Introduction to the Banjo
Beginner
Thursday with Chris Walz
80 minutes · Once a week for 7 weeks · $181 ($161 members)
For anyone attracted to the 5-string banjo but not sure which style to try first, this is for you!
Clawhammer Banjo
These classes are 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
Tuesday with Dan Mulvihill
80 minutes · Once a week for 7 weeks · $181 ($161 members)
Begin by using chords to strum simple songs with a technique known as frailing.
Clawhammer Banjo 2
Intermediate
Thursday with Steve Rosen
80 minutes · Once a week for 7 weeks · $181 ($161 members)
Go beyond the basics with Clawhammer techniques such as drop-thumbing, while playing more challenging songs and fiddle tunes.
Clawhammer Banjo 3
Advanced
Tuesday or Thursday with Steve Rosen or Dan Mulvihill
80 minutes · Once a week for 7 weeks · $181 ($161 members)
Develop stronger left and right hand techniques in frailing and drop-thumb using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.
Angel From Montgomery for Clawhammer Banjo with Michael J. Miles
WorkshopIntermediateNew!
Wednesday with Michael Miles
75 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $25 ($20 members)
Bluegrass for Clawhammer Banjo
AdvancedNew!
Monday with Michael Miles
80 minutes · Once a week for 4 weeks · $99 ($89 members)
Dear Old Illinois: Clawhammer Banjo Workshop with Smith Koester
WorkshopIntermediateNew!
Sunday with Staff
80 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $30 ($25 members)
Hey Good Looking for Clawhammer Banjo with Michael J. Miles
WorkshopIntermediateNew!
Wednesday with Michael Miles
75 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $25 ($20 members)
Big Bill Broonzy's Hey Hey for Clawhammer Banjo with Michael J. Miles
WorkshopIntermediateNew!
Wednesday with Michael Miles
75 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $25 ($20 members)
Techniques for the Solo Clawhammer Banjo Player in “A” Tuning with Jonas Friddle
WorkshopIntermediateNew!
Saturday with Jonas Friddle
80 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $25 ($20 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: 06/29/2020 – 08/16/2020
Tuesday 05/26/20: Re-registration for current students begins
Tuesday 06/09/20: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/10/20: 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
