Free Music Workshops

To celebrate moving Ancient Future Studios to Sonoma County, a series of free introductory in person music world music and workshops is being offered at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance in Northern Sonoma County. For those not in Northern California, a separate set of free workshops will be held online.

Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Introductory workshops: FREE. Ongoing classes: $150 for six more weeks. Sign up: info@cloverdaleartsalliance.org. Online versions sign up: info@ancient-future.com.

Matthew Montfort Bio

Guitarist Matthew Montfort is known as a world guitar innovator and an inspiring music instructor who helps students of all levels and ages learn whatever style they desire. He is on the 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists list at DigitalDreamDoor.com along with such luminaries as Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Chet Atkins, John Fahey, Adrian Legg, Merle Travis, John Renbourn, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Pierre Bensusan, Toni Rice, Alex Grassi, Stefan Grossman, Artie Traum, Joni Mitchell, and Peppino D'Agostino. He is the leader of the world music group Ancient Future and performs on many instruments, including scalloped fretboard guitar, Glissentar 11 string fretless guitar, electric guitar, classical guitar, flamenco guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, sitar, charango, mandolin, and gamelan.

Montfort wrote the book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India, which has been used at many music schools including the Berklee College of Music. Matthew Montfort was on the faculty of the Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco for three decades where he taught rock, folk, jazz, blues, classical guitar, music theory, and world music. He teaches all styles of guitar, ukulele, bass, charango, sitar, and mandolin as well as music theory for all instruments and rhythm classes based on his book.

Beginning Guitar

Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 7 to 7:45 PM

This free introductory beginning workshop can help aspiring guitarists get started on the right track with good practice habits. An ongoing class is available and will cover basics and feature simple pieces chosen according to the musical preferences of the students. For those who don't have a guitar yet, a few electric and acoustic guitars are available with the purchase of an initial set of private lessons.