• Beginning Bodhran (Irish Frame Drum)
with Robert Daly, Thursday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Apr. 3 & 10

Bring your bodhran to class. You will learn the two most common rhythms
in Irish music—the Reel and the Jig. No prior drumming experience needed.
Class fee includes a beginner instruction book for each student. Any questions, contact Robert at 518-852-6335 or Email:  

• Bodhran II (Irish Frame Drum)
with Robert Daly, Thursday, 7:15 pm
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Apr. 3 & 10

For those who have taken the beginning class or are familiar with the basic technique and rhythms and want to explore further. Any questions, contact Robert at 518-852-6335 or Email:

• Beginning Piano Accordion
with Peggy Hart, Tuesday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Apr. 1 & 8

Bring your piano accordion and join the fun. Peggy will teach basic beginning technique, theory and note reading for BOTH hands. It’s easier than you think. If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy. Phone: 518/239-4706 E-mail:

• Accordion Band Workshop
with Peggy Hart, Tuesday, 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Apr. 1 & 8

A "beyond beginning" class with an emphasis on making music together. Contact Peggy with questions: 518/239-4706 or Email:

• Bluegrass Banjo: Beginning & Beyond
with Dave Kiphuth, Monday 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 10, 17, 24, 31 & Apr. 14, 21

We will explore the basics of bluegrass banjo; chords, finger patterns, tunes, back-up and neck theory. This class can be tailored in any direction to accomodate needs of students. Thoughts or questions? Contact David:
518-587-4735

• Clawhammer Banjo
with George Ward, Wednesday, 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 2 & 9

George will teach clawhammer (frailing) technique, tailoring the class to the playing level of the student. Learn new tunes, meet other players and improve your playing. You will need a 5-string banjo. A tape recorder is recommended. Call George with questions: 518-399-0315 or Email:  

• Beginning Fiddle
with Mike Otis, Thursday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Apr. 3 & 10

This course will focus on the basics of playing, including bowing and fingering techniques. You will learn Old-Time and Celtic fiddle tunes by a combination of written notes and learning by ear. The course will also cover practice tips, and the care and feeding of your instrument. For more information, contact Mike at 518-872-0864.

• Irish Guitar Accompaniment
with Eric Everson, Monday, 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Mar. 10, 24, 31 & Apr. 14, 21, 28
(note that Mar. 17 and Apr. 7 are skipped)

Getting in Tune with Your Melody Players -- Both Mentally and Instrumentally. Learn methods for accompanying tunes in different keys; popular chord progressions, and accompaniment for the Irish tune set structure (including how to listen for key changes during a set of tunes). Information on different players’ styles, sessiun etiquette for accompanists, and techniques for “building” a set of tunes will be included. Members of Curragh will join the program throughout in order to provide opportunities to work with melody players and hear their perspective on accompaniment. Course will be taught on 6-string guitar tuned in Dropped D, with use of a flat pick. Some knowledge of chord shapes up the neck will be helpful but not necessary. Note: this class will focus on the accompaniment of dance tunes and will not cover song accompaniment. For beginning/intermediate players. For more information, contact Eric at 518-756-8273 or

• Beginning Fingerstyle Guitar
with Roger Mock, Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 2 & 9

This class is for guitar players with at least some basic playing ability who want to expand their fingerpicking skills. We’ll be doing song accompaniment and instrumentals from Celtic, blues and American folksong repertoire. Direction of the class will be partially inspired by student interest. Contact Roger for info: 518-861-5782 or

• Beginning Mandolin
with Mike Otis, Thursday, 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Apr. 3 & 10

An introduction to mandolin playing, covering both picking and chord techniques, with a repertoire based on traditional fiddle tunes. Instrument care and selection will also be discussed. For more information, contact Mike at 518-872-0864.

• Mandolin II
with Mike Otis, Tuesday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Apr. 1 & 8

A further exploration of the mandolin, expanding upon the technique and repertoire covered in the beginning class. For more information,
contact Mike at 518-872-0864.

• Beginning Mountain Dulcimer
with Susan Trump, Monday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 3, (skip 10), 17, 24, 31 & Apr. 7, 14

We'll explore DAD tuning, work on strum directions and left hand fingering. We'll learn some fiddle tunes, and other repertoire that works well on dulcimer. Contact Susan for info. Phone: 518/ 357-4018   Email:

• Intermediate Mountain Dulcimer - A
with Susan Trump, Tuesday 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Mar. 4, (skip 11), 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 8 & 15

The focus is on repertoire building using a variety of styles, including fiddle tunes, songs, Celtic melodies, waltzes, while learning appropriate picking, or finger picking techniques and fingerings. Contact Susan for more info:
Phone: 518/357-4018   Email:

• Intermediate Mountain Dulcimer - B
with Susan Trump, Tuesday, 8:30 - 9:45 pm
Mar. 4, (skip 11), 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 8 & 15

Same as Intermediate - A at a more gentle pace. Phone: 518/357-4018
Email:

• Beginning Irish Pennywhistle
with George Ward, Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 2 & 9

All you need is a Key of D pennywhistle (some will be available at the first class). Students will play tunes right away and will leave the course with a solid basic repertoire. George brings to the class a lifetime love affair with the whistle and Irish music, and years of teaching it. Contact George with questions. Phone: 518/399-0315
Email: