Seth Austen and Beverly Woods

Lessons, Classes and Workshops

Seth and Beverly offer private lessons at the Vintage Fret Shop in Ashland, NH, privately in the Wolfeboro/Ossipee area, and online via Skype. We also coach bands and offer workshops covering particular styles or instruments. We enjoy teaching motivated students at any level; beginners are welcome!

If you live outside the immediate area, we invite you to come to the scenic lakes region of New Hampshire for a day, weekend or weeklong music intensive. There are many places to stay nearby, from campgrounds to B&Bs, and lots of seasonal outdoor activities to enjoy while you're here.

We each have over 25 years of experience in teaching music, and enjoy doing it. Instruments we teach include hammered dulcimer, tsimbl, mandolin, bouzouki, fiddle, tenor and 5 string banjos, fretted dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, autoharp, hurdy gurdy, hand percussion, and many more. (See the Instruments We Play pages for more information about these instruments.) Please call or email us for details or to schedule a lesson.

Beverly's Tuesday Night Singing For Fun Class

Want more harmony in your life? Singing for the fun of it, in a supportive group environment that makes it easy. We do a mixed bag of material: rounds, folk songs from around the world, shape note hymns, and other music composed in parts. No previous experience or note reading skills required; all that's needed is the desire to sing!

Class currently meets Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, in North Wolfeboro. Singers of all ages are welcome, and you can join us any time; call 569-2341 for details.

Every other Wednesday Night Grange Hall Singing

On alternate Wednesday nights from 7-9, Beverly teaches wonderful 19th century songs in the G.A.L.A. Grange Hall at 3 Pork Hill Road in Water Village, NH. This class is a total blast and we're building up a good repertoire. Admission by donation. Come on down and join us! Class dates for April: April 13, April 27th.

Community String Band - Thursday evenings in Wakefield

Learn to play traditional Appalachian folk songs, New England contradance tunes and more in a friendly community string band format. Repertoire includes hoedowns, reels, jigs, hornpipes, waltzes and songs. We'll explore roles of different instruments in a string band and how to create harmonies. accompaniments and arrangements. Tunes are taught by ear, however written music is also provided. Attendees should have basic playing skills on their instruments, beginners are welcome. Class not limited to stringed instruments. Taught by Seth Austen, meets at the Wakefield Congregational Church. Two classes offered, beginners at 6 PM, and mixed level at 7 pm.

Old Time String Band Class - Wednesdays in Conway

Learn to play traditional New England, Appalachian and Celtic music; repertoire includes reels, jigs, hornpipes, hoedowns, rags, marches and waltzes. We'll explore the roles of different instruments in a string band and how to create harmonies, accompaniments and arrangements. Tunes are taught by ear, however written music can be provided. Attendees should have basic playing skills on their instruments; class not limited to stringed instruments.

Folk Band for Beginners - Wednesdays in Conway

Learn to play traditional American folk songs and fiddle tunes on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar, dulcimer or autoharp. We'll explore various topics including how to hear chords in a song, how to learn tunes by ear, adding harmonies and creating arrangements. Tunes are taught by ear, however written music will also be provided. Attendees should have basic playing skills on their instruments, class not limited to stringed instruments. For beginners!

Ukulele Class - Wednesdays in Conway

The ukulele, commonly known as uke, originated in Hawaii in the 19th century and become very popular in the mainland USA during the early 20th century. The uke is currently enjoying a renaissance in popularity and can be found in various styles of music including folk, rock, jazz and classical. The uke is a simple instrument for beginners to learn, yet also expressive in the hands of the masters. This class will get you started playing chords and melodies, you'll be playing songs from the very first day! No previous musical experience required.

Beginning Harmonica Class - Wednesdays in Conway

The harmonica is an important part of American musical history, found in many styles including folk, country, blues and rock. A simple instrument for beginners to learn, yet expressive and powerful in the hands of the masters. This class will get you started playing melodies and chords in first position (straight harp),and you'll also learn the basics of second position (cross harp) for blues. You'll be playing songs from the very first day! Students provide their own instrument, we will use diatonic harmonicas in the key of C. No previous musical experience required.

Ukulele Class meets weekly on Wednesday afternoons from 4 - 4:45 PM. Harmonica Class meets weekly on Wednesday afternoons from 4:45 - 5:30 PM. Folk Band meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:15 PM. Old Time String Band meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:45 PM. These classes are taught by Seth Austen at Mountain Top Music Center in Conway NH. To register or for more information call MTMC at 603-447-4737 or click here for their website .