Guitar with Matthew R.

Hello potential banjo student! My name is Matt, I have been playing the banjo for nearly a decade and have had the opportunity to learn from some of the great pickers of our time. While attending Colorado College I played banjo in the schools "bluegrass ensemble" where I had the chance to travel and play with some amazing bluegrass and old-time musicians. In addition to playing at Colorado College, I have also been a member of a touring bluegrass band for five years, getting to experience life on the road and all of the fun and informative experiences that come with it. Learning and playing the banjo has been one of the most important facets of my life, and being able to share the amazing potential of the banjo is something that I always look forward to. Whether you are new to the banjo or are simply looking to get better - I can help you reach your goals and experience the joy the banjo has to offer. *** Lesson Details *** I pay close attention to the interests, strengths and difficulties of each student and work closely to develop a lesson plan that gets you excited to learn the banjo. My teaching approach is adaptable to your interests and background, and emphasizes the cultivation of an intuitive grasp of the banjo through the building of repertoire, music history, and ear training. I specialize in bluegrass banjo but also teach clawhammer/old-time and am happy to focus on any particular style that you would like to learn. I will guide you from the beginning by helping you figure out what about the banjo inspires you, and then develop a plan that focuses on what you want to get out of the instrument. Whether you have never touched a banjo, or are simply looking to freshen up on an already established skill set, I am always eager to help you work your way down the exciting path of learning the banjo! *** Travel Equipment *** I will provide listening material and my own instrument. I expect a student to have his or her own instrument, a recording device, and notebook. *** Specialties *** I specialize in "Scruggs" style three finger bluegrass banjo, as well as "clawhammer/old-time" banjo. I enjoy playing both methods and would provide a beginning student examples of both styles in order to allow them to choose which best suits their desire.