Each year, for this week only, she turns her focus to teaching, devoting herself to helping aspiring mandolinists and guitarists from across the country move to new levels of technical expertise and musical understanding. Her joy of music infuses AMGuSS with an excitement felt by all those who attend, and who return year after year. Special Guest Artists perform at AMGuSS each year, and add their unique musical color to the week. For 2001, AMGuSS featured artists are Simon Mayor and Hilary James, renown British performers on mandolin, guitar, and voice. Faculty live on campus, give technique classes and workshops, perform, coach small ensembles, rehearse daily with students in the AMGuSS orchestra, and are often available for private instruction.
Orchestra sections meet separately to work out difficulties in their parts.
During the week students work on chamber music, Celtic, or Brazilian music in small groups. There are beginner groups and advanced ensembles, and students are placed according to their interests and abilities. Groups are coached twice weekly by faculty. Others rehearse with small ensembles or sections. Receptions, jam sessions, workshops, etc.