Jam classes through Common Ground on the Hill

Common Ground on the Hill is excited to offer these classes during the "school year!"  Consider taking these group classes as a way to stay in good musical form, to get ready for the myriad of summer offerings at Common Ground on the Hill in July.  Christopher James is a wonderful teacher.  You will have fun and play some good music!

Walt Michael, Executive Director
Common Ground on the Hill

Join the Jam
(Beginner level) Mondays, 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm

This class is for singers and instrumentalists who would like to develop the skills needed to make music with other musicians. The class is open to guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass, harmonica players and singers. If you have questions about other instruments fitting in you are welcome to contact the instructor before registering. (Common Ground Office: 410-857-2771) Instrumentalists should be able to play and switch between some basic chords on their instrument. The goals of the class will be to get people playing together (and ending together!), to learn some blues, folk and international songs that are fun to play, to learn how to lead a tune, and to learn how to listen and find your place in a group. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about which class would be the best fit for your abilities and interests.

What Can You Add to the Jam?
(Intermediate level) Mondays, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

This class is for singers and instrumentalists who have experience playing at jam sessions, with friends or in bands and want to take their playing to the next level. The class is open to guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass, harmonica players and singers. If you have questions about other instruments fitting in you are welcome to contact the instructor before registering. (Common Ground office: 410-857-2771) Instumentalists should be familiar with chords in a few different keys, some scales and basic improvising. The goals of this class will be to find different rhythmic ways to add to a song, to find new places to play chords with and without a capo, to develop solos and fills, to learn some blues, folk and international songs, to learn to lead a tune better, to learn about different ways to arrange a tune and to improve your ability to listen and play with other musicians. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about which class would be the best fit for your abilities and interests.


$160.00 per 8 week session

Classes will be held on Monday evenings for 8 weeks beginning Feb. 6
in the Common Ground office in the basement of Thompson Hall on the McDaniel College Campus
sign up now! http://www.commongroundonthehill.org/jam_classes.html

Fingerpicking the Blues

Join Christopher James for an exciting exploration of the Blues! For all of those who have heard the magical sounds of the acoustic guitar fingerpicked by such greats as Mississippi John Hurt and Robert Johnson and wondered how one person can sound like two guitarists playing together this is your chance to get started. Christopher will explain some easy exercises to develop right hand independence and then teach some of his favorite songs by Mississippi John Hurt.  
Tuesday nights
Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 28, March 6 & 13
7:00- 8:00 pm
Six weeks for $90! 
To register for classes please contact Christopher James at 410-751-3887 or chris@christopherjames.com.
More details on schedule page.