ArtistWorks Bluegrass Bass instructor Missy Raines has been named one of the "First Ladies" of bluegrass. Learn more about this title, and access lessons from her today.

The 46th RockyGrass Festival took place in Lyons, Colorado in July. Every year during this month, Colorado is host to the bluegrass universe. The red rock cliffs beside the St. Vrain River were home to the festivities, located just north of Boulder in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Amidst tubing on the river, craft making, and the musicians' jams, headliners from the world of bluegrass took the stage and owned the crowd.

This year included some of the most renowned musicians in the genre, such as the Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, The David Grisman Quintet, The ArtistWorks Bluegrass All-Stars, and Hot Rize, but it was the women who made the festival their own this year. The First Ladies of Bluegrass made a tremendous splash, created a lot of conversation, and gave off undefinable "electric energy."

The first ladies were so-named because each was the first lady to win an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award. At a time when the #metoo movement has made such an impact on not only the entertainment fields but also on women in every walk of life, this was welcomed and needed.  

When the traditional set-ending jam took place, there was a noticeable change as the stage filled with pickers and singers. Instead of dozens of men crowding on the platform, there was a noticeable amount of women on stage as well.

But we'd be lying if we pretended we’re not overjoyed and proud to have one of our own on the festival stage breaking that glass bluegrass ceiling. Missy Raines is one of bluegrass' most decorated bass players in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association. The winner of seven IBMA awards and a former member of the Claire Lynch Band, Missy is a force that cannot be stopped.

Her acclaimed partnership with Jim Hurst is just one reason that she is considered one of the most popular bluegrass figures and a trailblazer in her field. Missy toured with the Brother Boys Band and has performed globally for the last 25 years. She has taught bass lessons at numerous music camps and workshops. Her bluegrass music background makes her one of the most sought-after teachers around.

The fantastic news is that you can learn from Missy Raines online. ArtistWorks offers classes in bluegrass bass, banjo, mandolin, guitar, vocals, dobro, and fiddle. Missy trains students from the beginner stage to intermediate and advanced.

Thanks to ArtistWorks, students have access to Missy's definitive video library of hundreds of bluegrass bass lessons. But, more than that, students can submit a video for review using the ArtistWorks Video Exchange Learning platform. Missy will review each submission and record a video response with tips for you on how to improve.

Maybe it's time to make good on your dream to play Bluegrass Bass. Sign up today to begin your lessons right in the comfort of your own home. We can't wait to get you started.