Progessions:

Bluegrass Guitar

Become a bluegrass guitar whiz in 4 months!

So you’ve got the basic skills down on guitar. Ever wanted to be able to comfortably play bluegrass like Tony Rice, Doc Watson, or Billy Strings? Want to expand your repertoire, play guitar in a band, or even record music?

This 4-month online intensive learning experience teaches beginner/intermediate acoustic guitarists how to comfortably play in bluegrass styles. You’ll work with an expert instructor in a small cohort to reach your personalized goals.

The next session runs August 29th through December 21. Fill out an interest form to start applying by August 18!

Progessions:

Bluegrass Guitar

Become a bluegrass guitar whiz in 4 months!

So you’ve got the basic skills down on guitar. Ever wanted to be able to comfortably play bluegrass like Tony Rice, Doc Watson, or Billy Strings? Want to expand your repertoire, play guitar in a band, or even record music?

This 4-month online intensive learning experience teaches beginner/intermediate acoustic guitarists how to comfortably play in bluegrass styles. You’ll work with an expert instructor in a small cohort to reach your personalized goals.

The next session runs August 29th through December 21. Fill out an interest form to start applying by August 18!

This course was a great way to strengthen my fundamentals, build a repertoire, and play with others in front of an audience.  It was inspiring and included valuable resources I’ll use for years. I have many more tools as a player now and I’m more excited to play than ever!

Colin S., Progressions Student in 2022

How Does Progressions Work?

This isn’t just any online guitar course. It’s designed to give you not just knowledge but practical experience of the fundamentals of Bluegrass guitar beyond just a self-paced series of tutorials or occasional lessons.

You’ll have over 30 online class sessions taught on Zoom with your cohort of just 2-5 other students on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm MT, plus additional individual sessions with your expert instructor, Martin Gilmore, for personalized help. You’ll also get monthly in-person performance opportunities with your fellow students!

You’ll be challenged without being overwhelmed to make sure you reach your goals.

Here’s what sets Progressions apart from other courses:

Individual Attention

This isn’t just a series of lectures – with only 2-5 other students, you’ll get  specific feedback on your playing, curated practice plans, and personalized one-on-one help from your instructor.

Consistency & Accountability

For many guitarists, the biggest barrier to learning bluegrass is prioritizing your time to just sit down and practice! With twice-weekly class meetings and personalized practice plans, you’ll build up the consistency of learning new songs and techniques to make your new skills second nature.

Performance Opportunities

Learning techniques is only half the battle – actually performing songs is a whole ‘nother ball game! Few other courses give you the opportunity to learn how to give live performances of songs, so you can leave with polished renditions ready for the stage or studio.

Theory, Ensemble, and Jam Skills

There’s much more to this style than just learning flatpicking. You’ll learn crucial, musicianship tools that will last a lifetime like:

  • Grooving, keeping time, and phrasing
  • Theory, the musical alphabet, and chord voicings
  • How to play well with others in a band and/or jam session
  • Ear training, thought organizing, and reacting to your audience

Meet Your Instructor

Martin Gilmore
Martin Gilmore has a multi-decade, world-spanning career performing and teaching bluegrass.

As a folk guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Martin has shared the stage with members of The Infamous Stringdusters and opened two shows for Stephen Stills and Judy Collins. He was a founding member of the award-winning bluegrass band Long Road Home, and vintage Honky-Tonk band The Semaphores.

He has taught Bluegrass and Folk guitar at Swallow Hill Music for over 12 years and at the University of Northern Colorado since 2017, in addition to teaching through his private studio.

How Much Does Progressions Cost?

Progressions is an investment in your future guitar talents that costs $1,700 for the full 4-month curriculum. (A payment plan of $425/month is also available.)

Since those 4 months include 30+ class meetings, individual sessions with Martin, and monthly performances, the cost breakdown looks something like this:

…which comes out to less per hour than many private guitar teachers!

*A application fee is also due at the time of applying, which will be applied to the total course tuition*

Frequently Asked Questions

Placeholder (do not delete)
How do I know if Progressions is a good fit for me?
All music lessons (including private lessons and group classes) are taught either at our physical location at 71 E Yale Ave. or online – some “Hybrid” classes are taught partly online and partly in-person. Our teachers do not go to private homes to give music lessons.

How skilled should I be on guitar to take this course?
Guitarists should have both time and experience with their instrument and be able to play independently without direct supervision.  Students join Progressions as intermediate players, meaning, they should either have 2+ years of experience or at a minimum, know basic chords, barre chords and a scale.  

How does the application and interview process work?

The application is set up so the instructor can prepare for the interview with the student. The interview is used to assess the skills a student has and if a particular cohort is the right fit for them. In the interview, students will be asked to demonstrate their skill level through playing in a one-on-one setting with their instructor.  

How much does Progressions cost? How much is due when?

Progressions is an investment in your future musical talents that costs $1,700 for the full 4-month curriculum. (A payment plan of $425/month is also available.) Those 4 months include 30+ class meetings, individual sessions with Martin, monthly performances, and a final recording opportunity.

A refundable deposit of $100 is due at the time of application. This will be refunded to you if you are not accepted into the program. If you are accepted, an additional $425 for the first month of the program will be charged on 9/20/2023, and $855 for the second and final months will be charged on 10/20/2023.

Can I take Progressions if I don't live in Denver and I can't do in-person performances?

Yes. Progressions will mostly be held virtually, though depending on the location of the students in your cohort, there may be in-person meetings at Swallow Hill in Denver or off-site at other area music venues and studios.  Also, depending on the cohort, this can not happen at all, or could be up to once a week. 

I'm new to online classes - what should I expect? Is there any computer/video equipment I will need?

Students will need a computer, tablet or device with camera and microphone capabilities. Students will need sufficient internet connection for smooth programming.

A consistent internet upload speed of 5.7 Mbps or more is recommended. Conduct a speed test for your connection at www.speedtest.net (and consider testing during the proposed time of your lessons or class). Using an ethernet cable, plugged from your router to your computer, provides a more stable connection.

Is there a sample class I can take before applying?

Yes! You can sit in on a class with current Progression cohorts to get a taste and instructors can provide the corresponding materials for context.