Bill Schilling's Workshop Subjects
Updated
Bill often
presents workshops at festivals, but has also found them to be a valuable way
of sharing information with classroom students, conference and seminar participants,
church and senior citizen groups, and others. The following subjects and
descriptions will help you decide on the best workshop(s) for your event. Check
with Bill for other specific subjects you would like him to cover.
Autoharp
Basic Autoharp
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the participants to the autoharp, acquainting
them with different harps, playing styles, setups, simple repairs, practice
hints, and/or resources. Participants will hear and use different playing
styles.
Beginning
Autoharp Accompaniment
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the participants to accompaniment playing styles
on the autoharp which will allow participants to quickly and easily accompany
folk-style singing or lead instruments in a jam by using simple strumming
techniques on an in tune autoharp. Participants will play different
accompaniment patterns and sing along (if they choose). Feeling the beat and/or
counting will be emphasized along with chord changes.
Beginning
Melody Autoharp
The purpose of
this workshop is to help participants understand how to find melodies for
playing leads on the autoharp. Participants will be encouraged and instructed
on playing by ear and on playing by finding the notes from written music as we
understand how our chord bars are related to the notes of the scale.
Autoharp
Tablature
The purpose of
this workshop is to let the participants see and use different styles of
tablature for the autoharp and to learn how they can create their own tablature
using similar techniques to write in their strum or picking patterns on
standard music notation or on lyric sheets.
Autoharp
Melody Strum
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the participants to the melody strum method for
playing melody and harmony on the autoharp by strumming up to the melody note
(and recognizing it when it is heard) using fingers, a flat pick, or a thumb
pick. Since frequent smooth changes of the chord bars are essential to melody
playing, left hand technique will be emphasized along with the right hand strum
and listening.
Autoharp
Thumb Lead Melody Playing
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the participants to the thumb lead method for
playing faster tunes on the autoharp. Participants will practice using an exact
striking motion with the thumb and one or two fingers to produce clean melody
lines. Left hand technique for quick changes of chord bars will be emphasized.
Participants are encouraged to have tight fitting thumb and finger picks for
this workshop since they are generally (but not always) used for this style of
playing.
Autoharp
Pinch/Pluck Melody Playing
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the participants to the pinch/pluck method of
melody playing on the autoharp. Participants will use fingerpicks and thumbpick
(or bare fingers and thumb) to play the melody while incorporating some backup
and /or harmony in this pleasing and useful style. Emphasis will be placed on
developing right hand accuracy and directionality as well as left hand
technique.
Bowed
Psaltery
Beginning Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants to the
bowed psaltery, acquainting them with different psalteries and bows, holding
the psaltery, bowing techniques, simple melody playing, simple backup playing,
and playing with two bows. Participants will hear and use different playing
styles.
Crossing to the Other Side of the Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants to playing
in keys other than C on the bowed psaltery, which requires crossing to the
other side of the instrument for the sharps or flats. Participants will play
songs and tunes in at least the keys of G, D, and F.
Bowed Psaltery Repertoire
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants to various
songs and tunes that might work well on the bowed psaltery (and maybe some that
won’t work well). Participants will play several songs and tunes and may
suggest some of their own.
Accompaniment with Bowed Psaltery
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants to ways to
use the bowed psaltery for accompaniment. Participants will learn techniques to
play bass parts including bass runs, harmonies, descants, and arpeggios, as
well as using two bows to play parts of chords.
Hammered
Dulcimer
Beginning Hammered Dulcimer
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce beginners to the hammered dulcimer, concentrating
on tuning tips, playing positions, hammers & hammering, rhythm tips,
practice hints, playing styles, playing occasions, and playing melodies and/or
chords.
Playing
HD During a Group Sing
The purpose of this workshop is to acquaint
the participants with some options they have for playing hammered dulcimer
while they are part of a group sing. Naturally, playing melody is an option,
but there are other options as well. Participants will be encouraged to listen
for and experiment with some of the options such as chords, arpeggios, trills,
decorations, harmonies, simple bass parts, and bass runs while playing some
simple and familiar tunes.
Mountain
Dulcimer
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the learners to DAA tuning and playing. Several
tuning methods will be presented and used. Songs will be played using different
strumming and picking patterns. Emphasis will be placed on playing the melody,
using the drones, and keeping the rhythm.
Advanced
The purpose of
this workshop is to strengthen the learners in DAA tuning and playing. Tuning
questions will be addressed. More complex songs will be played using basic
strumming and picking patterns with emphasis on playing the melody, using the
drones, and keeping the rhythm.
Advanced
The purpose of this
workshop is to introduce the learners to DAA chording. Players will learn how
to read dulcimer chord charts and tablature, will play chords for accompanying
lead instruments or vocals, and will use chords along with melodies for a
fuller sound than just drones provide.
Minor
Mode Melody and Drone for MD
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce
the participants to the plaintive sound of the Aeolian and/or Dorian modes on
the mountain dulcimer. Participants will be given assistance in retuning to DAC
and/or DAG (and back at the end of the workshop if desired), will get to
recognize and try some minor scales, and play some common minor tunes with
traditional drone accompaniment.
Through
the MD Modes
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the learners to modes beyond DAA Ionian. Tuning
methods will develop as modes are changed to DAD Mixolydian, DAC Aeolian, DAG
Dorian, DAF Phrygian, and DAE Lydian. Appropriate songs will be played in some
of the modes.
Rounds
as Parts for MD
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the learners to playing in parts through the use
of rounds. Workshop participants will concentrate on listening and working with
others as they play rounds in DAA and other tunings. The workshop is
appropriate for beginners, but can also be geared for intermediate players.
Playing
Parts for MD
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the learners to playing parts of a song with
other players. Workshop participants will concentrate on listening and working with
others as they try different parts of several songs. Since some players can
simply play the melody or chords, the workshop can be appropriate for most
dulcimer players. Various tunings may be used with DAA as a beginning point.
From
DAA to DAD for MD
The purpose of
this workshop is to allow players who are used to playing melody and drone
accompaniment in DAA or other tunings to understand how to read and follow
standard DAD tablature working on some simple tricks for recognizing and using
typical fingering patterns.
The purpose of
this workshop is to allow players to understand how the things they are doing
on the mountain dulcimer relate to music on the printed page with emphasis on
understanding the whole and half steps in some modal scales and understanding
how transposing and changing keys work. There is more discussion than playing
in this intermediate level workshop.
Other
Instruments and Other Subjects
Campfire Songs, Skits, and Stories
Participants will
hear, learn, and take part in a variety of campfire songs, skits, &
stories. There will be old favorites, new directions, and ideas on planning,
presentation, and programming. Participants will be encouraged to present their
favorites for group enjoyment and/or for critiques. This should be a lively
workshop. Come set to participate!
Children's Songs
Keeping children
entertained these days can be a very serious business. This workshop can be
presented simply as a concert for children, their families, and others giving
folks a chance to observe one style of working with children; or it can be
presented as a session for adults who want to start or to improve their skills
in working with young people. Come prepared to participate on sing-alongs and
rhythms since most of the fun of the workshop comes from the participants.
Folk Revival Songs
The 1950s and
1960s brought a resurgence in folk and traditional music with collectors
finding old recordings, old books, and (maybe more importantly) going out to
find and bring to the attention of others musicians who had learned the music
through the oral (or aural) tradition rather than from the media. A young
generation started performing and writing in those styles and many say that the
music affected the conscience of that generation. Participants will sing and
hear some songs that came back or started during the folk revival, will share
reminiscences, and will discuss the times and process.
Folk-Style Songs & Instruments
Workshop
participants will sing choruses of and/or play rhythm or homemade instruments
with various folk-style songs. They will be encouraged to discuss and ask
questions about how the folk song process connects broadsides, ballads,
traditional songs, old-time songs, and folk songs to religious, seasonal,
satiric, blues, country, hillbilly, western, cowboy, political, topical,
protest, and contemporary singer/songwriter songs. They will learn about the
history, setup, playing techniques, similarities, differences, and scientific
sound principles of various folk and homemade instruments.
Gospel Sing
People get
involved on a Sunday morning (or other time) at a festival -- or any time as a
special event at a church, club, or community function -- by singing songs that
people have grown up with in church and heard or sung at other events.
Participants are encouraged to choose songs and to sing along using specially
prepared song sheets. Chord sheets allow others to help make the music with
folk instruments (and possibly a piano or organ if the situation is right).
Humorous Songs
The purpose of
this workshop is to enjoy a few of the songs that some people think are funny.
There will be chances for participants to sing several choruses, to suggest or
perform songs for/with the other participants, and to rate and to discuss how
well the humor in the songs works.
Jugs, Tubs, Kazoos, Whistles, Washboards, Shakes and
More
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce the participants to a variety of backup and
rhythm instruments, acquainting them with playing styles and giving them an
opportunity to play various instruments along with some familiar songs.
Information on finding or constructing the instruments and on jam etiquette
will also be provided.
Multimedia Programs
The purpose of
this workshop is to introduce participants to some of the ways to put together
multimedia presentations. Emphasis will be placed on the slide shows combined
with folk-style music that are used in Schilling's Slides, Songs, & Stories
presentations. Topics will include: planning the overall presentation,
developing the visual presentation, creating the audio portion, adding dance or
movement, combining prepared and live media, involving the audience, and
evaluating the overall presentation.
Shaker Songs
The purpose of
this workshop is to have participants sing and hear some Shaker music while
introducing them to some of the history of that music, some Shaker beliefs,
Shaker communities, and Shaker letteral notation.
Singer/Songfinders
Some singers find
more great songs than they write. Participants will hear (and may share) songs
from various sources and find out about some of the resources they may use to find
similar songs.
Songs from Canal Days
Many songs have
been written describing life on the
Songs from the
The purpose of
this workshop is to acquaint the participant with some of the variety of the
songs and instruments that have roots in the
Songs of Land and Water
The natural world has been the inspiration
for many artistic creations. This workshop will explore several songs
influenced by various features of land or water in many different places.
Participants will be encouraged to become a part of the workshop by singing or
playing along on some of the songs, leading or choosing some of the songs, or
sharing thoughts or memories inspired by some of the songs.
Songs of Love
It would probably
be safe to guess that more songs have been written about love and lost love
than any other subject. Bring some of your favorites about either subject, and
we'll see if we can share some laughter (and maybe some tears) as we join in
songs from many times and places all celebrating (or bemoaning) love. We'll try
to make sure to end with a positive feeling, no matter how many tribulations we
go through.
Songs of Peace
Songs that
celebrate peace, that bring peace within us, or that make us aware of the
horrors of war can all be among the most powerful of our songs. Participants
will get a chance to be a part of the peace process as we share some songs of
each type and find out the effects they have on the participants.
Songs with Good Choruses
A shared group of
voices is something really special. We'll try some rounds, some harmonies, some
simple words to remember, some old favorites, and some challenges to the
memories. We'll use instruments and we'll sing a capella. Participants may
suggest or lead songs during the workshop, but everyone should come prepared to
join in the singing!
Traditional Songs
Songs in the
public domain that we don't know an author for come from all over the world and
from many times. Participants in this workshop will get a chance to play, sing,
or listen to songs from many traditions and will have the opportunity to
suggest or perform songs for/with the other participants. Stay alert! See if
you can discover when a composed (or even a copyrighted) song sneaks its way in
masquerading as a traditional song. There may even be a contest to see who can
identify the traditions and can find the ringers.
Vocal Accompaniment for Folk-Style Instruments
The purpose of
this workshop is to allow participants to understand more about beginning
instrumental styles for accompanying vocals (or melody instruments). Workshop
participants will hear accompaniment styles on several instruments and get a
chance to try adding their own instruments to the accompaniment. The workshop
is appropriate for most folk instruments.
Vocal Styles
Sometimes a song
demands a certain style of singing due to subject matter, area of origination,
or a singer's interpretation. Participants will hear (and may share) songs in
different voices and explanations of why they seem appropriate.
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