Gryphon often hosts group classes featuring our excellent teaching staff. Contact the instructor directly for more information or to sign up for the class of your choice.
Jack Tuttle: Beginning Mandolin, Bluegrass jamming for guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and bass
Carol McComb: All-levels acoustic guitar, voice, harmony singing and songwriting
Greg Vaughan: Beginning/Intermediate ukulele
Ed Johnson: Exploring Acoustic Blues/James Taylor Songbook
Jack Tuttle’s Summer 2018 Bluegrass Classes
Class details and enrollment >
Questions? email Jack at [email protected] or call (650) 248-4951.
Website: www.jacktuttle.com
Need to miss a class or two? I do provide email support and update my website to include pdfs and mp3s of missed materials, so you can still keep up.
Beginning Mandolin (Level 1-2) (Includes Jack’s mandolin book)
Tuesdays 6 to 7:00pm Eight weeks, $190. Starts Tuesday, June 19th
We’ll cover all of the basics of beginning mandolin in this introductory class. Both soloing and chord playing will be studied with focus on establishing good fundamentals with the pick as well as proper left-hand technique. Repertoire will include simple fiddle tunes and bluegrass songs, covering a variety of mandolin techniques. We’ll explore practicing exercises and proper techniques to ensure the most efficient learning and then put it all together in a low pressure group environment. All materials will be available in both music and tablature. A great class for guitarists looking for something different as well as the beginning mandolin player.
Need a mandolin? Gryphon will provide a free take home mandolin for the duration of the class.
Bluegrass Jam Class #1 (Level 2-3)
Tuesdays, 7 to 8:00pm. Eight weeks, $180. Starts Tuesday, June 19th
This class is for those who want to play with others. We’ll put together some standard bluegrass songs and work on playing and singing them as a group in the bluegrass style. Tablature and mp3s will be provided for those who need help with soloing. For guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and bass. Prerequisite: Must be able to play chords in time. 6:00pm Wednesday Bluegrass Jam Class, (Level 2-3)
Bluegrass Jam Class #2 (Level 2-3)
Wednesdays, 6 to 7:00pm. Eight weeks, $180. Starts Wednesday, June 20th
This class is for those who want to play with others. We’ll put together some standard bluegrass songs and work on playing and singing them as a group in the bluegrass style. Tablature and mp3s will be provided for those who need help with soloing. For guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and bass. Prerequisite: Must be able to play chords in time. 7:00pm Wednesday Bluegrass Jam Class (Level 3)
Bluegrass Jam Class #3 (Level 2-3)
Wednesdays, 7 to 8:00pm. Eight weeks, $180. Starts Wednesday, March 14th
This class is for those who want to play with others. We’ll put together some standard bluegrass songs and work on playing and singing them as a group in the bluegrass style. Tablature and mp3s will be provided for those who need help with soloing. For guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and bass. Prerequisite: Must be able to play chords in time.
Learn more about Jack Tuttle >
Carol McComb’s Summer 2018 Guitar Classes
Email Carol at [email protected] or call (650) 530-2526.
June 18 – August 30 (8 weeks)
MONDAYS
5 pm – Starting to Play (level 1) (choice of two times)
6 pm – Folk Favorites #1 (level 2)
7 pm – Starting to Play (level 1) (choice of two times)
TUESDAYS
5 pm – Bluegrass and Carter Style #5 (songs level 2-3, leads level 3-4)
6 pm – Songwriter’s Circle – Projects and Feedback (no guitar level) New class!
7 pm – Americana and its Roots #9 (multi-level class – levels 2-3 and 3-4) New class! (choice of two times)
WEDNESDAYS
5 pm – Folk Standards (level 1-2)
6 pm – Jamming and Playing by Ear (level 2-3)
7 pm – Harmony and Singing – Mixed Styles (no guitar level) New Songs!
THURSDAYS
5 pm – Americana and its Roots #9 (multi-level class – levels 2-3 and 3-4) New class! (choice of two times)
6 pm – Already Picking Some – Intro to Travis Style (level 2-3)
7 pm – Light Rock and Pop #2 (level 2+) (intro to flatpicking)
Learn more about Carol McComb >
Summertime Rock Your Uke 7-week group class
Thursdays, beginning June 14, 2018 at 7:00 pm (7 one-hour classes, No class July 5)
Cost: $150
Questions, or to enroll, email Greg at [email protected] or call 650-858-0667.
Ain’t no cure for the Summertime Uke! This continuation of our Rock Your Uke series will focus on summer rock classics. The goal of this beginning/intermediate class will be to continue working on ukulele basics and playing popular songs in a group setting. Beginners are welcome but should be able to play a few chords and a basic strum pattern.
You do NOT need to have taken our other classes to take this one. Artists such as the Beach Boys, the Drifters, and Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole will be featured. Starting June 14, Thursdays 7-8 pm; $150 for seven weeks (one-hour classes).
Questions? Contact Greg at: [email protected]
Need a ukulele for the class? Gryphon will provide a free take-home rental ukulele for the duration of the class.
Learn more about Greg Vaughan >
Ed Johnson’s Spring 2018 Class Series
Six-Week Classes start Monday April 9 and run through May 21
(NOTE: There will be no classes held May 14).
Classes are 60 minutes in length.
Cost per class is $140.
To register, go to www.edbjohnson.com
Exploring Acoustic Blues – We’ll take at a look at this timeless art form through the music of pioneers like Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, and Big Bill Broonzy, as well as through modern players such as Keb Mo, John Cephas, and Eric Clapton. Various finger style techniques will be covered, as well as some basic guitar-oriented music theory in learning how to start improvising over basic blues song structures and chord progressions. (Monday 6:30-7:30pm. Some prior experience in finger style playing is recommended)
James Taylor Songbook – Later this year marks the 50th anniversary of the release of James Taylor’s debut recording on the Beatles label Apple Music, simply titled James Taylor. Little did we know then that James would be launching an iconic career, with songs that have become American standards. We’ll revisit some of the best of his repertoire, exploring the unique guitar stylings and techniques used in his memorable songs. (Monday 7:35-8:35pm. Some prior experience in finger style playing is recommended)
