Bluegrass Banjo I: Repertoire (Winter)
No class on January 20
This class is mainly suited for students who have completed the 8-week course Bluegrass Banjo I but could be suitable for someone who has recently begun to learn the banjo. Bluegrass Banjo I started from scratch and covered the very basics as described by Earl Scruggs in his book: Earl Scruggs And The 5 String Banjo.
Right-hand rolls such as Alternating Thumb, Forward, Backward, and Reverse rolls should be well understood and regularly practiced by now. The left-hand techniques: sliding, hammer-on, and pull-off as well as chords G, C, D, D7, and Am were covered in the first class and worked into about six tunes. This repertoire class will proceed to cover more tunes with those basic techniques and a few new chords.
This course will be taught by ear. Some written notation is provided to assist with study, but you will want to develop your ear and memory to be able to move forward independently of written aides.
Students are welcome to bring a recording device and something to write with. The instructor provides sample recordings of the tunes covered in class; these are downloadable online.
For class, you must bring a 5-string banjo in playable condition. If you are in doubt, we recommend that you have it checked by a reputable dealer. Also, a plastic thumb pick, and two metal picks for the index and middle finger. Any picks could work, please contact me if you’d like my recommendations of specific products.
Level: Very new to the instrument, with a few months of experience and know some tunes in the key of G. Best preparation is to take Bluegrass Banjo I.
Classes are now being held at Winchester Thurston in Shadyside.
Your PayPal payment serves as your registration. You will be contacted closer to the start of class with more information.
Refunds, Pro-rates and Cancellation Policy: Refunds will only be issued
if Calliope cancels a class due to insufficient enrollment. If that
happens, you will be notified in advance and will receive a refund or
credit within 30 days from the start of class. No refunds will be given
to those who cancel their registration within 2 days before a class
starts or after class begins. Classes may not be pro-rated; please plan
accordingly. Confirmations will be sent approximately a week before a
class starts via email (please specify if you prefer to be contacted by
phone).
