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Clawhammer is a traditional American banjo technique rooted in the old-time music of the Appalachian Mountains. While closely tied to this repertoire, it also lends itself beautifully to contemporary styles such as folk, country, and even pop. This style of playing is ideal for accompanying vocals or performing melodies enriched with rhythmic drive, drones, and chordal textures. No prior musical knowledge is required. The learning process is based on listening, watching, and imitating, without the use of written notation or tablature. This oral approach helps develop musical memory, independence, and the ability to quickly recall and play tunes—whether on your own or during jam sessions. The course focuses on learning songs and instrumental tunes from the old-time repertoire. Some pieces may be offered in simplified versions for beginners. More advanced players will have the opportunity to explore complex techniques such as drop thumb, alternate string pull-off, Galax lick, and rhythmic variations that go beyond the classic bum-ditty pattern. The main goal is to provide you with the musical and technical foundation you need to continue learning on your own. Depending on interest, the course may also include an introduction to the Two-Finger style (thumb lead, index lead, mix lead). This technique, somewhat similar to up-picking or bluegrass banjo, offers an interesting alternative for playing old-time melodies. Important: A 5-string banjo (with a short fifth string, or drone string) is required. This repertoire and these techniques cannot be played on a 4- or 6-string banjo.

Trusted teacher

Hello, I've been teaching music lessons in Southern California since 2008. Trained primarily as a classical guitarist, I also have extensive experience performing and teaching a wide variety of musical styles, including rock, jazz, and blues. Not only will I teach you how to play, but I will also help you to understand the language of music and how your instrument can speak it. So if you are looking for an encouraging, patient teacher to help you learn a plucked string instrument such as guitar, bass, banjo, ukulele, or mandolin, I'd love to work with you! Over the years, I've taught a multitude of students of plucked strings and music theory; given countless performances as a soloist and with a number of diverse groups as a guitarist, vocalist, keyboardist, and banjoist; and been an active songwriter, composer, and arranger. Several of my works for guitar have been published, and I also wrote the first-ever method book on playing classical music on the 5-string banjo. I have my BA in Music from Cal Poly Pomona, my MM from CSU Los Angeles, and my DMA from Claremont Graduate University. I'm looking forward to working with you to achieve your goals!

Trusted teacher

The 5 string banjo is an amazing instrument. It's driving trademark sound and it's African roots has contributed to many music traditions, including Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Jazz and world music. In my class you'll first learn the basics, how to hold and pick and read tablatures. We'll then go through how to play a tune, accompany other instruments and finally, improvise. During the year I'll teach you basic music theory like rhythm, harmony and a bit of ear training to help you develop your understanding and relationship to the instrument. We'll mainly play Bluegrass Scruggs style at first, then we'll dive into melodic style and sigle string, that will all be useful for playing other kinds of music, like Irish music, Pop, Jazz or Blues. Any requests for a personalised class is welcome. If you'd like inspiration or you want to listen to so fun music, go check out my website !