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Banjo with Ricky M.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

4.8
(8)
OverviewAboutReviewsExperienceEducationCertificationsAwardsLanguagesGallery
Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 5+
Speaks Spanish
Teaching since 2008
Performance

    About Ricky M.

    4.8
    (8)
    Ricky Mier is an award winning banjo player, composer, band leader, and Alumnus of Berklee College of Music. Founder of Rick Fire And The Ricktones, co-founder of Twisted Pine, Cat And The Moon and member of Hot Day At The Zoo. He has performed with Bela Fleck and Victor Wooten and has shared the stage with acoustic heavy weights such as The Punch Brothers, Peter Rowan, Alison Brown, Hot Rize, The Gibson Brothers, New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Yonder Mountain Stringband, The Sam Bush Band, Del McCourey Band, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, and more. Ricky has performed on the main stages of major festivals such as Grey Fox, Celtic Connections (Scotland), Freshgrass, The Green River Festival, Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Special, Joe Val and many others. In 2014 he won the gold medal at the Freshgrass banjo contest and the same year his band Twisted Pine won both the Freshgrass and Thomas Point Beach band contests. In 2015 Twisted Pine tied for First Place at the Rocky Grass Band Contest and they were nominated for IBMA's band momentum award.

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teacher's Studio
    Teacher's Studio
    SEE MAP
    Elm St

    Teaching Hours

    Monday
    5 AM-8 PM
    Tuesday
    5 AM-8 PM
    Wednesday
    5 AM-8 PM
    Thursday
    5 AM-8 PM
    Friday
    5 AM-8 PM
    Saturday
    5 AM-8 PM
    Sunday
    5 AM-8 PM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    60 minutes
    $70
    ReviewsWrite a review
    5
    88%
    4
    13%
    3
    0%
    2
    0%
    1
    0%
    4.8
    8 Reviews
    Seth
    Teacher's studio
    Ricky is a breath of fresh air, a young professional musician grounded in roots of Celtic and bluegrass, but drawing on the wide spectrum that music has to offer - be it a bit of funk, or influences from around the world. His exceptional musicianship shines through and his teaching style is equally appropriate for concert preparation, fundamentals, or fun - he's energetic, dynamic, fun, and incorporates much seemingly effortless but very tight improvisation. Give him a try - you will not be disappointed.
    Posted Mar 7, 2018
    Alison B.
    Teacher's studio
    Ricky Mier is one of the most exciting young banjo players I’ve heard. With a fertile imagination and the technique to support it, Ricky is on the cutting edge of the latest crop of banjo adventurers. I look forward to seeing where he takes the banjo next.
    Posted Mar 7, 2018
    Steve M.
    Teacher's studio
    I’m not your average banjo student. I’d been self taught since high school and when I retired I decided I wanted to learn to play properly so I looked for a teacher. I found Ricky Mier online and with some trepidation I started my lessons. My trepidation stemmed from the fact that I was a hacker and Ricky is an experienced professional and an exceptional player. I thought I wasn’t the kind of student he was looking for. My anxiety was groundless because Ricky is much more than a great player, he is a committed holistic teacher. Our sessions are fun, challenging, and are focused on not only musical exercises but also tendon training, relaxation, and learning to listen. I’ve been with him weekly for almost 9 months now and while no one will mistake me for Bela, my playing has greatly improved. Whether your interest is Bluegrass, Celtic, or Melodic, Ricky can guide you on your journey in a fun, effective way. I really like our sessions. You will too.
    Posted Mar 7, 2018
    112233Next >Next >

    Experience

    Singer

    Aug, 2016 - Present

    Rick Fire And The Ricktones

    My latest creative project. I'm taking operatic voice lessons and writing new songs and am planning to take this band on the road next summer.

    Professional Musician

    Jun, 2013 - Dec, 2016

    Twisted Pine

    Twisted Pine is a bluegrass band I founded and played the New England Festival Circuit for three years. What a blast!

    Touring Musician

    Jan, 2013 - Jan, 2015

    Hot Day At The Zoo

    For two years I got to play in a touring act that had a big following in the Jam Band scene. These guys really showed me how to be in a touring act.

    Education

    Nursing

    Sep, 2009 - Jan, 2012

    College of Marin

    Performance

    Sep, 2012 - Sep, 2014

    Berklee College of Music

    Certifications

    Berklee Alumni

    Mar, 2014

    Berklee College of Music

    Awards

    Band - Gold Medalist

    Aug, 2014

    Thomas Point Bluegrass Festival

    Band - Gold Medalist

    Sep, 2014

    Freshgrass Bluegrass Festival

    Banjo - Gold Medalist

    Sep, 2014

    FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival

    Languages

    Spanish

    Native Proficiency

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