Bluegrass Banjo I: Repertoire (Winter)

This class is mainly for students who have completed the 8-week course Bluegrass Banjo I, but it could also suit someone who has recently started learning 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.

By now, you should understand and regularly practice right-hand rolls such as Alternating Thumb, Forward, Backward, and Reverse rolls. 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 cover more tunes using 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 so you can move forward independently of written aids.

Students are welcome to bring a recording device and something to write with. The instructor provides sample recordings of the tunes covered in class, available for download online.

For class, you must bring a 5-string banjo in playable condition. If you are in doubt, we recommend having it checked by a reputable dealer; also, bring a plastic thumb pick and two metal picks for the index and middle fingers. Any picks could work. Please contact me if you’d like my recommendations for specific products.

Level: Very new to the instrument, with a few months of experience, and knows some tunes in the key of G. Best preparation is to take Bluegrass Banjo I.

If you have further questions about the course, please contact Mark at www.appalachianmusic.net.

Classes are now being held at Winchester Thurston in Shadyside.

Your payment serves as your registration. We will contact you closer to the start of class with more information about the classroom location and other details.

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).