to hear what I did with it.
I have tried a couple times to take in my camera and take a few pics of the class that I instruct at the UofU, but there are a few that are strongly against pictures, as I think they’re nervous. I told them that I will be recording them via camera at the end of the class, and they have agreed to that… so, I’ll get you some footage of that at the beginning of September. I have been encouraging strongly that my students order books from you… I’ll find out tonight if they have.
Speaking of lessons. You mentioned you’d be doing skype lessons?! um… that is the coolest thing I have ever heard. I’m sure we’ll be informed when you can get a chance to settle in the new place. Congratulations, by the way. I think that is absolutely spectacular!
I hope all is well, and life is treating you lovebirds like it should. Just remember if there is anything that I can do to help out in anyway… you have my number.
MP3: http://tangiersound.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/st-james-infirmary-1.mp3
A workshop on the 50′s folk song Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream at the 1911 Peace Jubilee Monument in Manassas, VA.
Just Over in the Glory-Land
July 26, 2010
Just Over in the Glory-Land on autoharp.
The Revolution Is Never Over!
July 26, 2010
Mike asked a question in response to the announcement that I am starting to take on students:
will you still be giving on line lessons free?
Oh my goodness, yes!
Keep an eye out for the return of The Folk Song of the Day sometime today and in a few weeks The Daily Frail will be back!
Tiny Manassas
July 23, 2010
It was 100° in Manassas today and I locked my keys in the car.
I had to wait close to five hours for Amy to come and rescue me, but that worked out great because it gave me the chance to look around my new home town.
It was a long hot afternoon, but I am thankful that I was able to use the time to celebrate the small things around me.
First Gig
July 22, 2010
Andy in the UK writes:
hey Patrick
good to see you in the new office!
Lovin the banjitar too.
Here’s some video of our first public gig.
Ever since I picked up the banjo a couple of years ago I’ve been playing with some old punks and slowly converted em into the original punk sound of the string band. Well after jamming around for a while we got the chance to play at a recent festival in Yorkshire – The Deer shed Festival and we were the first act on the The Busk Stop Stage. It’s not great but we sure had fun!Cheers mate,
The Folk Process At Work
July 22, 2010
I love it when students go on to teach other folks.
-Patrick
Trevor writes:
Hi Patrick,
I started playing the guitar about two years ago, about the same time I lost the rest of my eyesight. They were offering a guitar class at the Braille Institute for beginning guitar. My wife encouraged me to go, and I was very reluctant at first. I had never picked up a musical instrument before this class. I gave it a shot and fell in love playing. It was a great way to express myself and a great hobby for someone who can’t see.
I’m not going to have a record deal anytime soon, but I’m getting pretty good at the guitar, and for about the last year the class I am taking has not accepted new students, so the guitar teacher (Ron, who volunteers his time and is also visually impaired) is going to open up a new class to new beginning students. When I heard this I remembered something that I read in your books and heard on your DVDs –that the only thing the people who taught you asked you to do is pass it along to others. I volunteered after class to help Ron out with the class as it’s him with10 to 15 sstudents. So, next semester I will be helping other visually impaired people learn the guitar.
I wanted to thank you for helping me to learn the banjo and planting this seed to give music back to others. I’m really looking forward to helping others learn the craft.
Hope your moving is going well and you are healing up from your surgery.
Thanks,
Trevor
St. James Infirmary
July 21, 2010
A quick workshop with a very special six-string banjo in my new office.
New Address
July 21, 2010
Ken in North Carolina writes:
First, congrats on all the wonderful things you’re doing, and on the way life is rewarding you for your efforts. I enjoy the videos and have learned much from them.
Second: what’s the address of the MIGB? I’ve don’t know if I’ve ever seen it.
The Manassas Institute of Guitar and Banjo
9255 Center Street
Suite 301
Manassas, VA, 20110
(410) 202-2324
More Logo Ideas
July 21, 2010
What’s up man?
Hope all is well and thanks so much for helping me learn to play the banjo.
I saw a couple logos for your new company and thought I’d do up a couple designs myself.
Best of luck to you and your family,
- Brady
Brady Scott, Artist & Owner
|Salt City Creative, 620.794.6973\
www.saltcitycreative.net
