Private lessons with top Banjo instructors near Chicago, IL

When you sign up for banjo lessons, you will begin by learning the basics of the instrument including proper holding and playing position, tone production, rhythm, first position notes,basic chords and notation. Once you get the basics down, you will learn how to play your favorite songs regardless of style. All of this can happen within the first 4-6 months of playing.

Over 10 years of teaching banjo I've taught students from beginners and casual bluegrass lovers to professional musicians and theater performers. I've studied Scruggs, melodic, and single-string style with the likes of Noam Pikelny, Greg Cahill, Bela Fleck, Kristin Scott Benson, and Alan Munde (my favorite!). Though I specialize in three-finger/bluegrass styles, I'm also proficient in teaching clawhammer and even tenor banjo. Using a combination of tabs and ear learning, within the first few lessons you'll learn the basics of picking, rolls, chords, melodies, and the philosophies of bluegrass banjo. From there we'll work toward your goals whether you want to play in traditional or progressive styles all while focusing on solid technique, rhythm, and lots of listening. In addition to technique, we'll learn plenty about the history of the banjo, music theory relevant to the banjo, and the many, many styles of music that we can play on it. I enjoy working with students of all ages and experiences and I can't wait to meet you!

5 string banjo Skruggs style bluegrass.

I teach 5 string banjo, and have students learning contemporary songs as well as traditional styles. Soloing and right hand techniques, scales and a variety of styles covered.

A very fun instrument to play. I tend to focus on Earl Scruggs style rolls, understanding and incorporating melody, and chords.

Easy to understand lessons, practice geared toward students ability, fun and exciting ways to learn the instrument.

I am genuinely passionate about your success in becoming the best banjo player you choose to be! I like to teach with repetition (wax on wax off) and prefer to present the big picture first so that every obstacle may potentially never be an obstacle for you. I take years of teaching experience and what have been topics of frustration brought to me by students in the past. I try to smooth the road and teach you, so you get the highest yield of success for your money with as few headaches as possible :)

I have been playing bluegrass banjo for over 20 years, and have performed for events such as Thanksgiving dinners at hotels, folk clubs, bluegrass festivals, and fundraisers. In addition to playing and teaching banjo, I play and teach guitar and piano, with guitar being my main instrument. I am no Earl Scruggs, but I am a great teacher for beginners and intermediate players. As a teacher, I am patient, intuitive, and always tailor the lessons to fit the interests and learning styles of each individual student.