Banjo Lessons near Chicago, IL

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!

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.

Lean how to play bluegrass banjo including melody and finger picking. Also "Clawhammer" techniques.

Learn how to play Banjo! While learning the Banjo, students will learn specific rolls such as forward and backward rolls, chords strum patterns, rhythm playing and various songs such as Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Dueling Banjos. They will learn the styles of Bluegrass and Claw Hammer playing.

Fully Vaccinated as of 5/19/21!! Bluegrass, Claw-hammer, Southern Rock, 5-string, 4-string Tenor, Metal, Rock, Pop and Country

I like to make learning an instrument fun and easy to fit into your schedule! If you're an adult finally getting around to learning your dream instrument or a child following your passion I tailor your lessons specifically to you. We look at what you want to play, pick specific songs that you want to learn, and learn the techniques you need to play these songs. It sounds simple, but it's the most effective and fun way to learn!

Gordon L. began playing music at a very early age but didn't begin to learn the saxophone until he was in fifth grade. Gordon's interest in music grew when he began to work sound systems for bluegrass bands and eventually he started to experiment more with music. Soon after he would pick up guitar which would spark his interest in further pursuing his playing of music. After he bought a guitar, Gordon would practice relentlessly, sometimes for as long as 12 hours a day. This passion for music allowed Gordon to go to a summer rock band camp in San Diego where he learned everything you need to know about touring, playing in a band, making a music video etc. When Gordon reached his senior year of high school he attended Perpich Center of the Performing arts in Golden Valley, Minnesota. While he was learned he took classes in ear training and music theory. He also took a Taiko drum class while he was at Perpich. Along with learning new musical concepts, Gordon also learned how the music business works which got him more interested in marketing the bands he performed in. Gordon also was able to take guitar lessons at Macphail in Minneapolis under the apprenticeship of James Allen. Gordon went on to Mesabi Range Community College where he received his Associates Degree. While there he played saxophone in the Community Band and guitar in bands he started himself. Gordon also took a banjo class, piano class and a music history class at Mesabi Range Community College. His main focus in the past years has been working with bands doing studio work, mini tours and CD production/marketing for those groups. After Community College, Gordon went to Evangel University in Missouri where he continued to study Guitar and Saxophone while picking up more woodwind and string instruments. Gordon took private guitar lessons and attended a Guitar Master Class at this college. He also attended Missouri State University where he learned about theory and composition. He also played Saxophone in the jazz band. While he attended school in Missouri he relentlessly continued to play in multiple groups live and recorded a Ska/Reggae CD (guitar and saxophone tracks) with the band Bringers of the Dawn. Gordon can fluently play and teach Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Clarinet, and Saxophone. Gordon is also willing to teach harmonica and banjo to those interested in learning. Gordon also has knowledge of several other cultural instruments with a background in piano lessons from high school and college. He got superior and excellent ratings at musical competitions for voice and saxophone in high school where he performed songs such as the Hungarian Dance #5 and Beautiful Dreamer. Gordon loves all genres of music and enjoys learning every style he can in order to improve his musical instruction. For the moment Gordon is pursuing songwriting particularly in the field of cultural music. Focusing on the students immediate musical needs, Gordon is able to encourage students to set goals in order to efficiently practice, concentrate and focus during the lesson time. Gordon is very patient with every student so that they refrain from becoming frustrated, overwhelmed or intimidated. Realizing the importance of music, Gordon makes sure that every student leaves each lesson having learned something new.

-learn beginner to advanced clawhammer technique -arranging tunes in your own style -learn to play with other musicians -learn how to participate in a jam session -learn to play and pick up tunes by ear or with tablature -advanced melodic clawhammer arranging -learn to accompany yourself while singing -writing and arranging tunes -history of the banjo and of Appalachian old-time fiddle music, and history of each specific tune -basics of three-finger style -old-time -bluegrass -folk