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.
Monday with Joshua Guy
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
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)
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
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
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)
Monday with Joshua Guy
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
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.
$346 for 30 minutes ($336 for members)
$495 for 45 minutes ($480 for members)
$635 for 60 minutes ($615 for members)
8-week lessons: 06/23/2025 – 08/17/2025
Monday 05/19/25: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 06/02/25: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/04/25: Open registration
8-week lessons: 09/01/2025 – 10/26/2025
Monday 07/14/25: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 07/28/25: Transfer registration
Wednesday 07/30/25: Open registration
8-week lessons: 10/27/2025 – 12/21/2025
Monday 09/22/25: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 10/06/25: Transfer registration
Wednesday 10/08/25: Open registration
Click for teacher profiles and schedules
Jonas Friddle »
Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ensembles, Band Coaching, School Partnerships
Michael O'Toole »
Guitar
Anonymous
James G. Hart Foundation
Geraldine Keefe
Negaunee Foundation
Rob and Karen Ospalik
Tomford and Grossman Family
