Friday  “Master Class Workshops” are returning to the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival on April 16, 2010. These in depth, two hour long, music workshops will  include some of the “music industry‘s” top bluegrass and old time musicians and instructors  available and are designed to be practical and very hands on.

The instructors include the Nashville based, David Peterson and the 1946 Band, which includes, David Peterson (Vocals), Mike Compton (intermediate/advanced Mandolin), Charlie Cushman (Bluegrass Banjo), Johnny Warren (Bluegrass Fiddle), Ron Shuffler ( Upright Bass). In addition there will also be old time music greats, Beverly Smith (Old Time Fiddle) and Carl Jones (Clawhammer Banjo).  Rounding out the list of instructors will be guitar wizard Curtis Jones (Intermediate/Advanced Guitar) and the national teaching team  of  Jim Pittman (Beginning/Intermediate Guitar) and Patsy Kline (Beginning/Intermediate Mandolin).

There will be a total of 20 different workshops available to choose from and will be held on campus in a class room setting in partnership with  North Georgia College and State University. Workshop times are from 10 a.m. - noon and from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Friday April 16.  The workshop menu on the left provides class details.

The cost for the “Master Class Workshops” are $45/one class or $75/two classes, participants can mix classes according to their preference and  availability.  Pre-registration is available and encouraged, however, you may also sign up the day of the workshops, as well.

The Master Class coordinator is Joe Matteson, contact.

Download the Registration form

Private individual Saturday lessons are also available with these Master Class Workshop Instructors, and can be scheduled directly with the instructor.

Beverly Smith - contact

Curtis Jones - contact

Carl Jones - contact

Patsy Kline - contact

Jim Pittman - contact

Bear on the Square thanks Andy David and Mark Perry of the North Georgia College & State University, Department of Performing Arts for the use of their facilities.

Support for the Master Class Workshops program was also provided by the SouthEastern Bluegrass Association.