In this book and accompanying audio Autoharp hall of famer Evo Bluestein provides a beginning approach to a repertoire of songs and Fiddle tunes popular in old-time and bluegrass circles. Basic rhythm chord accompaniment lyrics and music notation make this book useful for other lead instruments as well including Fiddle Mandolin and Voice. A more advanced approach can be found in Evo Bluestein's book 'Autoharp in Four Easy Steps' published byMel Bay. More books and DVDs are available at www.evobluestein.com.Evo Bluestein is known as an expert player in the style pioneered by the late Autoharp master Kilby Snow. Bluestein has also developed two successful andpopular brands of Autoharp The Evoharp and the Sparrowharp built by two world class Autoharp luthiers. In addition to helping many adults learn music on the Autoharp for over thirty years children in numerous schools havelearned to play and sing using the Autoharp in programs that Bluestein has implemented. He is also an accomplished dance caller teaching folk dance as an independent contractor throughout California schools. Bluestein isco-founder of the California Autoharp Gathering. Includes access to online audio featuring Evo Bluestein.

A step-by-step self-instruction method. Includes care of the Autoharp playing positions chord changes back-up strums arpeggio strums melody picking rhythm picking and much more. Each song teaches something new and eachstrum pattern is built on the previous one.When you have practiced each selection and perfected each strum you will have the necessary foundation to go on to more advanced styles and more intricate picking. The songs inthe book are arranged for the 15-chord instrument since it is the most popular for beginning students. In the 60-minute instructional audio recording the author uses Autoharp and Vocals to demonstrate the major styles presentedin the book from simple to advanced strums to melody picking. The player learns effective ways to practice each new style and has a chance to play along with the singer on the songs that are repeated unaccompanied. Includesaccess to online audio.

Gospel music is rooted in the folk tradition of America. It is music from the heart and soul and appears wherever people gather to express their spiritual joy. Folk instruments such as the guitar banjo mandolin ukulele andautoharp lend themselves to this kind of group singing. They can provide simple accompaniments or carry the melody in a small group of a full fledged revival. The autoharp blends in well with the spirit and harmonics of thesehymns. The first section of this book is chorded for simple strumming. The second section is arranged for melody playing with string numbers indicated. A popular collection which includes 69 songs!

There is a wide selection of hymns in this book including traditional Hymns of Praise Thanksgiving Easter and Lent. Added to this rich array are the most popular Hymns of Christmastide and a collection of our most belovedSpirituals. They have been arranged in the keys that are most suitable for singing and can be played in a variety of styles using only the words and the accompanying chords. In cases where there are two versions of a particulartune both have been included. If one version is not well known however the most widely used melody is selected.