Banjo Classes
Come play the only instrument invented in America!

Our banjo classes are divided into two main styles: clawhammer and bluegrass. If you are not sure which style to play, try Introduction to the Banjo with Matt Brown and get a taste of both styles in one eight week class. Then you are ready for either Clawhammer or Bluegrass.
Introduction to the Banjo
All Banjo Classes
Clawhammer Banjo
Banjo classes at the Old Town School
Clawhammer Banjo is used in old time music. The tunes are both easy and repetitive. It's exciting to build your way to playing in an old time band in which banjos, fiddles, mandolins, and guitars play with energy for cloggers and partner dancers. When you advance, you can branch out into more complex repertoire: French Canadian, Fiddle Tunes of the Midwest, Ethnic Banjorama, and other specialty classes.

How is Clawhammer Played?

It is played by rhythmically rapping your right hand downward (as if knocking on a door) and plucking the string or strings along the way. Your right hand's index finger brushes against the strings and then the banjo head underneath the strings, and combined with your thumb catching the uppermost string, you get the trademark rhythmic sound of clawhammer.
Start with Clawhammer Banjo 1.
Bluegrass Banjo
Bluegrass uses some of the same old time tunes that clawhammer relies on, and adds gospel tunes, country and more. In bluegrass style, these tunes become fast and spirited. We now offer five levels of Bluegrass Banjo: 1, 1 Repertoire, 2, 2 Repertoire and 3. You can start Bluegrass Banjo 1 anytime during the year, take the rep classes more than once, and pick up right where you left off. Talk to your teacher about joining the Bluegrass Ensemble to play with fiddlers, mandolin players, guitarists and bassists.

How is Bluegrass Banjo Played?

Bluegrass Banjo asks that you wear fingerpicks on your thumb and first two fingers. You play rhythm and melody by rolling your fingers in a pattern (e.g. thumb-index-middle finger).
Start with Bluegrass Banjo 1.
More Banjo Fun You Should Know About
First Friday String Jam, in which fiddlers, banjoists, mandolin players and guitars play together. It is mixed level, so come and come again on the first Friday of every month!

Bluegrass Open Jam (free!) is held on the last Sunday of each session, led by a number of our faculty. This can be your first taste of playing bluegrass.

Banjo workshops held occasionally with master artists and current faculty on technique and repertoire to add to your bag of tricks.
Private Instruction
Click for info on private banjo lessons or give us a call at 773.728.6000 to get available lesson times and locations.
Teachers
Click for a list of Banjo teachers.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SESSION DATES 2012

8-WEEK CLASSES

January 9th - March 4th
March 5th - April 29th
April 30th - June 24th
June 25th - August 19th
September 3rd - October 28th
October 29th - December 23rd

For more class dates, including registration deadlines, check the School calendar.

PRICES

Most 8-Week Classes for adults are $170. Differences will be noted in the class description.

Financial aid is available. Click for info.

Click for registration and class policies.

INSTRUMENT RENTALS

The Old Town School Music Store rents instruments for most group classes. Check for availability.