Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 5+
Speaks English
Teaching since 2010
Bachelor of Music - Jazz performance on 5-string banjo
About Catherine B.
5.0
(11)
I've been playing the banjo for 13 years, beginning in my hometown of Marton, New Zealand. I very quickly fell in love with the instrument and have spent a lot of my time practicing, performing, teaching, recording and collaborating with other musicians ever since. As a teenager, I was given the opportunity to travel to the United States where I attended banjo camps and got to study with some great banjo players (Tony Trischka, Noam Pikelny Alan Munde). In 2011, I graduated from the New Zealand School of Music with a BMus, majoring in Jazz Performance on the banjo. I moved to Boston shortly afterwards to pursue a career in music and have kept a busy teaching schedule privately in Boston and worldwide via Skype. I also perform throughout the United States with my bluegrass band, Mile Twelve. I'm very thankful to have met a wide spectrum of different people while teaching the banjo and am always eager to meet more people who are interested in learning and sharing this great instrument. Please say hi if this sounds like you!
N.B If you can't see an available lesson time that suits your schedule please send me a message. My availability changes weekly depending on my touring schedule so I may have just the spot for you.
~ About the lessons
I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building strong technique and a knowledge of the bluegrass banjo repertoire. Topics we will cover include Scruggs style, melodic style, single string technique, transcribing, arranging tunes, music theory and jamming or playing well with others.
We will start with talking about how to hold the banjo, tuning the banjo, playing with fingerpicks and how to read tablature. Then we will work through your first tunes in the bluegrass style gradually learning more tunes with harder techniques such as slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs etc. I take into account each students interests and goals so we will work on specific songs you request or licks you'd like to learn. You will have slow, medium and fast recordings of each tune we work on in the lessons as well at the tablature for that tune.
Instructor details
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5.0
11 Reviews
Ian
Teacher's studio
Catherine is a very kind and patient teacher. Highly recommend.
Posted Jan 23, 2018
David
Teacher's studio
I knew BB was the real deal when I hired her to record banjo on my first album 4-years ago--an intelligent player with a driving sound and warm personality. I enjoyed working with her so much that we now play music together professionally with the band Mile Twelve. In addition to her instrumental chops, she knows how to bring out the best in others. Her deep knowledge of and facility on the banjo combined with her generous and helpful disposition make her a teacher in high demand.
Posted May 16, 2017
Howard
Teacher's studio
BB is a fabulous instructor. Obviously a great, talented musician, she is equally committed to her teaching skills. She is patient, inspiring and motivating...and lessons are great fun!
Posted Apr 4, 2017
Experience
Music Performance
Oct, 2014 - PresentMile Twelve
Performed throughout the United States, Canada and Ireland with Boston based bluegrass band, Mile Twelve.
Banjo group classes
May, 2015 - Jun, 2015Club Passim Music School
Beginning and Intermediate group bluegrass banjo 6 week classes.
Saturday Music classes for children
Mar, 2010 - Oct, 2010Wellington Music Center
Saturday morning group classes for children aged 5-9 learning the ukulele.
Private Banjo Lessons
Jan, 2010 - PresentBB's Banjo Studio
Private Banjo lessons from my home studio and online via Skype.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Jazz performance on 5-string banjo
Feb, 2009 - Nov, 2011New Zealand School of Music
Certifications
NZSM Alumni
Feb, 2012New Zealand School of Music
Awards
1st place in Bluegrass Banjo
Jul, 2006Uncle Dave Macon Days Banjo Contest
1st place in Bluegrass Banjo
Sep, 2015Freshgrass Banjo Contest
Languages
English
Native Proficiency
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Instructor details
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