String Fever

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal Jan 28, 2009

When it comes to playing music, Karen Shirer's favorite stage might be a soapbox.

"The music industry has taken music away from us," she proclaimed. "They make it sound wonderful on a recording, then sell it back to us. As a result, we feel that any music we try to play won't sound like the recording, so our music is inferior."

Shirer wants the masses to take back the music, and she is working on her mission by teaching beginning guitar for the first time in Club Ed.

Shirer herself is an accomplished musician, playing piano and guitar. This fall she picked up the violin for the first time, and has already performed a concert with the Take-A-Bow orchestra of adult beginners. She believes that music is meant to be played by everyone, together and with joy.

"There is so much enjoyment we can find, even as adults, struggling in playing together," she said. "We can enjoy the process as well as create a decent end product. Music does not have to be perfect in order to be enjoyed. It is okay to laugh!"

Shirer teaches from what she calls a "folk" standpoint. That, she explained, means learning music not just in terms of reading notes, but by experiencing it. That means performing in a group.

"You must also learn to read other musicians you are playing with," she said. "Playing is a time to enjoy one another. There is so much about music that connects people."

Shirer starts beginners off learning basic chords, showing the structure and patterns common to many songs. She teaches people to learn to play by ear, so they can hear the chord changes and feel the music. She throws in music theory, but she calls it "pretty painless theory."

"I teach practical theory," she explained, "like how to use chord changes in your music by listening as well as by reading."

The thought of playing in front of others terrifies some beginners, especially adults. But Shirer feels it is important for players to step out of their comfort zones.

"Music is about sharing emotion, but it does not have to be scary," she said. "You are sharing delight as well. We know there is a bit of nervousness, but we don't want people to feel scared. We try to foster a supportive and encouraging environment."

That is why she came up with Acoustic Easy Jammin' to follow her beginning class. Musicians of all levels can perform together, taking turns leading the group. It evokes a kind of "playing around the campfire" experience.

"I love the campfire sing-along, playing songs people already know from when they were young. In the jam, the focus is not on learning new songs, but rather on learning how to play them and enjoying the sounds of the different instruments."

So turn off the radio and take off the headphones, and head to Club Ed to learn to play real music.

"Learning something new does the brain an amazing amount of good," Shirer said. "It keeps you young, and nurtures the joy that music just brings to your soul."

XXX

Club Ed is offering classes in guitar, piano, singing, and dulcimer in the spring session, now underway. Karen Shirer's guitar classes begin Feb 19. Visit www.clubed.net to sign up, or call 830-895-4386.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Each year, we offer more than 400 classes throughout the Texas Hill Country, along with online courses, business and individual training, and after-school and summer camps. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.