Allegro Academy is opening its doors to adult musicians with new offerings this spring— Singing 101, a beginner or refresher course for vocalists, and an Old-Time Rhythm and Repertoire workshop.
Singing 101 will take place on Fridays April 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10:00-11:30am. This class is perfect for aspiring vocalists or those who wish to brush-up on their skills. In four sessions singers will learn or re-visit techniques used in vocal music in studying breathing, tone, basic note reading, interpretation, and more. Together students will dig into the fundamentals of great singing and leave with a better understanding of their voice. Singing experience is not a requirement for participation.
Leading the course is Allegro Academy Artistic Director, Amy Morgan. Ms. Morgan in an accomplished choral director and voice instructor currently working with Allegra! Women’s Choir and Easton Choral Arts Society. The cost for the four sessions is $100. Tuition assistance is available on request.
Later in the month, Allegro Academy will welcome Rachel Eddy, a dynamic performer and teacher, to lead an Old Time Rhythm and Repertoire workshop on April 14, 6:30-8pm. The workshop will focus on learning tunes in a jam style format, open to all stringed instruments. Rachel will teach a handful of tunes by ear, guide the different instruments in their roles to create that string band sound. Focus will be on listening and interpreting the melodies and chords, and finding the groove of jamming with others. The session will be taught by ear, with audio and video recording allowed. A donation of $30-$50 per person is suggested.
Rachel Eddy is a native of West Virginia, known throughout the world as both an emotionally powerful performer and an engaging, thoughtful teacher. Rachel’s soulful singing and multi-instrumental finesse—including fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin—may be heard on numerous solo and collaborative recordings as well as at dances and jam sessions. Rachel’s performances, workshops, and festival appearances have featured their range as a soloist and collaboration with many artists including the Ken and Brad Kolodner Quartet, the Early Mays, and a European tour with Uncle Earl. Rachel has shared a passion for music teaching at the Alabama Folk School, Augusta Heritage Center, Common Ground, Kauffman Kamp, Nashville Fiddle and Banjo Camp, Sore Fingers, and many others. While living in Sweden, Rachel invigorated the Swedish old-time scene and inspired dozens of people to take up Appalachian music and dance. Always up for new artistic challenges, Rachel collaborated on the soundscape for, and performed in, the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 2019 performance of Amber Waves. As a passionate teacher, they are committed to ensuring an inclusive classroom and ability to lead students through a well-thought-out musical journey, finding connectivity with their instrument and inner creativity.
Both Singing 101 and the Rhythm and Repertoire workshop will take place at Allegro Academy, 114 North Washington Street, Easton. For more information please visit www.allegroacademyeaston.com.
Allegro Academy, a non-profit music conservatory located in downtown Easton, connects musicians through workshops, lessons, ensembles, and performances, and aspires to enrich the lives of music enthusiasts of all ages and incomes in our community. Academy Programs are supported in part by generous contributions from individuals, Talbot Arts, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, and the Maryland State Arts Council.