Singing Classes with Cary at Swannanoa Old-Time Week at Warren-Wilson College July 20-26 2025

Class 1 – Sweet Dreamers – Songs of Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, and Wanda Jackson

Join Cary for a swinging honky tonk singing class full of heartache, spit fire, country two steps, and wallowing in our sorrows as we sing songs from classic country strong women with strong voices: Patsy, Kitty, and Wanda.  In this class we will learn some of the top hits of these tough cookies, giving particular attention to tempo, feel, style, and tone.  Topics covered will be breathing for singing, vocal resonance, the two-step beat, and honky tonk attitude.  Instruments welcome, harmonies encouraged.

Class 2 – High Lonesome Singing – Roscoe Holcombe, Ola Belle Reed, Lily May Ledford, and Dock Boggs

Learn how to let loose and let ‘er fly as we find our full voices and ring the mountains with the songs of old-time singers on the edge of bluegrass: Roscoe, Ola Belle, Lily May, and Dock Boggs.  Cary will coach you on opening up and projecting your natural voice in the high lonesome style, up in the strident part of your range that cuts through like a fiddle.  Topics covered will be using the diaphragm to support long high notes, opening the throat and nasal passages for resonance, and connecting with the lonesome sentiment of the old mountain songs to channel our own feelings in the modern world.

Potluck – Memphis Minnie –  Queen of the Country Blues

Visit https://swangathering.com/catalog/ot/old-time-week/ to sign up for classes with Cary at Swannanoa Old-Time Week July 20-26, 2025.

In-Person Private Lessons at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts in Black Mountain, NC

Private Lessons with Cary Fridley available for guitar, bass, banjo, and folk singing.  Cary has a Masters in Music Education with over 25 years experience teaching and performing in WNC.  She blends concepts from classical music education with learning by ear and using traditional methods passed down in the mountain culture, and draws from an extensive repertoire of songs and styles.

Schedule your private lessons here: https://www.blackmountainarts.org/classes

October Ballads Video Class Now Available for Purchase: Weeks 1 – 5 Video Lessons -$10 each

To purchase the full video lesson for $10 each, please send a message via the contact page to receive your personal Ballads Class video link in your email.

To purchase the full video lesson, send $10 via PayPal or Venmo to caryfridley@gmail.com with the message “Ballads Class Week 2 Video” to receive your personal video link in your email.

click here to Support Cary Fridley Music