Bluegrass Ensemble
- Americana
- Bluegrass
- Country
- Fiddle
- Folk
- Guitar
- In-Person Classes
- Instrumental
- Roots
- The Folk Collective
**THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS**
The Passim Bluegrass Ensemble is a five-week group class that offers a relaxed space to learn new music and gain experience playing with other musicians. This class will focus on Bluegrass and Bluegrass-adjacent styles of music, studying the elements of melody, harmony, and groove that create the ear-catching sounds we know and love. We will discuss different roles that instruments in the ensemble can play, and how those roles interact with one another. In addition to learning new music class members will be able to work on essential jamming techniques such as leading a tune and learning songs on the fly.
Class members should have basic knowledge of chords, and be comfortable learning music by ear or with sheet music. All musicians – instruments and voices – are welcome!
This class will be held from 8:00-9:15pm ET on Mondays, Jan 13, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17
Please note: The class will be held at The Passim School of Music which is located at 26 Church St. Cambridge, MA. Classrooms are located on the third floor and, unfortunately, we do not have an elevator.
Limited to students 18 yrs of age or older; Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. Tickets can be purchased at the door. before the class begins. 4 students are required for this class to meet. If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.
Trevin Nelson
- Banjo
Trevin Nelson is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter whose passion for music brought him deep into the traditions of American folk music and beyond. His music is a tapestry of traditional sounds informed by modernity.
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Trevin discovered his musical calling early in life. Picking up the banjo in his teens, he quickly became enamored with its rich tones and expressive potential. What began as a hobby soon became a lifelong pursuit, driving him to explore musics never ending depths.
Trevin’s journey led him to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his craft alongside a vibrant community of talented peers. It was during this time that he not only refined his skills but also fostered enduring friendships and collaborations.
As a founding member and banjoist of The Ruta Beggars, Trevin has earned recognition for his dynamic performances and innovative approach to Bluegrass and Americana music. His artistry extends beyond the stage; Trevin is a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge and love for music through classes at Club Passim, workshops at festivals, private lessons, and as a Wernick Method Teacher. In addition, Trevin is also a certified Yoga Instructor.
Today, Trevin Nelson continues to captivate audiences with his performances and inspires students with his teaching in Boston. Whether performing solo, collaborating with fellow musicians, or mentoring aspiring artists, Trevin’s dedication to his craft shines through.
Maxfield Anderson
- Bluegrass
- Roots
Maxfield Anderson is an American roots multi-instrumentalist, teacher, writer and music director, currently living in Somerville, MA. As an artist, Maxfield aims to bring new light to honored traditions and to share the joy of making music with others.
Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Maxfield’s home was filled with an array of musical styles. After years of playing violin, his attention was taken hold by bluegrass and western swing fiddle, quickly leading him to discover the mandolin. He moved to Boston to study mandolin and American roots music at Berklee College of Music. Additionally, Max is a proficient guitar player, and after a year of isolation, finally broke down and added clawhammer banjo to the repertoire.
Teaching music has always been a big part of Max’s artistry. He believes that traditional music is an excellent vessel for understanding an instrument and finding your own voice as a musician. Teaching at Club Passim since 2020, Max has taught group courses in Beginner & Intermediate Mandolin, Bluegrass Ensemble (co-taught with Trevin Nelson), and Intro to Tune Writing. He also offers private instruction on mandolin, fiddle, guitar, music theory, and tune writing out of his home studio.
In addition to performing and teaching, Maxfield recently wrote and music directed the ‘Homegrown Stringband’ roots trio at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, OH. The trio performed authentic bluegrass, folk, and old time string band music throughout the summer season of 2022.
Maxfield graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BFA in Music Performance. He is an active gigging musician in the Boston music scene, and has toured throughout the Northeast playing listening rooms, ball rooms, bar rooms, back rooms, front porches and festival stages.
