Bing Futch Workshops

Bing Futch Workshops

Mountain Dulcimer Fundamentals

Whether you’re a beginning player, or a returning one, we’ll cover the basics of strumming, picking, playing melody against the drone and how to read tablature.  You'll learn a few tunes and get to know your instrument a little bit better as we cover subjects like putting on strings, tuning, how to practice and learning the fretboard. (Beginner)

Learn “Margaritaville”!

Learn my arrangement of Jimmy Buffet’s classic tune, “Margaritaville” without the fear of losing your shaker of salt!  I’ll teach two versions of the piece; one will be an instrumental, and the other will be a simpler version with chords and riffs so you can take the vocal lead and sing along! (Intermediate-Advanced)

Mountain Dulcimer - The Secret To Chord Melody Style

There is a secret to creating a compelling arrangement on the mountain dulcimer.  It involves keeping the melody as the focus while still allowing for dynamics of countermelody and rhythm.  In this workshop, you will learn how to take a simple melody into a full-fledged arrangement. (Intermediate)

Learning To Play Native American Flute

This beautiful, haunting and expressive instrument dates back 4000 years on the North American continent.  Originally used in courtship and later in ceremonies and, more recently, ensemble performance, the Native American flute now enjoys great popularity in all types of music.  You'll be surprised at just how easy it is to play!  In this workshop, you'll learn basics: flute anatomy, how to hold it, breath control, major and minor scales, ornamentation techniques and how to discover your very own spirit song.  If you don't have a flute, I will have a limited supply of loaners that are also available for purchase.  Key does not matter if you wish to bring your own. (Beginner to Intermediate)

Sunday Morning Coming Down

This has become a tradition for a number of years at the retreat and is a great way to wind down after three full days of fun!  Here’s your chance to reflect on new things that you’ve learned, ask questions, get clarification and share lightbulb moments with the group.  It’s always an easy-going good way to start the final day! (ALL)