Workshop newbie question

I’m going to my first workshop next month and the guy asked me question to determine if I should be in the beginner or the intermediate/advanced class. I’m right in the middle. I know a few songs, but am not fast at them. Also, I do not do much ornamentation.

While I don’t want to be in the beginner class if it means that I’ll spend three of the four hours doing stuff I already know, I also don’t want to get in over my head in the other class.

So, in anyone’s experience, what seems smarter? Is it okay to be in the higher class and be a little behind, or is it better to go with the lower class and strengthen what I already know while learning a few new things?

Thanks for your help.

[ This Message was edited by: FJohnSharp on 2003-02-06 22:29 ]

Try to ask this same question to the guy leading the workshop if possible.
If not, I’d opt for the intermediate session. Even if you can’t keep up, you’ll probably hear things that will sorta seep into your brain by osmosis and will benefit you in the long run. If the leader will allow it, tape the session. Also, take notes. A good workshop has too much going on to absorb it all in one shot, and it’s nice to be able to go back and review it days or even years later when you are a better player.

Thanks Paul. I’m of a similar belief regarding reaching higher. The tape recorder is a good idea.

John

Tricky, but I’d suggest you go for intermediate.

I went to a whistle class last year, and we only had one stream. As a result, we ranged from people who had never played any instrument before, to people who had played quite a lot, and just wanted to practise technique and learn tunes. I fit in somewhere in the middle.

It also depends on how the guy is running the class. After my experience, and if I were competent to run a class, I’d aim to do teach two tunes a week maximum, one fast, one slow, for a ten week course. I’d do a 3 tune set, one tune per week, so by week 4 the students should have 3 slow airs, plus a 3 jig set, all of which they should be able to play without mistakes, if not at top speed.

Weeks 4-6, do a 3 reel set, and keep playing the jigs & airs, gradually upping the tempo on the jigs.

Weeks 7-9, maybe 3 polkas. So by week ten, the students should have three 3 tune sets, plus various slower tunes. This gives them the feel for reels, jigs & polkas, so they could tackle other tunes they come across with better hopes of getting the right feel.

On top of all this, is the guy going to use ABC, sheetmusic, or some other notation, or just learning by ear? As mentioned by Brewerpaul above, you should be able to record the whole class and playback at home for practise. Minidisks are great for this, as it’s easy to just set the thing going, record the whole class, and then edit out the unwaneted bits later.

The danger of joining too high a level of class is that you might annoy the other players by being too slow on the uptake. Generally, if you practise enough between classes, this shouldn’t be a problem.

You’re better off aiming high & stretching yourself than aiming low & getting bored.

My 2 pence :wink:

If I were you, I would go for the intermediate class. The tape recorder is also a good idea. Don’t worry, there are always fast and slow learners in a class, no matter if they are beginners, intermediate or advanced players. An intermediate course will give you food for thought for a long time.

Have fun,

Christian

Great advice. Thanks.