Introduction to the Banjo
Beginner
Thursday with Chris Walz
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
For anyone attracted to the 5-string banjo but not sure which style to try first, this is for you!
Clawhammer Banjo
Classes will meet ONLINE this session
Save the picks for the bluegrass class.
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, 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.
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 · $206 ($186 members)
Clawhammer Banjo 2
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 · $206 ($186 members)
Clawhammer Banjo 3
Advanced
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 · $206 ($186 members)
Clawhammer Banjo 2 Repertoire
IntermediateNew!
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 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.
Clawhammer Banjo: Blues and Reggae
IntermediateNew!
80 minutes · Once a week for 4 weeks · $99 ($89 members)
Old Time Blues for Old Time Banjo
Intermediate
80 minutes · Once a week for 4 weeks · $99 ($89 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
$296 for 30 minutes ($286 for members)
$424 for 45 minutes ($409 for members)
$544 for 60 minutes ($524 for members)
Session & Registration Dates
8-week lessons: 04/26/2021 – 06/20/2021
Monday 03/22/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Sunday 04/04/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 04/07/21: Open registration
8-week lessons: 06/21/2021 – 08/15/2021
Monday 05/17/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 05/31/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/02/21: Open registration
8-week lessons: 08/30/2021 – 10/24/2021
Monday 07/12/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 07/26/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 07/28/21: Open registration
8-week lessons: 10/25/2021 – 12/19/2021
Monday 09/20/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 10/04/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 10/06/21: Open registration
Teachers
Click for teacher profiles and schedules
Jonas Friddle »
Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ensembles, Band Coaching, School Partnerships
Michael O'Toole »
Guitar, Ukulele, Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, Theory, Improvisation
