Columbus, WI Banjo Lessons

I specialize in teaching Clawhammer style and 3 finger "Scruggs" style.

After the first lesson you will be making music, playing songs and you will be on your way to achieving your musical goals with the banjo. Banjo playing requires a knowledge of chords, melody, picking technique as well as knowing songs all of which we will begin to learn in your first lesson.

I have been playing and teaching banjo since 2006, and I'm always very excited to introduce new students to this unique instrument. I focus on the "Scruggs-style" method of playing 5-string banjo, and we'll work on techniques used in common bluegrass and folk tunes. As you advance, I'll help you in creating your own banjo solo breaks.

Beginner banjo lessons. Basic technique, chords, strumming. So much fun playing songs!

I can teach 5 string banjo basics to beginners. Emphasis on music fundamentals, popular banjo standards, and improvisation.

I offer banjo for children and adults of all levels, from first time players to very advanced players. I offer lessons teaching three-finger Scruggs, Melodic and Reno-Style bluegrass banjo. I can provide a complete curriculum including tabs/sheet music or I can can give personalized lessons on skills or music of your choice. I teach both playing by ear and tablature. I can also prepare students to play in bands and jams.

There are many ways to cultivate your musical skill whether it's visual, kinesthetic, or auditory. Let's find out which way works best for you!

Most schools do not offer the flexibility in learning styles necessary for you to find your ideal way of processing new information, whether it be visual, auditorial, kinesthetic, memetic, right brain/left brain, etc.

That's why I'm here! I pride myself on working with each individual student on the subtle ways that they learn and form healthy habits. If you have any questions about my teaching styles or methods please ask!

A little more about me:

I have over 10 years of guitar experience, studying under Jazz heavyweights Corey Christiansen, Oteil Burbridge, and Dan Miller. I pride myself in putting my students needs and wants above all else. I wish to impart a love for music onto my students that can only be cultivated by the bond a teacher and their student share, let us learn and grow together!

I teach a 3 finger style of Banjo playing and how to read, hear, and play music. I teach you how to play the chords, read the tablature and play by ear.

Tony Petersen graduated from Berklee College Of Music as a guitar major with a Music Business degree in 2011. Since then he has been performing and touring full time as the lead guitarist and banjoist for The Social Animals. Prior to starting The Social Animals, Tony spent summers touring across the states in a bluegrass band as the banjoist and vocalist. Tony's guitar teaching method centers around learning useful fret-board road-maps and helping you learn your favorite songs/solos with a healthy dose of technical workouts and theory (if requested).