Born in Indiana; lived in Nashville, TN since 1995. Gretchen Priest is founder, & director of the Musical Heritage Center, aka Fiddle & Pick where she teaches Old-time, Irish, Bluegrass fiddle and other styles through private lessons, classes and hosts inclusive Traditional music jams and sessions.
She recently released a new record, “Roadside Distraction”, with mandolinist Emily Wilson (Old-time, Irish & wacky tunes). She also currently plays with The Nashville Irish Trio (Eamonn Dillon, Robert Johnson) and Erinn Peet-Lukes, and her long-time band, PLAIDGRASS. She has been on staff at many music camps, toured with Ceili Rain, Crucial Smith, played the Grand Ole Opry, and for many Nashville Artists; and played for the Pope!
Keith Yoder is a talented musician and instructor with an unconventional approach to music education. With over four decades of experience playing and performing on all the bluegrass instruments, Keith enjoys sharing his love of music through lessons and camps. He has taught bluegrass music full time since 1994 on guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, dobro, and fiddle. He teaches private and group lessons in Maryville, TN and online.
Additionally, Keith has been teaching at music camps across the United States and Canada since 2007. His extensive knowledge of bluegrass, hands-on approach, and ability to provide individualized instruction for all skill levels contribute to his excellence as a teacher. As a student noted, a camp with Keith provided “the most comprehensive study of acoustic music” they’ve experienced. Keith shares the theory and techniques of how and what to play in any music setting.
Since their move to the foothills of east Tennessee, Keith and his wife Sarah have also hosted numerous private acoustic music camps. During these camps, small groups (2-5) of like-minded musicians enjoy learning new techniques, tunes, and experiencing the music and beauty of the region. They hosted 15 camps in 2019. As a student, expect to play a lot and learn skills immediately applicable to your playing. If you’ve played music with Keith, you know you can expect great musicianship and a whole lot of fun.