At the interest and encouragement from cello players within the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club, I’m pleased to offer my first ever folk cello workshop!
2-3:30pm Folk Cello Workshop
3:30-5pm+ Open Jam
(the open jam is open to all instrumentalists; optional- stay as long as you want)
Register before April 1st and get a FREE DOWNLOAD of Celtic Ornamentation Guide for Cellists
Why Folk Cello?
I really got the “bug” for playing cello when I learned my first tune - it was outside of the rigors of traditional classical training, but I could use my foundation and technique to truly enjoy the sensational sounds. The basic tune is accessible at all levels, and has endlessly creative possibilities to ornament, play the harmony, rhythm, groove, backup and so much more. With folk music your musical creativity will start to flow from an intuitive place.
What is Folk music?
Folk music originates in traditional popular culture or that is written in such a style. Folk music is typically of unknown authorship and is transmitted orally from generation to generation. My global areas of focus are ever expanding, and so far are:
Celtic- Scottish, Cape Breton, Irish, New England Folk
Americana- Bluegrass, Swing, Old time, Jazz
Latin Folk- Puerto Rico, Peru (Andean)
Scandinavian- Sweden, Finland
What happens at a Folk Cello Workshop?
We will learn tunes by ear, as has been the global tradition of folk music for centuries. I will debrief on tips and tricks to hearing music and playing it back. We’ll cover stylistic ornamentation (basically decorations we can choose to add to tunes), bowing and rhythmic styles, and backup techniques. By the end we’ll be roaring, growling, romping, honking cello ensemble!
How do I know if I’m at the right level for this workshop?
This workshop is for cello players of all levels- If you can play a one octave scale in the keys of C, G, D, A you are doing GREAT and will absolutely be able to take this workshop. No sheet music reading requirement. If you can play more keys than that, if you studied cello many years, even if you have advanced degrees in music, I PROMISE you will be challenged by an introduction to this style and learn OODLES.
What happens at the Open Jam?
The open jam will open up the space to the public to have a casual improvised jam session. If you have friends or relatives that are musicians but don’t play cello, this is where they will be welcome. Jammers typically bring snacks (and you are welcome but not required to bring something as well), and I’ll invite my community of jammers who will be a heck of a lot fun to witness. Anybody at a jam session is welcome to sit anything out, have a snack, socialize, play quietly, play loudly, request tunes, leave early, hoot, and holler to their heart’s content.
COVID Safety Measures?
On the honor system, fully vaccinated status is assumed, and that you stay home if you are experiencing Covid-19 or flu-like symptoms. Masks are welcome, not required. *if you are interested in coming but have any comments or concerns please email me at anna.m.seda@gmail.com
Getting There
Unless we get more than 10 registrations, this workshop will be in my living room in Charlestown. Any changes will be notified via email by April 23rd. It’s a 12-15 minute walk from the Orange line, close to 92 &93 bus stops. It’s free and unrestricted to park on the street on Sundays. Beware of parking at the Warren Prescott School lot, as it is occasionally reserved for weekend events. I’ll note here that I have two adorable tabby cats at home- they likely will be in hiding for the duration of such boisterous activities.
Work/Study Position Available:
Assistant: helps with greeting participants and jammers at the door, help direct guests to the restroom & where to place snacks and access glasses for beverages. In exchange for full tuition to the workshop. If interested, email me at anna.m.seda@gmail.com
Questions?
You can contact me at anna.m.seda@gmail.com with any questions you may have!
Some boring stats about me that make me semi-qualified to lead this workshop:
Placed in the ‘22 New England Regional Open Scottish Fiddle Championship
Mentorship with Celtic cello icons Abby Newton & Natalie Haas
Non-Classical Training:
Creative Expansion for Cellists- Jeremy Harman, Berklee cello faculty
Multi-Style Cello with Mike Block, New England Conservatory faculty
Guided Practice Sessions (GPS)
with Eugene Friesen (jazz cello), Stephan Braun (jazz cello), Natalie Haas (celtic & scandinavian), Casey Driessen (groove), Tracy Silverman (strum bowing), Mike Block (multi-style cello), Zachary Brown (Groove string playing & chopping), Jeremy Kittle (improv) , Sara Caswell (bebop violin)
Festivals
Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp
Mike Block String Camp (admin)
Fiddle Hell (partner)
Aspen Music Festival (fellow)
Education
Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance University of Colorado (Boulder)
Certificate in Suzuki Cello Pedagogy University of Denver
Master of Music in Cello Performance Boston Conservatory