This upper-level course explores the roots and branches of folk music in the United States of America with an emphasis on the bluegrass tradition. Given the inherently social nature of the subject, students consider music of the past and present through a combination of oral history and performance. Co-taught by a musicologist and professional bluegrass musician, the course enables students to enhance their documentary, listening, and analytical skills, while immersing themselves in the tradition through performance. Instrumental and vocal tutorials provide both musical instruction and a sense of the development of the tradition over the course of time. Students must be able to play an acoustic instrument with basic chords and rhythm strumming. Emphasis is placed on the process of creation, including authorship, arranging, and presentation. When schedules permit, there may be a field trip to the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown or another music festival. Should such a trip take place, travel and other expenses will be covered by the department. Fulfills the Musicianship Performance Oriented Course requirement for majors. Meets the Critical Learning: CP requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: CP

1 unit — Reed

Offerings

Term	Block	Title	Instructor	Location	Student Limit/Available	Updated
Spring 2024	Block 7	American Folk Music	Keith Reed	Packard Hall 9	25 / 1	04/25/2024
Spring 2025	Block 7	American Folk Music	Keith Reed	TBA	25 / 25	04/25/2024