When I first started playing over 60 years ago, there were mainly two styles of mandolin playing in country and bluegrass music. One style was the single-note style typified by the Blue Sky Boys, and, of course, the other was the style of Bill Monroe. I couldn't play like Monroe, and didn't want to play the country style. So I set out to play as close to the melody as I could—just the way I hear it. Out of that approach I developed my own style.

During the week we will focus on playing the melody. We’ll work on getting your mandolin to sing! We’ll also work on classic intros and outros, plus some personal licks I use. I learned to play by ear, just as all the bluegrass masters did, and so I teach by ear. We will be working from the repertoire of my last three CD projects, along with a number of bluegrass standards.

As you are aware, this will be a class room setting, but I will work one-on-one as much as I can during the week.  Feel free to bring a note pad, a pen and a recording device.

Please look at my web site for more information and background.

www.herschelsizemore.com

I am looking forward to seeing each and every one of you at the Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week in 2008!

                                                        My Best to You,

                                                        Herschel Sizemore