Intensive Classes
2026 Intensive Classes
Begin your weekend with an intensive workshop that will energize and prep you for what is sure to be a memorable and fun few days. Each class offers an opportunity to spend a three-hour block of time with a respected master teacher exploring a topic in depth. Class size is limited, and a separate registration is required.
Intensive Class Cost & Registration Information
• Intensive Classes are from 10 am – 1 pm on Friday, May 22
• Separate registration and fee required
• Class size is limited – reserve your spot early!
• Registration fee: $65, includes lunch immediately following (OR $125 for an Intensive Class only WITHOUT a Folk College registration)
Choice of Intensive Classes
Basics for Beginners — Carson McHaney & Karl Henry of High Horse (Level 1-2)
In this special workshop designed for beginners and advanced beginners of all instruments, we’ll address basic folk music skills that will help you get the most out of the weekend. We’ll particularly look at how to learn by ear, how to jam, how to listen, and how to play well with other musicians.
Beginner to Advanced Beginner
(For all instruments)
Bass for All — Noah Harrington of High Horse (Level 3-5)
This class is not only for bass, but for any instrument that can play bass lines, especially bass, cello, guitar, and accordion. We’ll look at bass runs and rhythms used in a variety of folk genres, and we’ll especially explore the important role of the bass as the backbone of the band.
Intermediate/Advanced
(For all instruments that can play a bassline)
Blues Guitar — Scott Ainslie (Level 3-5)
We’ll look at blues guitar techniques that are the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll and contemporary country music. We’ll examine the chord forms and techniques that allow solo guitarists to sound like two guitarists, with an eye to understanding how to find and employ chord forms up the neck and how best to use them as soloists.
Intermediate to advanced
Fiddle Bowing — Nathan Bishop of Midnight on the Water (Level 3-5)
This class is a safe space to air your fiddle grievances, problematic tunes, and general questions about all things fiddled. Feel free to come with something in mind, or stick around to learn something unexpected.
Intermediate to advanced
Folk Flute — Clif Nesseth of Ponyfolk (Level 2-5)
We’ll explore the ins and outs of playing flute in a folk music setting.
All levels beyond beginner
Folk Cello — Dani Hawkins of Midnight on the Water (Level 3-5)
We’ll look at the cello in a folk music context, addressing ensemble approaches and specific techniques.
All levels beyond beginner
Guitar Backup — Isaiah Gardham of High Horse (Level 2-4)
Learn to be a better rhythm section for your band or for your own voice. For guitar players who are used to using a pick and can switch chords smoothly.
Advanced beginner to intermediate
Hammer Dulcimer -- Grace Lee (Level 2-5)
For those beyond the beginner level, we’ll look at techniques and approaches to playing hammered dulcimer.
All levels beyond beginner
Harmonica — Richard Sleigh (Level 2-5)
For those beyond the beginner level, we’ll look at techniques to take your playing to the next level, including tongue blocking, pucker style playing, note bending, breath control, volume projection, and tone control.
All levels beyond beginner
Mandolin Techniques — Tom Krumm of Midnight on the Water (Level 3-5)
Intermediate/advanced
Old Time Banjo -- Jay Best (Level 2-5)
We will explore several different tunings, double thumbing and drop thumbing techniques, hammer-on and pull-offs, and learn some tunes using these techniques.
All levels beyond beginner
Singing -- Liz Simmons & Flynn Cohen of Low Lily (Level 1-5)
Singing is the most natural thing in the world, but no matter how well you sing, you can improve with attention and practice. We’ll talk about how to listen, breathe, sing in tune, craft our phrasing, and more. And we’ll sing!
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