Songwriting Workshop
First Friday Songwriting Workshop
Hosted by Chris Goering, Jen Hajj, and Lee Haight
Join us—Jen, Lee, and Chris—from 10am-Noon each first Friday of the month for an opportunity to work on your song and contribute to the community of songwriters in northwest Arkansas. Attendees will bring one song to share for feedback and participate in the conversations around other participants’ original songs. Any genres/instruments welcome — All songwriters welcome.
due to space and time constraints, attendees must register.
Any questions can be directed to Chris: chrisgoering@gmail.com
Banjo Rolls Workout Session
Adams Collins will lead us in a Banjo Rolls Workout Session. Come work on your Banjo Technique!
Traditional Percussion & Dance
5-week series on traditional percussion as accompaniment for Old Time tunes, songs, and square dancing.
Joanie & Steve Green will be leading classes in an overview format that will include rhythm bones, spoons, washboard, seated foot percussion, and body percussion.
- Steve will teach Old Time percussive dance (flatfooting, and a little bit of Sean Nos (Old Style) Irish stepping for the sake of history and provenance) at all levels, beginners to advanced.
- Joanie will help students to learn and create percussive lines to accompany their ballad singing.
All are welcome, beginner to advanced. Percussive instruments supplied... bring your own feet!
This is a 5-week workshop
WEDNESDAYS starting Jan 15, ending Feb 12
7pm - 8:30pm
$50 for 5 sessions
Ozark Love Songs: Interactive Workshop
Arranged marriage, elopement, tragedy, sweetness — traditional Ozark singing has it all!
Love Songs from the Ozark Hills
Hosted by Lyle & Sarah Sparkman (7th and 8th generation Ozark singers)
This is an interactive workshop for those who want to share in this tradition.
- Word-sheets are provided.
- Recording devices welcome.
Traditional Percussion & Dance
5-week series on traditional percussion as accompaniment for Old Time tunes, songs, and square dancing.
Joanie & Steve Green will be leading classes in an overview format that will include rhythm bones, spoons, washboard, seated foot percussion, and body percussion.
- Steve will teach Old Time percussive dance (flatfooting, and a little bit of Sean Nos (Old Style) Irish stepping for the sake of history and provenance) at all levels, beginners to advanced.
- Joanie will help students to learn and create percussive lines to accompany their ballad singing.
All are welcome, beginner to advanced. Percussive instruments supplied... bring your own feet!
This is a 5-week workshop
WEDNESDAYS starting Jan 15, ending Feb 12
7pm - 8:30pm
$50 for 5 sessions
WORKSHOP: Robert Ellis on Songwriting
WORKSHOP FEE: $50
DOORS 11:30AM
WORKSHOP 12PM-2PM
Songwriting Workshop
Hosted by Robert Ellis
ABOUT ROBERT ELLIS
Recorded live to tape in just two days, Robert Ellis’s exquisite new album, Yesterday’s News, is as stripped-down as it gets, with the celebrated songwriter and producer’s delicate, reedy tenor accompanied only by nylon string guitar, upright bass, and the occasional piece of handheld percussion. The arrangements are harmonically sophisticated here, drawing on the open tunings and intricate fingerpicking of English songwriters like Nick Drake or Richard Thompson, and Ellis’s performances are similarly subtle and nuanced, tapping into the bittersweet longing of Chet Baker and the playful poignancy of Bill Evans and Jim Hall.
While that might seem surprising coming off 2019’s raucous Texas Piano Man, subverting expectations is nothing new for Ellis. Born and raised outside Houston, he gained early acclaim for his piercing introspection and absorbing narratives, but over the course of five solo albums, he flirted with everything from Paul Simon and John Prine to Elton John and Joni Mitchell in a series of sonic and visual transformations that ran the gamut from Redneck Steely Dan to Lone Star Liberace. NPR hailed his “musical daring and impeccable songcraft,” while Rolling Stone praised his “sharp eye for storytelling,” and the New York Times lauded his writing as an emotional “gut punch.”
Yesterday’s News marks Ellis’s debut LP for Niles City Records, an outgrowth of the famed Niles City Sound studio he and longtime collaborator Josh Block run in Fort Worth, TX.
Traditional Percussion & Dance
5-week series on traditional percussion as accompaniment for Old Time tunes, songs, and square dancing.
Joanie & Steve Green will be leading classes in an overview format that will include rhythm bones, spoons, washboard, seated foot percussion, and body percussion.
- Steve will teach Old Time percussive dance (flatfooting, and a little bit of Sean Nos (Old Style) Irish stepping for the sake of history and provenance) at all levels, beginners to advanced.
- Joanie will help students to learn and create percussive lines to accompany their ballad singing.
All are welcome, beginner to advanced. Percussive instruments supplied... bring your own feet!
This is a 5-week workshop
WEDNESDAYS starting Jan 15, ending Feb 12
7pm - 8:30pm
$50 for 5 sessions
Traditional Percussion & Dance
5-week series on traditional percussion as accompaniment for Old Time tunes, songs, and square dancing.
Joanie & Steve Green will be leading classes in an overview format that will include rhythm bones, spoons, washboard, seated foot percussion, and body percussion.
- Steve will teach Old Time percussive dance (flatfooting, and a little bit of Sean Nos (Old Style) Irish stepping for the sake of history and provenance) at all levels, beginners to advanced.
- Joanie will help students to learn and create percussive lines to accompany their ballad singing.
All are welcome, beginner to advanced. Percussive instruments supplied... bring your own feet!
This is a 5-week workshop
WEDNESDAYS starting Jan 15, ending Feb 12
7pm - 8:30pm
$50 for 5 sessions
Traditional Percussion & Dance
5-week series on traditional percussion as accompaniment for Old Time tunes, songs, and square dancing.
Joanie & Steve Green will be leading classes in an overview format that will include rhythm bones, spoons, washboard, seated foot percussion, and body percussion.
- Steve will teach Old Time percussive dance (flatfooting, and a little bit of Sean Nos (Old Style) Irish stepping for the sake of history and provenance) at all levels, beginners to advanced.
- Joanie will help students to learn and create percussive lines to accompany their ballad singing.
All are welcome, beginner to advanced. Percussive instruments supplied... bring your own feet!
This is a 5-week workshop
WEDNESDAYS starting Jan 15, ending Feb 12
7pm - 8:30pm
$50 for 5 sessions
Melodic Banjo Workshop
Intro to Melodic Banjo with Adams Collins
Most bluegrass banjo players start by learning Scruggs style, which uses roll patterns to create arpeggios, along with signature licks made famous by Earl Scruggs. While this style is central to the traditional bluegrass sound, it has a limitation: it doesn’t allow players to replicate melodies note-for-note like other instruments can-- like fiddle, guitar, or mandolin.
Melodic banjo style—also known as Keith style or Fiddle style—focuses on using scales to play melodies, rather than relying on chords. Unlike the single-string style used by guitar and mandolin players to play scales, melodic banjo style generally avoids playing two consecutive notes on the same string.
This class is designed for intermediate players. We will be focusing on:
- melodic scales specific to the banjo
- how to integrate melodic scales into rolls
- common fiddle tunes and how to adapt them from a Scruggs-style arrangement into a more melodic approach
Students should bring their instruments and be comfortable reading tablature, as well as understanding basic roll patterns (forward, backward, and alternating/mixed).
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Instrument Care/How to Change Strings
Do you need help changing strings, want to learn general maintenance and care for your stringed instrument?
You'll learn the basics at this workshop!
Open to all ages and gear tuned string instruments:
guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, mountain/lap dulcimer, electric bass (no fiddles/violins, cello, or upright bass)
* we will have some strings on hand and available to purchase for a discounted price, but if you have specific strings on hand, please bring them.
Cost: $30
LED by DR. JOHN CROUCH
Melodic Banjo Workshop
Intro to Melodic Banjo with Adams Collins
Most bluegrass banjo players start by learning Scruggs style, which uses roll patterns to create arpeggios, along with signature licks made famous by Earl Scruggs. While this style is central to the traditional bluegrass sound, it has a limitation: it doesn’t allow players to replicate melodies note-for-note like other instruments can-- like fiddle, guitar, or mandolin.
Melodic banjo style—also known as Keith style or Fiddle style—focuses on using scales to play melodies, rather than relying on chords. Unlike the single-string style used by guitar and mandolin players to play scales, melodic banjo style generally avoids playing two consecutive notes on the same string.
This class is designed for intermediate players. We will be focusing on:
- melodic scales specific to the banjo
- how to integrate melodic scales into rolls
- common fiddle tunes and how to adapt them from a Scruggs-style arrangement into a more melodic approach
Students should bring their instruments and be comfortable reading tablature, as well as understanding basic roll patterns (forward, backward, and alternating/mixed).
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Instrument Care/How to Change Strings
Do you need help changing strings, want to learn general maintenance and care for your stringed instrument?
You'll learn the basics at this workshop!
Open to all ages and gear tuned string instruments:
guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, mountain/lap dulcimer, electric bass (no fiddles/violins, cello, or upright bass)
* we will have some strings on hand and available to purchase for a discounted price, but if you have specific strings on hand, please bring them.
Cost: $30
LED by DR. JOHN CROUCH
WORKSHOP: First Friday Songwriting Workshop
First Friday Songwriting Workshop
Hosted by Chris Goering, Jen Hajj, and Lee Haight
Join us—Jen, Lee, and Chris—from 10am-Noon each first Friday of the month for an opportunity to work on your song and contribute to the community of songwriters in northwest Arkansas. Attendees will bring one song to share for feedback and participate in the conversations around other participants’ original songs. Any genres/instruments welcome — All songwriters welcome.
due to space and time constraints, attendees must register.
Any questions can be directed to Chris: chrisgoering@gmail.com
Instrument Care/How to Change Strings
Do you need help changing strings, want to learn general maintenance and care for your stringed instrument?
You'll learn the basics at this workshop!
Open to all ages and gear tuned string instruments:
guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, mountain/lap dulcimer, electric bass (no fiddles/violins, cello, or upright bass)
* we will have some strings on hand and available to purchase for a discounted price, but if you have specific strings on hand, please bring them.
Cost: $30
LED by DR. JOHN CROUCH
SONG for the SOUL
**This is not the event date. Your session will be arranged after you register.
Piano Workshop for Adults (4of4)
Do you want to get back to playing piano? This workshop is for you!
We’ll start with 4 weeks to brush up on your piano knowledge and regain lost skills. For more details and to register, follow the link below …
Square Dance Calling #2
Want to learn how to call a Square Dance? Want to brush up on your Square Dance knowledge?
Steve Green is teaching another series (5 sessions) on Square Dance Calling.
Click here for the registration link.
This is a 5-week workshop
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21
$50 for 5 sessions
Square Dance Calling #2
Want to learn how to call a Square Dance? Want to brush up on your Square Dance knowledge?
Steve Green is teaching another series (5 sessions) on Square Dance Calling.
Click here for the registration link.
This is a 5-week workshop
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21
$50 for 5 sessions
Piano Workshop for Adults (1of4)
Do you want to get back to playing piano? This workshop is for you!
We’ll start with 4 weeks to brush up on your piano knowledge and regain lost skills. For more details and to register, follow the link below …
Square Dance Calling #2
Want to learn how to call a Square Dance? Want to brush up on your Square Dance knowledge?
Steve Green is teaching another series (5 sessions) on Square Dance Calling.
Click here for the registration link.
This is a 5-week workshop
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21
$50 for 5 sessions
SONG for the SOUL
THIS IS NOT THE EVENT DATE/TIME
This is just the link to register for this session.
Your session will be arranged after you register.
WORKSHOP: First Friday Songwriting Workshop
First Friday Songwriting Workshop
Hosted by Chris Goering, Jen Hajj, and Lee Haight
Join us—Jen, Lee, and Chris—from 10am-Noon each first Friday of the month for an opportunity to work on your song and contribute to the community of songwriters in northwest Arkansas. Attendees will bring one song to share for feedback and participate in the conversations around other participants’ original songs. Any genres/instruments welcome — All songwriters welcome.
due to space and time constraints, attendees must register.
Any questions can be directed to Chris: chrisgoering@gmail.com
Square Dance Calling #2
Want to learn how to call a Square Dance? Want to brush up on your Square Dance knowledge?
Steve Green is teaching another series (5 sessions) on Square Dance Calling.
Click here for the registration link.
This is a 5-week workshop
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21
$50 for 5 sessions
SONG for the SOUL: group session/workshop
Through the power of songwriting, this group will focus on areas we'd like to grieve, remember and heal. Our goal is to turn grief into songs.
Each person in our small group will be encouraged and supported in the writing of their own song. Our weekly process will give us lyrical content as we work together to craft your personal song. This is an intimate gathering with the opportunity for deep connections and creativity. Be ready to speak your truth in a safe and welcome environment.
Bring water, pen and paper.
HOSTED BY Daniel Moody
Workshop Series: 8 weeks—Sundays, Oct 27-Dec 15
Time: 4pm-6pm
Cost: $500-$100 (sliding scale)
Max Enrollment: 10
Supernatural Songs from the Ozark Hills
What to learn some spooky songs to share this Halloween?
Lyle Sparkman will teach us several Supernatural Songs of the Ozark Hills.
These songs and stories are sure to put you in the Halloween spirit!
Register Here
Please be advised:
None of these songs are suitable for children
No instrument needed
Recordings are allowed and encouraged
ABOUT LYLE SPARKMAN
Lyle Sparkman is a 7th generation Ozarker who began singing traditional songs at the 1966 Ozark Folk Festival in Eureka Springs. A veteran and educator with 37 years of experience, he came out of retirement to teach traditional Ozark songs and ballads at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History for four years. He now offers this experience exclusively for the Folk School of Fayetteville.