Born in 1949, I was just the right age to learn from and play with the departed masters of Delta and Chicago Blues. Now I pay it forward to young musicians who create their own Blues music today and for the future. My experience playing guitar in Muddy Waters’ band in the 1970s, as a bandleader and recording artist since, and as the first instructor of the Pinetop Foundation’s guitar workshops all lead me to my new job as Musical Director.

I’ll ramble through the piano, harmonica, and guitar workshops and impart the how’s and why’s of “playing well with others.” I’ll tell personal stories, more than history, about the Blues legends who are my friends — from Muddy and Pinetop to Stevie Ray to today’s Blues stars. I’ll meet, jam, and socialize with the workshoppers to help them find their own Blues and get what they want from the classes and our real Blues Club concert at the famous Ground Zero Club in Clarksdale.

 

I will make “Music Director” more than being Principal not Professor.  I’m available to any workshoppers for a private lesson or discussion of any aspect of creating or performing Blues music that intrigues YOU. I’ve been on the road a long time and seen everything twice. When you get to a crossroads, I hope I can point toward…the direction that’s right for you.

It’s a thrill and honor for me to be teacher, collaborator, and friend with the workshoppers and their families. The Clarksdale Blues ghosts smile down on all of us.

Phil Wiggins learned from some of the most notable acoustic blues musicians in the area:  Flora Molton, Ester Mae "Mother" Scott, Chief Ellis, John Jackson, Archie Edwards, John Cephas, Johny Shines , Sam Chatman and others.  He performed with Flora Molton at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival from 1972-1976, where he met John Cephas.  He performed with John as the Blues duo Cephas and Wiggins for over 30 years.  As ambassadors of the Piedmont Blues, Cephas and Wiggins took their music all over American and the world.  This included such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and the White House.  Phil served for 5 years as Artistic Director for the Centrum Blues Week in Port Townsend, Washington, and has taught at numerous music camps dedicated to perpetuating traditional Blues for over 25 years. Since John's passing in 2009 , Phil has continued making music leading his own combos; the Chesapeake Sheiks ,Phil Wiggins House Party , Phil Wiggins Tidewater Trio , and the duo Phil Wiggins and Dom Turner.

I will teach traditional Piedmont and Delta blues as well as some classic blues from folks like Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong as well as some swing standards.I will also teach some string band and jug band songs. I will teach by breaking the songs down phrase by phrase and encouraging people to use their ear and also to sing the songs in order to get the melodies down
 
We will also focus on playing rhythm and accompaniment. The classes will be customized to suit the ability levels of whoever shows up. And the main focus will be to have a good time and celebrate the blues.