On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm ET, ArtistWorks will host a free virtual live-streamed event featuring world-renowned bluegrass vocal master and multi-instrumentalist Michael Daves and fiddle icon and member of Billy Strings' touring band Alex Hargreaves. 

Together, these two master musicians will discuss all things bluegrass and music, share exclusive performances, and answer viewer questions in real-time. So, if there’s a question that you’ve been dying to ask any of these truly amazing artists, now’s the perfect time to get it answered!

SIGN UP HERE to RSVP for the event, receive FREE sample lessons from any of our world-renowned bluegrass instructors, and enter for your chance to WIN a 12-month subscription to the ArtistWorks course of your choice! We will be awarding the free subscription to three lucky winners!

ABOUT THE LIVE-STREAM EVENT:

The Virtual Bluegrass Roundtable promises an exciting and engaging experience for musicians of any instrument and bluegrass lovers alike. The event will feature:

Live performances: Witness breathtaking bluegrass mastery as each artist showcases their unique skills and signature styles in individual performances.

In-depth discussions: Learn from the pros as they delve into the secrets of their unique techniques on their respective instruments, share stories from their careers, and discuss the future of bluegrass music.

Q&A sessions: Have a burning question for one of the artists? This is your chance to get answers straight from the source during interactive Q&A sessions.

Giveaway Prizes: Sign up to RSVP for the event, receive FREE sample lessons from any of our world-renowned bluegrass instructors, and enter for your chance to WIN a 12-month subscription to the ArtistWorks course of your choice!

Now, let’s get acquainted with our star-studded lineup:

ALEX HARGREAVES

Alex Hargreaves is a renowned fiddle virtuoso and a key member of Billy Strings' touring band, where his innovative playing brings new depth to the bluegrass soundscape. Born with a natural talent for music, Hargreaves began his journey with the fiddle at an early age, quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents in acoustic and bluegrass music. Over the years, he’s gained a reputation for his extraordinary technical prowess, improvisational creativity, and genre-blending style, drawing from bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences. His dynamic performances with Billy Strings have elevated him to a high standing in the bluegrass community, where he’s recognized not only as a skilled musician but as a boundary-pushing artist.

Throughout his career, Hargreaves has collaborated with a host of celebrated musicians, including David Grisman, Jerry Douglas, and Chris Thile, each collaboration further enriching his musical expertise. He’s also won several prestigious awards, including the Grand Champion title at the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest in Weiser, Idaho. His versatility and passion for improvisation have made him a sought-after fiddler in both live and studio settings, and his influence is evident across a range of modern bluegrass recordings. Known for blending traditional and progressive styles, Hargreaves has managed to create a signature sound that appeals to both bluegrass purists and newer fans of the genre.

In March 2024, Hargreaves expanded his influence on the fiddle community by launching an online fiddle course with ArtistWorks. Through this interactive platform, he offers personalized lessons, feedback, and a structured curriculum designed to help players at all skill levels improve their technique and develop their own voice on the instrument. His course covers fundamentals, advanced techniques, and improvisational skills, with a focus on the unique challenges and styles within bluegrass. Hargreaves’s teaching style is approachable and thorough, making his lessons accessible for beginners while still providing valuable insights for seasoned fiddlers. His expertise and passion for sharing knowledge have already garnered a loyal following among students eager to learn from one of today’s bluegrass greats.

Hargreaves’s contributions to bluegrass go beyond performance and teaching; he’s also an ambassador for the genre, helping to bridge generations of fiddle players. Through both his work with Billy Strings and his online course, he has inspired countless musicians to push their limits, embrace new ideas, and keep the bluegrass tradition vibrant and evolving. As Hargreaves continues to make his mark, his influence will undoubtedly shape the future of bluegrass fiddle for years to come.

MICHAEL DAVES

Michael Daves is a renowned bluegrass musician and educator celebrated for his soulful voice, unique style, and masterful command of multiple instruments. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Daves honed his bluegrass skills in the rich musical traditions of the South. His early exposure to bluegrass and roots music sparked a deep-seated passion that led him to a lifelong career as a performer and teacher. Known for his collaborations with artists like Chris Thile, Tony Trischka, and Steve Martin, Daves has made a name for himself both as a powerful solo artist and an indispensable sideman.

Daves’ distinctive approach blends traditional bluegrass elements with modern influences, infusing his music with energy and authenticity. His collaborations with Chris Thile, particularly on their Grammy-nominated album Sleep With One Eye Open, showcased his versatility and innovative edge, further cementing his reputation as a bluegrass icon. Whether playing guitar, mandolin, or singing, Daves brings a raw, emotional quality to his performances that resonates with audiences worldwide. His style, often described as both respectful of tradition and refreshingly modern, has drawn acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Since 2016, Daves has been sharing his expertise through an online bluegrass vocal course at ArtistWorks. In his course, Daves breaks down bluegrass vocal techniques, offering students a chance to learn harmony, phrasing, and stylistic elements unique to bluegrass singing. The course provides a structured curriculum, allowing students to submit videos, receive feedback directly from Daves, and join a community of bluegrass enthusiasts. His teaching style is engaging and accessible, making it easier for students of all skill levels to develop their voices and understanding of bluegrass.

Through his work on ArtistWorks and his active career as a performer, Michael Daves continues to inspire the next generation of bluegrass musicians. His dedication to both preserving and evolving bluegrass music has solidified his place in the genre's contemporary landscape. Daves' contributions have not only kept traditional bluegrass alive but have also paved the way for fresh, innovative interpretations that appeal to new audiences around the world.

ABOUT ARTISTWORKS:

ArtistWorks online music lessons are recorded and taught by more than 40 world-renowned master musicians who not only have rich musical legacies but also have a deep passion for teaching and sharing their knowledge. 

Through the ArtistWorks platform, students have the unique opportunity to both learn at their own pace and also interact with and receive feedback from our faculty of master teachers in the form of Video Exchanges. ArtistWorks' patented Video Exchange Learning® platform allows students to submit questions to our master faculty in the form of a video, and our instructors then create personal video responses full of guidance, encouragement, and critical next steps to facilitate improvement. 

Our teachers also provide notation, tablature, backing tracks, and other amazing supplemental materials to round out their holistic curricula in each course. Students can learn anything from electric and acoustic guitar to banjo, piano, mandolin, fiddle, saxophone, ukulele, how to sing—just about any instrument you can think of. And, our esteemed faculty can teach you how to play everything from bluegrass to jazz to rock to blues to classical and beyond.

Sample some free music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

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