Overall Comments

I have been getting lessons on bluegrass banjo from Jack Baker for 5 years now and have become a “decent” picker. Jack’s method is simple: the focus is on learning songs. Jack uses his enormous library of perfectly tabbed-out songs by all the greats to work meticulously on technique and accuracy. His accompaniment on guitar (or banjo) is a very enjoyable way to learn timing, which Jack also emphasizes as critically important. Sometimes, the best part of the lesson is just jamming with Jack. It’s a great way to perfect timing and it encourages memorization of the songs.

From the beginning, I practiced about 3 - 4 hours per week (and still do) plus a ½ hour lesson with Jack. Within 1 year I was making music and had a repertoire of over a dozen (easy) songs. Now, my repertoire has expanded to about 50 songs and I am playing some challenging pieces pretty much at speed. With Jack’s help, I also learned to use my “ear” (and some software) to transcribe from recorded music and to tab.

I am extremely satisfied with my “Jack Baker Experience”; he’s a great teacher, and I eagerly look forward to year 6. Most importantly, I love playing my banjo more than ever! I'm 63 years old and only wish I started playing 50 instead of just 5 years ago.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I don't know where i would be without Jack Baker. I have been taking a weekly lesson with him for 8 months now and he has me playing stuff i though it would take years to be able to do. He has been teaching for over 30 years professionally in NYC. You come in, he evaluates your playing and then starts giving you pieces that are appropriate to your level. He is subtle in his style, but he will catch any bad habit you are starting to get into before its too late. I have a degree in songwriting from one of the best music institutions in the world, so i have had a lot of various music teachers. Jack is among the best I've seen. Go take a lesson with him if you are in the NYC area and I promise you won't regret it.

Overall Rating

10