"What The Bluegrass Community Can Learn from The Beatles,”

"What Bluegrass Artists & Songwriters Can Learn from the Music of the Beatles,” An Online Seminar presented by John Pennell, is the next webinar from IBMA, The International Bluegrass Music Association, scheduled for March 24, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. Central time.    Here's the course description:     Renowned bluegrass songwriter and longtime student of the Fab Four, John Pennell, will examine melody, harmony, rhythm and form used in Beatles songs in a workshop for bluegrass songwriters and artists.  Participants will take a look at The Beatles’ early musical influences, as well as the long list of  Lennon/McCartney/Harrison/Starr titles that have been cut by bluegrass bands. In the area of performance, Pennell will present information on what The Beatles have to teach about vocal harmony, instrumentation, the use of the guitar, bass playing, rhythm guitar playing and more.  Join us for an innovative and fun, cross-genre music discussion, with a focus on new ideas for writing and performing.    Participants at IBMA webinars click a link on their computer screens to enter the virtual classroom and then dial into a conference call number or access audio through a computer headset.  The fee is $40 for IBMA members or $50 for non-members. IBMA members are welcome to submit ideas for future webinars to nancyc@ibma.org. If you have an area of expertise you would like to share at an IBMA webinar, please let us know that, too.  Bandleader Kathy Chiavola said this about the February 2011 webinar on Developing a Business Plan, led by Altissimo! Entertainment’s Al McCree:  “Thanks so much for a very informative and highly organized seminar today! I learned so much, it’s hard to pin down one thing….  I need to take the time to do everything you suggested!”   Only 25 spots are open for the March 24 webinar, so make plans to participate soon!    To Register or find out more information, CONTACT: Nancy Cardwell, IBMA (615) 256-3222,    (888) GET-IBMA        EMAIL