Beginner Clawhammer
In the beginner clawhammer banjo class we will break down and practice the right-hand bum-ditty technique as well as introducing some variants to the basic lick. We’ll focus on the importance of rhythm and timing before moving on to learn melodies. Students can expect to have a few tunes under their belt, in a few different tunings, to take home as NimbleFingers souvenirs, as well as tips to continue developing your new skill set at home!
Ashlee Watkins
Having grown up in a musical family in New South Wales, Australia, Ashlee Watkins is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. Her powerfully unadorned vocals exhibit a refreshing directness of expression reminiscent of Maybelle Carter, Molly O’Day, and Hazel Dickens. She has been awarded a number of blue ribbons from fiddlers’ conventions around the Southeast for her folk singing and old-time banjo and guitar playing. In 2021, her string band The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee won first place at the 85th Annual Old Fiddlers' Convention in Galax, VA. In 2022, she completed a Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship with Floyd County master musician Mac Traynham. Ashlee tours internationally with her duo Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small. She also performs with Larry Sigmon and string bands including the Mustard Cutters and Nobody’s Business.
