Roots Music

I’m very excited to announce that Curlew School’s music elective this year will be a roots music course for 7-12 grade.

WHAT IS ROOTS MUSIC?

In case you’re wondering what roots music is, well it’s a lot of things.  It’s folk, country, blues, bluegrass, old time, zydeco, tejano (Texan/Mexican) and American Indian music—basically, it’s the music that sprang up from the early cultures that originated and settled in what we now call America. Roots music is often soulful, sweet, and soft, and at times it can be harsh and haunting.  Even though it’s acoustic, it often has a hard driving beat with melodies that reach out and grab you.  Roots music is something you can enjoy long after you finish high school.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE?

You do not need any previous experience to take the roots music course, but you will be required to take on the mindset of a musician—that means you’ll show a responsible level of self-control and self-motivation. You must be able to practice independently while I work with other students and small groups.  Everyone will sing and play an instrument, but only students who choose to will sing during public performances, which will be held once per semester. You will need to have access to an acoustic instrument such as a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, upright or acoustic bass, Dobro®, Autoharp®, concertina, ukulele, or harmonica, etc.

HOW IS THE COURSE TAUGHT?

I will be teaching roots music in a studio environment. After developing and demonstrating solid, basic instrumentation skills, you will move on to choosing your own songs and creating your own arrangements. The practice rooms will be used extensively on a rotating basis. In addition to my instruction, you will have the opportunity of working with several guest musicians who will give workshops in their area of expertise. Just like an actual music studio, we will record a CD in conjunction with the art department.

HOW IS THE COURSE GRADED?

You will earn a letter grade based on participation, keeping a journal, performing as a soloist and ensemble, accurately describing roots music and explaining basic music theory, performing on pitch and in rhythm, composing or arranging songs, and contributing to the CD.

Once again, I’m very excited to be offering this roots music course! I can hardly wait to hear the great music you’ll be creating if you choose to take this class.  For information about instruments or one-on-one lessons before school starts, please feel free to contact me at 775-2548 or fletchercove@gmail.com.