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Banjo Classes

Explore a World of Banjo Bliss!

Our banjo classes are focused on the two styles of Clawhammer and
Bluegrass.

If you are not sure which style to play, try Introduction to the Banjo and get a taste of both in one eight-week class.

Introduction to the Banjo

Beginner

Thursday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

For anyone attracted to the 5-string banjo but not sure which style to try first, this is for you!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Clawhammer Banjo 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Clawhammer Banjo 2

Intermediate

Tuesday with Dan Mulvihill

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Go beyond the basics with Clawhammer techniques such as drop-thumbing, while playing more challenging songs and fiddle tunes.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Clawhammer Banjo 3

Advanced

Tuesday or Thursday with Steve Rosen or Dan Mulvihill

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Develop stronger left and right hand techniques in frailing and drop-thumb using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Online

Advanced Clawhammer Banjo Techniques

IntermediateNew!

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Bluegrass Banjo 1

Beginner

Thursday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

The first of five classes in the Bluegrass Banjo series that will take you through the techniques needed to play in a bluegrass style.

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Bluegrass Banjo 1 Repertoire

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Bluegrass Banjo 2

Intermediate

Wednesday with Laird Patten

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Pick up some advanced rolls and tunes, as well as rhythm and back-up playing.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bluegrass Banjo 2 Repertoire

Intermediate

Tuesday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Master advanced songs and build up the skills you have learned since Bluegrass Banjo 1.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bluegrass Banjo 3

Intermediate

Thursday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Put all the pieces together - the right hand rolls and changing them inside of one measure, back up and fill in licks, and vamping positions with chops and rolls.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Banjo 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Banjo 2

Intermediate

Monday with Joshua Guy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Banjo 3

Intermediate

Monday with Joshua Guy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Two-Finger Banjo 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Clawhammer Banjo 2 Repertoire

Intermediate

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Clawhammer Banjo Artistry

IntermediateNew!

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $128 ($108 members)

Clawhammer Banjo Workshops with Michael J. Miles

WorkshopIntermediate

Monday with Michael Miles

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $25 ($23 members)

Michael presents his compelling arrangements with the kind of detail that demystifies complexity and establishes pathways for students to arrange their own works.

Location: Online

Bluegrass Banjo 4: Earl Scruggs New Treasures

Intermediate

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Private Lesson Options

Our private lessons like our group classes run in 8-week sessions, however, you can begin private lessons during any week in the session. Please call our customer service folks at 773.728.6000 to register as private lesson availability is based upon individual teacher schedules.

Lessons are scheduled weekly, for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and are available every day of the week at our Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations. Our experienced and professional faculty will work with you to develop an individualized program that helps you achieve your musical goals.

Stop in at either location or call the front desk at 773.728.6000 to register.


8-week Session Prices

$336 for 30 minutes ($326 for members)

$480 for 45 minutes ($465 for members)

$616 for 60 minutes ($596 for members)


Session & Registration Dates

8-week lessons: 10/28/2024 – 12/22/2024

Monday 09/23/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 10/07/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 10/09/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 01/06/2025 – 03/02/2025

Monday 11/18/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 12/02/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 12/04/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 03/03/2025 – 04/27/2025

Monday 01/27/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 02/10/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 02/12/25: Open registration

8-week lessons: 04/28/2025 – 06/22/2025

Monday 03/24/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 04/07/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 04/09/25: Open registration


Teachers

Click for teacher profiles and schedules

Greg Cahill »
Banjo

Sean Colledge »
Fiddle, Guitar, Irish Tenor Banjo, Irish Mandolin, Irish Concertina, Cajun Accordion, Clawhammer Banjo

Ryan Fisher »
Banjo, Guitar

Jonas Friddle »
Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ensembles, Band Coaching, School Partnerships

Paul Kaye »
Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin

Michael O'Toole »
Guitar

Laird Patten »
Banjo

Chris Walz »
Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin