Dulcimer with Mark B.

Mark B. is a Legacy Artist with the state of Minnesota on Banjo and has played and taught banjo and mandolin for over 30 years. He has performed as a solo artist with the program "Historical Notes" and with the Circle B Cowboys, The Blue Bell Lodge Wranglers, The Smokey Hills Wranglers, and has performed at venues at Disney World, the National Festival of the West, Medora Cowboy Poetry Gathering, The Journey Museum, and many more. Mark currently teaches at the Itasca School of Folk Music. Classes are also taught through community education in a number of towns as well as online. The internet is loaded with free video lessons for banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and every kind of instrument under the sun. But even videos can be a static method of learning when compared to personal lessons taken in real time. Nothing can replace having a teacher to guide you step by step as you learn to play your favorite instrument. Interactive online lessons will help you to avoid the stumbling blocks and hang ups that occur while using books and videos – nothing can replace live lessons with a caring teacher. Now, no matter where you live, you can take lessons in real time with a qualified instructor – it’s almost like taking lessons at the local music store. Lessons are structured for each individual student to provide the personal attention needed for effective learning. *** Lesson Details *** Through my in person and online lessons, a music student will not only learn to play a stringed instrument he or she will also learn important elements of basic music theory. The student will be taught timing, notation, improvisation, chords, tablature, playing in group situations and more. With this knowledge, an aspiring musician will be prepared to enjoy a lifetime of playing music. Basic music theory can be taught using popular fretted stringed instruments like guitar, banjo, mandolin, and mountain dulcimer that can be played and enjoyed for an entire lifetime. Here is some of what will be covered in your online music lessons. The fundamentals of music covered are Note Values and Rhythm, Time Signatures, Sharps and Flats, Common Scales, Chord Structure, Chord Inversions and more of the elements of music. Lessons will also cover improvisation, playing with other people, music styles and other skills that will help students of any age to open doors to the world of music. *You will be up and playing quickly with painless and fun lessons. *** Studio Equipment *** Deering Banjos, Boucher Minstrel Banjo for early playing styles, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, autoharp. High defination webcam. Full recording studio. Cubase DAW. *** Specialties *** Banjo styles include Scruggs or 3 finger, Reno, melodic, early minstrel style. Mandolin styles include folk, country. Autoharp and dulcimer are taught using traditional styles.