Music of the Sixties: Part Two
This course is a continuation of a Music of the Sixties course that was offered in 2017. Rather than focusing exclusively on individual performers, this course is going to take a look at the stylistic trends and technical aspects that gave this era's music its historical significance and character. The course covers the transition of popular music into an art form via Bob Dylan and The Beatles, the Psychedelic Rock music phenomenon, the technological changes that shaped the new music, and the end of the era's trend into stadium rock and festivals. Robert Driver has been a blues performer/instructor for the past forty-five years and a full-time guitar instructor/performer since 2002. His music education began in the 1970’s when he had the privilege to play informally with traditional bluesmen such as John Jackson, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and Buddy Moss in their homes or at festivals. In the decade between 1980 and 1990 He opened for, or performed with, nationally known artists such as Jorma Kaukonen, Roy Bookbinder, Duck Baker, John Hartford, Reverend Billy Wirtz, Catfish Hodge and many others. In the summers of 2006 and 2007, Bob was an artist in residence at Camp Horizons in Keezletown, Virginia overseeing their guitar program. Also, he is no stranger to the recording studio: over the years, his music has been used on local television and radio spots and he has performed on recording projects for himself and others. Most recently, he has taught four classes for James Madison’s Lifelong Learning program on the history of the blues and the roots music that culminated in Rock and Roll. He also has conducted a Piedmont blues guitar workshop in conjunction with the Appalachian Folk Music Festival hosted by noted folklorist Mike Seeger. He has also used the Piedmont format as a featured performer for the weekly radio show, “Blues Valley”, on NPR affiliate WMRA in Harrisonburg, Virginia. These years of experience in teaching and performing have brought forth a rich and comprehensive volume on country blues guitar technique, The Country Blues Revisited, which is awaiting publication. Robert currently resides in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.”Please contact our office regarding availability of this course:
540-568-4253
pce@jmu.edu