6-week Spring Classes will begin the first full week of March (with the exception of Mountain Dulcimer which begins the 3rd week in March)

Classes are $86
Register with Mail-in form:
Class Information Sheet w/ Order Blank (pdf file)
or
HTML Registration form
or
Call Old Songs, 518-765-2815 Tues.-Fri., 10am-5pm

• Beginning Bodhran (Irish Frame Drum)
with Robert Daly, Thursday, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 9

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. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 9

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 Minore, Monday, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & Apr. 6
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: 518-439-1060 or

• Beginning Fiddle
with Mike Otis, Thursday, 8:30 - 10:00 pm
Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 9

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.

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, 5:45 - 7:00 pm
Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 8

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

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
w/ Mike Otis, Thursday 7:15 pm
Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 9
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.

• Hands-On Music Theory
with George Ward, Wednesday, 7:15 - 8:00 pm
Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 8
Learning by ear, choosing the right chords to play, using any system of music notation (or inventing your own), all these things and more benefit from a working knowledge of basic music theory. With your instrument in hand (whatever it is), this class will explore scales, intervals, chords and chording, some basics of music notation, key signatures, the cycle of fifths...and probably more. Any instrument - from a pennywhistle or a ten-hole harmonica to a guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass or keyboard is appropriate. And we'll play a few tunes as well. Call George for more information: (518) 399 - 0315 or Email:

• Beginning Mountain Dulcimer
with Susan Trump, Tuesday, 6:00 pm
Mar. 17, 24, 31 & Apr. 7, 14, 21

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
with Susan Trump, Tuesday 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Mar. 17, 24, 31 & Apr. 7, 14, 21

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:

• Irish Pennywhistle Repertoire
with George Ward, Wednesday, 6 pm
Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 8
All you’ll need is a key of D pennywhistle - available at the first class - and some basic knowledge (if you can play a two-octave scale, you’ll be fine). The goals of the class are to give each member a solid collection of new tunes to play and to practise on - from simple to challenging - and to develop everyone’s ability to learn by ear.You won’t need to be able to read music, but all tunes will be available as written music. Tape recorders are strongly encouraged. Questions? Call George at 518/399-0315 or Email