Course Descriptions

Note: Course schedule, days and times are subject to change based upon course popularity and instructor availability. If you are interested in a course that is not listed here, please contact Calliope at 412-361-1915 or calliope@calliopehouse.org

How To Select The Class That's Right for You:

Level I: These classes are for those who are beginners, from complete beginners (just bought the instrument) to those with some skills but who are using only a small fraction of the capability of the instrument. We anticipate that remaining in level 1 classes for about a year (three terms) is appropriate.

Level II: These classes have students who understand the capabilities of the instrument, and who could pick up a lead sheet or a chord chart for a simple song or tune and play it, perhaps haltingly. Level II students will gain facility and depth in their instrument. Level II classes are often style-oriented, but at this level a student should not avoid a class because it is the wrong 'style'; i.e. any level 1 guitar player can learn from a level 11 class on 'Rhythm' or 'Bluegrass' even though her intention in the long term is to learn fingerstyle blues. The same rule as mentioned above in the Level I description applies - one should look forward to a year or even more in Level II classes.

Level III: These classes are intermediate classes. You know your instrument, you are comfortable playing a few things in public, you can play with others, you can teach a beginner the how and why of your instrument. You understand keys, transposition, turnarounds (for instrument classes) Level III classes are almost always specialized, so all the basic ideas of chords and scales, rhythm and how to 'fit in' in an ensemble should be understood.

Level IV: Enroll in this level only if you are proficient with your instrument and have a large repertoire of tunes that you play well. Level IV courses frequently feature the style of a particular artist. You should have a clear idea of what techniques you want to work on.

Individual instructors and classes may vary from these guidelines.

The classes we offer fall into these categories:

Folk Instruments
Voice & Singing
Dance
Craft

Calliope Membership

Calliope relies on its membership for support. If you would like to become a member, call the Calliope office at (412) 361-1915, email us at calliope@calliopehouse.org.

Members receive our quarterly newsletter as well as a discount on classes at the Calliope school.

FOLK INSTRUMENTS

NEW!! Roots of Rock Guitar Workshop
Julie Harris
3 hours
This rock guitar workshop will engage the musician and demystify guitar techniques such as: power chords, minor pentatonic scales, shuffle-style techniques, open tunings, use of harmonics, two-handed tapping and various other tricks of the trade. We will learn about rock music's origins in the blues/folk/bluegrass traditions demonstrated with both listening and performance examples. Participants will learn how to use guitar amplifiers and special effects to create the unique sound qualities inherent to rock. And of course, you'll learn how to play amazing guitar riffs such as 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Smoke on the Water'. Call 412-361-1915 for more details.

NEW!! Ensemble III: An American Sampler™ Session
Charlie Anderson
6 weeks
In collaboration with WYEP, Calliope offers this musical journey through American Folk Song inspired by Ken Batista's "An American Sampler" program. Learn to harmonize and arrange tunes from legendary artists such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and the Carter Family. Instructor Charlie Anderson will also guide students through early bluegrass and country repertoire. This ensemble class is open to both singers and instrumentalists (guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, etc.), although greatest attention will be placed on developing harmony singing. Students will cooperate to create dynamic arrangments of old classics in a relaxed atmosphere.

Ensemble III: Seeger Song Session
Mike and Janet Reing
6 weeks
Inspired by the energy of Bruce Springsteen’s recent release, this class is for singers and instrumentalists who are interested in creating arrangements of Pete Seeger tunes in a relaxed ensemble setting. Chord charts and lyrics will be provided, and instructors will help students create harmonies, rhythms, riffs and solos to build a great group sound. Prerequisite: Level II skills on your instrument.

TANGO I: The Dance and the Culture
Julieta Ugartemendia
6 weeks
This class will focus on the basics of Argentine Tango: walking, weight shifting, posture, balance, the embrace, holding the frame, floor management, leading and following, and the basic steps.
This introduction to Argentine Tango provides the Tango-initiates with the necessary skills to comfortably walk the dance floor keeping the form, communicate and follow the lead to and from the partner, dance the Tango 8-step basic, and perform simple figures.

Worlds of Percussion
Jeff Berman
6 weeks
Explore percussion techniques from several world regions in this course designed to sharpen your rhythmic skills. Materials will accommodate beginner to intermediate players, integrating a variety of instruments. Feel free to bring the doumbec, djembe, tambourine, maracas, triangle, etc. that you have around the house--all percussion instruments are welcome! Percussion techniques and key rhythms from the Middle East, Latin America, North America, and Africa will be covered.

Guitar I
Emily Pinkerton
6 weeks
This class is designed to introduce the new player to guitar playing, covering the fundamentals: finer flexibility exercises, strumming, tablature, chords, note-reading, ear-training, what the left hand does, what the right hand does, and putting them together to do some musical things. Guitar 1 classes are the most important classes for students. A solid foundation lasts a lifetime.

Guitar I: Repertoire
Emily Pinkerton
6 weeks
This class is designed for those who have successfully completed Guitar I OR .

Guitar II: Rhythm
Emily Pinkerton
6 weeks
For guitarists who have mastered the skills taught in Guitar I: Repertoire. We’ll concentrate on more left-hand/right-hand techniques, rhythms, and finding out what we can do with the guitar. The Winter 2007 session will draw on folk repertoire from North and South America.

Guitar II: Rhythm: Repertoire
Emily Pinkerton
6 weeks
For guitarists who have successfully completed Guitar II.

Guitar II: Intro to Folk Styles
Mike Reing
6 weeks
This course is designed to bridge the gap between experienced beginners and intermediate players. It may also be useful for those guitarists who used to play more regularly and are getting back into the swing of it, or for players who are looking for new ideas, songs, and tunes. Drawing from blues, old time, celtic, and folk hits of the '60's, a variety of right and left hand techniques will be introduced that are guaranteed to open up your playing. All students must be able to tune their own guitar, know the first position chords and be able to play ten 3-chord songs and/or tunes without breaking rhythym. Use of a capo is necessary for some material. Use of tape recorders and note-taking is encouraged. Prerequisite: Guitar II: Repertoire

Guitar II: Intro to Folk Styles Repertoire
Mike Reing
6 weeks
For those who have successfully completed Guitar II: Intro to Folk Styles.

Guitar II: Beginning Fingerpicking
Mike Reing
6 weeks
Once you've learned the chords and timing, you're reading to develop some right hand techniques. You'll work on arpeggios and fingerpicking rhythms and begin to integrate some left-hand fingering for melodies.
Prerequisite: Guitar II: Introduction to Folk Styles Repertoire

Guitar II: Beginning Fingerpicking Repertoire
Mike Reing
6 weeks
For those who have successfully completed Guitar II: Beginning Fingerpicking

Guitar III: Intermediate Fingerpicking (Blues)
Mike Reing
6 weeks
This class is for intermediate players who would like to expand their fingerpicking skills with an emphasis on blues. Students will learn ways to integrate a melody line, harmonic accompaniment, and a bass line using guitar techniques for both hands. Prerequisite: Guitar II Repertoire or permission of the instructor.

Banjo I - 5 String
Harold Yeager
12 weeks
This couse is designed to get new students playing and to teach the fundamental techniques they will use in playing folk-style bluegrass banjo. Students will learn basic information about the instrument and how to tune it. Instruction will include backupchording and playing simple melodies in up-picking, clawhammer, and three-finger styles. A tape recorder and a looseleaf notebook to hold handouts are recommended.

Banjo I: Clawhammer
Janet Reing
6 weeks
The clawhammer style of banjo is a traditional Appalachian mountain style sometimes called frailing or rapping. Learn the basic right hand technique while chording songs and playing tunes by ear. Some tablature will also be available. Students will begin to learn tunes from listening to recordings as well. Prerequisite Banjo I.

Banjo I: Clawhammer Repertoire
Janet Reing
6 weeks
For students who have successfully completed Banjo I: Clawhammer.

Banjo II: Bluegrass
Ron Morelli
12 weeks
This is a basic level course in three-finger bluegrass banjo that assumes the basic skills taught in Banjo I (tuning the banjo, reading tablature, knowledge of basic chords, and familiarity with, if not mastery of, basic bluegrass rolls, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides). The focus is on ensemble playing that is the essence of bluegrass, so backup and jamming skills are considered as important as learning banjo solos. The course includes (1) understanding bluegrass music generally, (2) exposure to important banjo players and their playing styles, (3) basic rolls and licks, (4) backup techniques, (5) ear training and recognizing chord changes, (6) use of a capo to play in different keys, and (7) simple banjo breaks or solos. Students will play together in class and, whenever possible, at least one joint "jamming" session with other classes will be arranged. The class is designed to accommodate repeat students who may wish to hone their skills before moving on to the next level. New tunes will be introduced to keep things interesting for repeat students. A tape or other recorder and a three-ring binder to hold handouts are strongly recommended.

Banjo III: Bluegrass
Ron Morelli
12 weeks
Banjo III is a course in three-finger bluegrass banjo designed for students who are comfortable with the basic techniques covered in Banjo II and are ready to move on to the next level. Students who are still struggling with some of the basic techniques of Banjo II might find it more useful to repeat Banjo II before jumping to Banjo III. The course goes beyond the basics to cover topics that may include: (1) playing in the key of C, (2) playing up-the-neck breaks, (3) more advanced backup techniques and licks, (4) key awareness and using a capo to play in different keys, (5) playing in 3/4 time, (5) figuring out solos on your own, (6) repertoire building, (7) jamming skills and etiquette, and (8) specific tunes or techniques that students may request. Whenever possible, at least one joint "jamming" session with other classes will be arranged. As with Banjo II, the class is designed to accommodate repeat students, and new tunes will be introduced to keep things interesting for repeat students. A tape or other recorder and a three-ring binder to hold handouts are strongly recommended.

Fiddle I
Mark Tamsula
6 weeks
Learn to play fiddle by starting with some simple old tunes. No experience is necessary. You must bring a fiddle and a bow in playable condition. If you are in doubt about your instrument, we recommend that you have it checked by a reputable dealer. This course will be taught by ear. Students are strongly urged to bring a tape recorder and any other study aids.

Fiddle I: Repertoire
Mark Tamsula
6 weeks
This course picks up where we left off at the end of the first 6 week session of Fiddle I. If you are familiar with holding the instrument and bow, have been working on the D,G,A, and C scales, and can play a few tunes, you're welcome to join.

Fiddle II
Mark Tamsula
6 weeks
The focus of this course is to expand your repertoire and develop individual style. Tunes will be clearly broken down and taught with individual attention. Bowing and fingering techniques will be studied while learning new tunes. Please bring a tape recorder.
Prerequisite: Fiddle I: Repertoire

Fiddle II: Repertoire
Mark Tamsula
6 weeks
Tunes will be taught by ear, just like in the old time tradition. All tunes are taught slowly, broken into small portions first, then reviewed over and over to achieve the desired sound.

Fiddle III: Irish
Oliver Browne
6 weeks
Gain the power to make people dance (or weep) involuntarily--learn to play Irish fiddle! You'll learn to play jigs and reels with an emphasis on ear training, Irish ornamentation, and danceable rhythm through bowing technique.

Mandolin I
Carol Palmer
6 weeks

This class is for both the rank beginner and those who have been playing for a while but are not yet ready for the Mandolin II course. We will cover the basics of tuning and caring for your mandolin, left and right hand technique and learn a few simple tunes to play. We will spend some time on exercises and technique, providing you with the skills needed to play the instrument. We will also learn to play scales and exercises, basic chords and several tunes. We will play slowly, focusing on producing good musical tone and developing muscle memory in your fingers, rather than speed. All music will be provided in both standard notation and tablature. The only prerequisite is that you have (or rent) a mandolin, though having an electronic tuner is also suggested.

Mandolin II
Carol Palmer
6 weeks
This class is for those who have been playing the mandolin for a while and wish to build their repertoire and refine their playing skills. You should know how to play at least 5-10 tunes, be able to play them at a tempo of between 80 and 120 beats per minute. We will cover exercises to develop technique and some basic music theory. We will also learn 6-8 tunes in a variety of styles. All music will be provided in standard notation. Prerequisite: Mandolin I

Appalachian Dulcimer II
Jeff Berman
6 weeks
This class is for anyone who has a good basic knowledge of how to play the mountain dulcimer and is looking to reach the next stage in their development. Chording, strumming, and fingerpicking, some alternate tunings, and a little modal improvisation will be covered. The class will emphasize strengthening the student's rhythmic playing for song accompaniment and group playing.

Harmonica I
Sam Blancato
6 weeks
This session will be geared towards those who have little or no experience with the harmonica. We will be covering the basics of the instrument in addition to learning good playing habits and technique. First and second position playing will be discussed as well as different playing methods, i.e.: pursing Vs tongue blocking. The rudimentary skills covered in this course should start the beginning student on his or her way towards playing simple melodies on the harmonica. You will need a diatonic harmonica in the key of C for this course.

Harmonica II
Sam Blancato
6 weeks
In this session, students will expand upon what was learned in harmonica level 1. We will explore tongue blocking in greater detail and look at the many doors that this playing method will open. Other coloring skills, such as hand techniques will be introduced as well. Second position, or cross harp will get a closer look. Please bring a harmonica in the key of G in addition to the C harp.

Bagpipe I
George Balderose
12 weeks
Learning the pipes begins with a quiet instrument called the practice chanter, which is a reed instrument with the same number of finger holes as the chanter of the bagpipes. This enables you to quietly learn the correct fingering of pipe music without blowing hard and making a lot of terrible noises. This course will focus on correct fingering technique and will cover the rudiments of music, such as tone, tuning, rhythm and expression. To purchase a practice chanter and instructional book contact the instructor at info@bagpiping.org

Bagpipe II
George Balderose
12 weeks
Will build upon the introductory course, focusing on correct finger technique on the practice chanter, the rudiments of music and the learning of new tunes. Prerequisite: Bagpipe I

Bagpipe III
George Balderose
12 weeks
This course continues with the development of technique, tone, tuning, rhythm and expression, and will also help those who are ready to make the transition from the practice chanter to the bagpipe.
Prerequisite: Bagpipe II

Bodhran I
Kip Ruefle
6 weeks
This course will cover rhythm theory for the Irish frame drum, introduce reels and jigs, and discuss equipment selection and care, with opportunities for workshop study and session etiquette. Emphasis will be on basic right-hand technique.

Bodhran II
Rich Rayburg
6 weeks
This class will introduce more intricate rhythms (i.e hornpipes, slipjigs, marches, polkas et.al) as well as polish previously covered types of tunes. A lot of focus will be on tonal variations (left hand technique), playing at different tempos, tasteful accompaniment and the importance of etiquette. This will be an ongoing class and will shift to accomodate the needs and experience level of the class.

Ensemble III: Traditional Irish Music Repertoire
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE)
6 weeks
This course is designed for melody instrument players who would like to learn standard traditional Irish dance tunes (jigs, reels, polkas, hornpipes). The class will be taught by members of the Pittsburgh branch of Comhaltas Ceoltiori Eireann, the international organization dedicated to traditional Irish music and dance. Participants will learn 1 to 2 tunes each class and each class will conclude every week with a slow session so you can experience the fun of playing together! Participants should be comfortable learning tunes by ear, and capable of playing several tunes on their instrument at a moderate speed. Ideal instruments are fiddle, flute, tin whistle (key of D), accordion, concertina, mandolin or tenor banjo (check before enrolling if you play a different instrument). Sheet music will not be provided, but a CD of tunes covered for the course will be provided at the first class. We also encourage you to bring a tape recorder. Class instructors will alternate, but include Oliver Browne (fiddle), Carla Dundes (whistle), Kathy Fallon (mandolin), Bruce Molyneaux (mandolin), and Bruce Foley (Uilleann pipes). All instructors play in a traditional style and have learned from some of the finest players Irish traditional music has to offer.

Ensemble III: Old-Time Repertoire
Mike and Janet Reing
6 weeks
This class is for fiddlers, banjo players, guitarists, mandolinists and string bass players who want to learn the basics of string band performance and have structured practice time with other musicians. Students should be proficient on their instruments and be able to learn tunes by ear. The course will focus on contra dance repertoire and old-time tunes. If your instrument is not on the list above, please check with the instructors.

VOICE & SINGING

Beginning Voice I
Ceinwen King-Smith
6 weeks
If you'd like to sing, but your nerves and inability to carry a tune get in your way, this course is for you. Learn new songs, polish ones you already know, study proper breathing and vocal techniques, and gain experience singing solos as well as in small groups. Students who have previously taken the course will benefit from covering new material.

Songwriting
Hallie Pritts
6 weeks
A relaxed and informal exploration of words and music for all ages and all levels of skill. Learn the art of songcraft by listening and then creating your own songs. The class will also include guest appearances by local songwriters.

Intro to Harmony Singing
Charlie Anderson
6 weeks
Here is a class for those who want to raise their voices in harmony, but aren't sure where to begin. The class will introduce basic harmony concepts such as chord-building, chord progressions and part-singing. Your harmony singing skills and confidence will grow through singing and working out arrangements of familiar songs. No special knowledge of music is required - just a basic ability to carry a tune and sing back what you hear. All teaching will be done by ear, without printed music, so any recording device you can bring to class will be useful.

Bluegrass Harmony II
Charlie Anderson
12 weeks
This class allows intenseive work on your harmony singing abilities. Songs from the Appalachian and Bluegrass traditions will be worked out in the "close harmony" style of well-known traditional bands such as the Stanley Brothers and the Carter Family. We will work on developing 2, 3 and 4-part arrangements with specific tenor, baritone and bass parts. The class will be taught mostly by ear, without printed music. To get the most out of the class, you should either have taken the Level I Harmony Singing class or have equivalent experience singing in a group. Please consult the instructor if you are in doubt.

DANCE

Bellydance I
Bernadette Vargo
6 weeks
This class teaches a blend of tribal and folkloric bellydance including Turkish, Egyptian and Tunisian forms, with an emphasis on the music and culture in which these dances have flourished. Students should wear t-shirts, and a long skirt over top of baggy pants.

Bellydance II
Bernadette Vargo
6 weeks
In this class, we will focus on performance skills, incorporating zills (finger cymbals), scarves, or other effects into basic combinations; and building a short choreography. Prerequisite: Bellydance I, or previous bellydance experience, or permission of the instructor.

CRAFT

Knitting
Caroline Mitchell
6 weeks
Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit hats, sweaters, scarfs, pot holders, bags, mittens, holiday presents, wine bottle holders, dog collars, or other useful items? In this course you will be introduced to easy and useful techniques for knitting and finishing a variety of useful objects. We will start with the fundamentals and work on your choice of useful objects during this course. Note: Two recent award winners in international knitting competitions in Denmark and Iceland last year were both males. We advise that this is an equal opportunity course which welcomes all participants. This class will meet at the instructor's house in the East End of Pittsburgh.