Specialty & Ensemble Classes

Specialty and Ensemble classes for adults provide a thematic exploration into a particular genre, songwriter or topic. These classes are perfect for intermediate musicians looking to expand their skills, dive deeper into themes and genres, while playing music with other instruments.

These classes are geared for players who have played their instrument before, with a basic-intermediate level knowledge of chords and melody.

Spring Session begins the week of March 23!

Each class will also be live-streamed and recorded for individuals who are not able to attend in person.

Alternate Tunings on Guitar
with Ry Mohon

Thursdays, 7-7:55pm, March 26-May 21. $200.

Gain a whole new perspective on your guitar! In this class, you'll learn to turn your guitar differently from EADGBA, and dive into open G, open D, and drop D tunings. Your instructor will break down the new chord shapes to use, as well as discuss why we'd venture away from standard tuning. Pre-requisites: Guitar 3 or equivalent.

Jazz Standards 2

with Zeke Kyoku

Mondays, 6-6:55pm, March 23-May 18. $200.

Open up your playing to the world of jazz music. In this class, you'll learn some gold standards and new chord shapes and progressions that are most used in jazz. Pre-requisites: Students should have completed an instrument Level 4 & More class, or be familiar with locating and playing bar chords.

Pentatonic Studies on Guitar

with Brian Nelson

Mondays, 6-6:55pm, March 23-May 18. $200.

Grow familiarity with your fret board while learning how to improvise via the pentatonic and blues scales. This class will work in multiple keys and positions, focussing on soloing over basic chord progressions and songs. Pre-requisites: Guitar 3 or equivalent.

Beginning Folk Ensemble
with Brian Nelson and Lindsay Taylor

Mondays, 7-8:15pm, March 23-May 18. $225.

This beginning ensemble class breaks down what it means to play with others through some of your favorite folk tunes—both old and new. All instruments are welcome, including (but not limited to) guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and bass. Students can take this class in perpetuity; new songs are explored each session.

Pre-requisites: this is an beginning-intermediate level class; students should have completed Level 3 or 4 & More instrument classes, some melody playing, and/or familiar with bar chords.

Intermediate Folk Ensemble
with Brian Nelson and Karina Wilson

Tuesdays, 7-8:15pm, March 24-May 19. $225.

This class explores melody, and chord theory through folk tunes, both old and new. All instruments are welcome, including (but not limited to) guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and bass. Students can take this class in perpetuity; new songs are explored each session.

Pre-requisites: Fretted instrument players should be familiar with closed chord shapes and reading tablature. Melody players should be comfortable either reading music or learning melodies by ear.

Old Time String Band Ensemble

with Brian Nelson and Eric Carlson

Wednesdays, 7-8:15pm, March 25-May 20. $225.

This ensemble class explores tunes from the old-time music genre - from singing Carter Family songs to playing instrumental tunes from all over North America. All instruments are welcome, including (but not limited to) guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and upright bass. Students can take this class in perpetuity; new songs are explored each session. This class will teach tunes by ear, but sheet music is also provided.

Want to brush up on your skills first? Check out our other classes for adults or explore our upcoming free jams.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

All Queen Bee classes need a minimum of three students to run. If a class does not meet that requirement, the class will be canceled, and registered students will be offered the following choices:

a credit for private lessons at the amount of their tuition
the registration fee can be transferred to a fully tax-deductible donation, or
a refund.

Credits must be used within the calendar year; they expire on December 31. Two-person classes may run as a semi-private lesson, at the discretion of Queen Bee administration and the teacher.

Registration for classes remains open for 3 weeks after a session begins. Students can drop a class and receive a refund for remaining classes through the third week of the session. After week 3, registration fees are non-refundable.