Winter Short Seminars

Blue Bear Short Seminars are fun and affordable one-night classes for beginners and all levels. Blue Bear Members get one free seminar per annual membership. Call 415.673.3600 to reserve your free seminar.

Intro to Drums
Monday, January 9, 7-9pm
Shaun McGonegal
Here's your chance to take a drum kit for a test ride: basic stick technique, simple beats and some snazzy demonstrations from Blue Bear's funky and fab drum instructor.
Cost: $30

Developing Jazz/Blues Phrasing on Guitar
Monday, January 9, 7-9pm
Brian Gire
Learn how to shape rhythmic and melodic ideas based on examples from players like Kenny Burrell and Grant Green. You'll discuss blues scales and triad-based approaches to soloing.
Cost: $30

Overview of Singer/Songwriter/Guitarists
Tuesday, January 10, 7-9pm
Brian Gire
Using recorded examples, this seminar will survey and demonstrate the many varied guitar styles used by great singer/songwriters past and present.
Cost: $30

Play Like a Drummer (Any Instrument!)
Tuesday, January 10, 7-9pm
Alex Nash
Bring your instrument and learn how to introduce rhythmic elements into your playing in ways you've not imagined before. Lots of in-class playing along with discussion of a range of rhythmic concepts.
Cost: $30

How to Sing and Play Guitar Together
Wednesday, January 11, 6:30-8:30pm
Janak Ramachandran
You can sing, you can play, but it all falls apart when you try to put it together? Learn tips for how to practice and develop singing-while-playing skills, including the most important aspects of basic vocal technique.
Cost: $30

Vocal Performance Workshop
Wednesday, January 11, 7-9pm
Lynn Asher
What makes an audience stop and take notice? How can you create a dynamic and engaging performance? How can you access all parts of your vocal range to express your song with confidence and finesse? You'll perform one or two songs and get constructive, professional feedback about your live performance and vocal delivery. Singer/songwriters encouraged!
Cost: $30

Chord-Scale Relationships
Thursday, January 12, 6:30-8:30pm
Brian Gire
Wondering what scale you can play over a G7#5 chord (or whatever chord is causing you to lose sleep at night)? This seminar will provide the answer, leading to a better understanding of soloing options and a more restful night's sleep.
Cost: $30

Grit to Grease: Rock Vocal Texture
Thursday, January 12, 6:30-9pm
Janak Ramachandran
Learn how to create vocal colors, from raw to refined, from sugary to sassy, without hurting your voice. You'll explore techniques such as the glottal scrape, covered tone and truncated yodel to take your singing to the next level!
Cost: $35

Intro to Harmonica
Saturday, January 14, 10:30am-12:30pm
Nicco Tyson
What's better than to be able to play an instrument that fits in your pocket? This seminar is aimed at getting new harmonica players off the ground and headed in the right direction, whether it be blues, folk, country, rock, reggae or any other type of music. The following essential topics will be covered: breathing patterns; playing positions; playing over the blues progression; tongue blocking and lip pursing techniques to single notes playing; bending notes; hand positions for wah-wah and vibrato effects; throat vibrato; and how to jam and perform with bands.
Cost: $30

Beginning Mandolin
Saturday, January 14, 10:30am-12:30pm
Brian Gire
If you're new to mandolin, this seminar will be a great first lesson, covering basic technique and giving you a roadmap for how to proceed.
Cost: $30

I Plink, Therefore I Am: Ukulele Basics
Saturday, January 21, 10:30am-12:30pm
Matt Driscoll
This crash course for beginners will teach basic chords, strumming and reading skills. Join the "Ukes, not Nukes" movement and start playing music!
Cost: $30