Alright guys. So Scott and I have been too busy to really clarify what's going on. My main goal here is to teach some short neck repertoire but most of you own long neck saz. Therefore, I called our workshop "Short Neck Repertoire on Long Neck Saz". It's been done before - all it takes is a little bravery on your part. I'm going to ask you to do the unthinkable. I do it all the time so don't worry. You just have to close your eyes and suck it up. If you own a long neck saz, you'll have to tune to at least A-G-D (from your nose to your toes). I do it all the time on my long neck. You won't break a string unless it's already rusty or your winding it too fast. Take it easy.... but the tuning does have to be rather high otherwise the songs will come out like mud. Everyone good with that?

Those who own short necks should bring it! I'll bring my long neck to make you feel better about tuning that high. Remember, tune it easy and slowly. When you're done playing, you can tune it lower again. I just leave mine and let it rest at that high tuning while humidifying it all winter. Never had a problem - never broke a string (although I always think I will)

This year my goal is to sustain the saz music while Ted is away. I'm not looking to take over his spot or anything - after all he's my saz hero too. Having said that, I did learn how to "make love" to the saz and get it the "feeling" right during my classes at the University this year so I hope I can show "y'all" how to do the same. I'm not into teaching any history regarding Turkish music or theory - just the repertoire.

I always wanted to publicly thank Chris for offering to drive my Canadian butt from Wytheville to Stuart. What a gentleman folks. If any of you are drinving North on Sunday let me know - I still need a way out!