BKCM Bluegrass Program

“One thing that makes bluegrass music special is that almost anyone can play it – all you need to know is a few standard chords and a few basic “rules” of play to get started. But it also is a genre with great depth with very high-level players. If you love this music, you can go deep with it. There is endless potential.”
– Alex Deane, Bluegrass Lab Faculty

Who Can Join Bluegrass Lab?

All are welcome to join the Bluegrass Lab, even if you have never played bluegrass before! However, you do need to have some basic knowledge of your instrument so that you can have a good experience in the class. See below for instrument-specific expectations and resources, and feel free to contact cmsadmin@bkcm.org with any questions.

String Instruments

(Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)

String players who join the Bluegrass Lab should be familiar with the D and A major scales. Feel free to use the PDF below to practice!

Bluegrass FIDDLE SCALES

Guitar Instruments

(Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo)

Guitarists and mandolinists should be able to play open chords (e.g., G, C, D, A, E and F) comfortably and know basic strumming patterns. Comfort with tuning (either by ear or using a tuner) is helpful. Feel free to use the guide below to get ready!

Bluegrass GUITAR CHORDS

How to Apply

Returning Bluegrass Lab Students: If you have taken part in a BKCM Bluegrass class before, you do not need to reapply. Simply email katherine.slingluff@bkcm.org for next steps on registering for the upcoming semester.

First-time Bluegrass Lab Applicants:

1. Record a short Audition Video on a smart phone (or similar device). You can record yourself playing any song that demonstrates your ability; it does not have to be bluegrass. If you play guitar, mandolin, or banjo, make sure to demonstrate your comfort with the chords G, D, A, E, C, either as part of the song or by playing them at the end.
2. Upload the video via the following Application Form to complete your application. If you have questions, please email our bluegrass coordinator, Katherine Slingluff, at katherine.slingluff@bkcm.org.

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available to qualifying students. To learn more about Financial Aid and apply, click here.

Bluegrass Faculty

• Christian Apuzzo

  BKCM Faculty

• Ken Shoji

  BKCM Faculty

• Alex Deane

  BKCM Faculty

• Mike Clifford

  BKCM Faculty

• Melody Allegra Berger

  Youth Bluegrass Lab

Christian Apuzzo

Christian Apuzzo

Christian Apuzzo is a Brooklyn-based vocalist, guitarist, and music educator originally from Long Island. After beginning his career as a certified public school music teacher, Christian ventured into the dynamic world of freelance music in NYC. Specializing in folk, bluegrass, and country, he performs with several groups across the five boroughs, including ’23 Podunk Band Competition winners Cole Quest and the City Pickers, The Grass Messengers, and Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective. In addition to his performances, Christian is passionate about teaching and offers music lessons and classes for all ages both privately and at Jalopy Theatre in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Shoji

Ken Shoji

Kensuke Shoji is a jazz violinist and member of Deadgrass. Born in Gifu, Japan, he began playing violin at 7 with Suzuki Method. Kensuke joined his father’s Bluegrass band when he was a teenager and moved to the U.S to study with Matt Glaser (the chair of Berklee String Department ) and world renowned jazz violinist Christian Howes. You can find Kensuke playing with top bluegrass musicians throughout NYC and worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

Alex Deane

Alex Deane

Alex Deane started playing fiddle, loving bluegrass music, and writing songs as a child in Nashville, TN. After moving to New York City she picked up guitar and became immersed in the city’s bluegrass scene. She currently plays with the Dirty Mother String Band and The Old Grimes as well as at jams around Brooklyn. Alex believes in the power of art and music to contribute to building a better world. With a teaching style that emphasizes connection more than perfection, she is passionate about helping people find their way to playing music together with others at any skill level.

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Clifford

Mike Clifford

Mike Clifford wears many hats: solo artist, member of the country/bluegrass band The District, NYC elementary school teacher. His music fuses folk, bluegrass and pop. Based in Brooklyn, he has toured nationally and abroad. He volunteers with the program Musicians on Call, bringing live music to hospital patients. Mike also teaches bluegrass to students at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. He currently hosts a weekly folk and bluegrass jam at the Gowanus Dredgers Club.

 

 

 

 

 

Melody Allegra Berger

Melody Allegra Berger

Award-winning fiddler Melody Allegra Berger has been raising a ruckus in NYC for the past decade and has toured nationally and abroad. You can see her on SNL(S44E19), and hear her on House of Cards (S2E05), Trixie Mattel’s Two Birds, and Gangstagrass: American Music. Favorite Theatre gigs include- Off Broadway: Elizabeth A. Davis’ My Name’s Not Indian Joe, Prospect Theater Company’s Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge and covering Fiddle/Mandolin for Desperate Measures. Regional: Indecent, Once, Ring of Fire, Always…Patsy Cline, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Her main axe is fiddle/violin and she also plays mandolin, viola and basic: guitar, banjo, cello, accordion, piano, etc. She is classically trained in both violin and voice and enjoys helping other classical players transition to folk styles. Learn more on Melody’s website.

 

 

 

 

 

Bluegrass Events & Jams

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

There’s so much more to explore at BKCM for all ages, instruments, schedules and abilities!

Private Lessons

Group Classes

Suzuki Program

Music Therapy