EEFC Online Workshops

In keeping with the virtual demands of our modern times, EEFC is excited to sponsor a changing selection of live online class series, taught by our beloved workshop teachers, as well as one-off special events and movie screenings. All classes and events are held on Zoom and require one-time pre-registration. Zoom meeting information will be provided to registrants before each class (see FAQs below).

Unless otherwise noted, each 4-week course costs $50, or $15 per class. We also offer low-income tuition choices as well as a Pay It Forward option in case you have the means to throw in a little extra to keep our online programs thriving. See each series’ registration form for details.

Not the right time to join a class? Consider a donation of any size to EEFC to help keep our programs running. Thank you!

April 2024

Rhodope Kaba Gajda with Peter “Usmivkata” Aleksiev

Peter is offering a rare opportunity to share his extensive knowledge and experience learned from older-generation Bulgarian kaba gajda masters. He will take a deep dive into history, popular melodies, technique, and ornamentation. This class is targeted to intermediate and advanced players. Students should be familiar with the instrument and should be able to play by ear. Beginner gajda players and other instrumentalists are welcome to attend and observe the class. Schedule allowing, Peter will be available for private instruction outside of class.

Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2024 – 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. Pacific, 6:00 p.m. Mountain, 7:00 p.m. Central, 8:00 p.m. Eastern

Register here at least 2 hours before the first class time. We offer a sliding-scale set of fees. See the registration form for full info.

The “How” of Balkan Singing, 2nd Edition, with Michele Simon

The “how” of Balkan folk singing… We start with learning the notes and the lyrics of a song—the “what.”

The next step is to explore the “how”—the mechanics that enable us to sing in the style(s) with ease, freedom, and full expressiveness. In this lab we will experiment with breath, placement, ornaments, vowels, the anatomy and physiology of our instrument, and any other areas of interest that come up! All levels of singers are welcome. Let’s take a deep dive into sound production!

Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2024 – 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. Pacific, 6:00 p.m. Mountain, 7:00 p.m. Central, 8:00 p.m. Eastern

Register here at least 2 hours before the first class time. We offer a sliding-scale set of fees. See the registration form for full info.

Hungarian Violin from Gyimes, Transylvania, with Csenge Magyar

The style of playing from Gyimes is unique, featuring a beautiful flowing rhythm, usually accompanied by the gardon (also called ütőgardon), a sort of percussive cello, while the violin imitates a bagpipe-like sound, which is attained by a specific bowing technique (which sounds harder than it looks!). Csenge will teach about six songs in the style, enough for a whole jam/dance session. This class is designed for intermediate/advanced-level players.

Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2024 – 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. Pacific, 6:00 p.m. Mountain, 7:00 p.m. Central, 8:00 p.m. Eastern

Register here at least 2 hours before the first class time. We offer a sliding-scale set of fees. See the registration form for full info.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive the Zoom link?
To maintain cybersecurity, a new Zoom meeting number and password will be sent each week at least two hours before each class starts. Please begin to sign into the meeting no earlier than 15 minutes before our start time. A moderator will be available to assist you. If there is a sound/lighting check with the teacher in progress, please wait until we’re finished to unmute and begin your greetings and salutations!

How long are the classes?
Generally each class runs 75 minutes. Other events, such as lectures or movie screenings, may have different durations.

Will music and video be provided?
Each teacher has the option to make source materials available on password-protected pages. Password access to class materials pages will be provided in your registration confirmation and in the emails sent out at least two hours before each class. Password-protected links to streaming videos of each completed class will be provided to students separately via email.

What if I have to miss a class, or can only attend offline because of my schedule or time zone?
No problem! Links to streaming videos will be provided to registered students the day after each live class. All video links will be active for three months after the last class in the series.

I registered, and class is about to start, and I still haven’t gotten my Zoom link! Help!
Alas, sometimes our information emails end up in spam or junk folders. Please check there first, and if you still can’t find the email, contact the office and we’ll get you sorted out!