Keith Baumann submitted 4/28/2008 Submitter Mr. Disco (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I was lucky to find Keith Baumann for a lesson less than 10 minutes from my office. He's toured with the Special Consensus Bluegrass Band and gives lessons in Elmhurst. He's a terrific banjo player and plays mandolin, guitar, dobro, national steel, and pedal steel. The lesson was an eye-opener for me. Timingwise, I think I'm glad I waited until now, but truly, now it's back to the drawing board. I had done a pretty good job of working cleanly through Janet Davis. I got a couple pages left on it. By the way, on the disc she has with the book, her "Two Little Boys" recording just sounds great. She smokes the strings on it. I've just started working on it. I can play steady and my right hand and left hand are pretty well coordinated, but … – What I learned from Keith Baumann: · I'm really lacking in the rolling speed and bluegrass feel department. I have to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes every day on just playing rolls, and primarily on the 1, 3, and 5 strings to get that "bluegrass sound." With all my work in books I've been so careful about only notching up the metronome when I'm clean where I'm at. – Problem is, I've often walked away from a 30- or 60-minute practice session without ever having really worked my right-hand into a speed and a sound. -- Like Dick Brown says you gotta warm up with rolls. Now I understand. · My X-position needs to be much closer to the bridge than it had been. The difference in sound is night and day once my ring-finger is about even with the bridge. Plus, since the strings are tighter against the bridge there, there's more staccato attack and firmness in picking. Doing that really brought the sound from my Iida alive. · Mr. Baumann told me to buy a new Scorpion or Snuffy Smith and get a geared 5th-string tuner. I'd've done that a while ago but was afraid the banjo needed a lot more than that: new neck, new head, tail piece. He thinks not. My set-up was pretty good on my banjo and I’m happy to hear him say that because my banjo set-up was a mess when I bought it and I did the set-up all myself -- slow and steady trial and error style. – Sounds great when he plays on it. I've not been able to find a wrench to mess with the head, but he thought the head tightness sounded good. Other than that, I've changed the action, loosened the tailpiece and moved the bridge, all goofy cock-eyed to get strings 1 through 4 in tune up and down the neck (5 goes flat up the neck, but he says that's the way it always is if 1 to 4 are good). Hey, it helps me a lot just knowing that my banjo is really in good shape. So, my immediate plans are to get that new bridge and 5th-string tuner, work daily on my rolls, and concentrate on my sound a great deal more especially when my left hand is between frets one and five. I think I’ll also buy Janet’s back-up book, maybe the Pat Cloud book, and a song book from someone else – Trischka, Munde, Wernick. I think I need to start working out by ear something like “Bear Down Chicago Bears” or “Take me out to the Ball Game” to get my head in gear. When I’m digging my sound and my right hand has made some real progress I’ll definitely look Keith Baumann up again -- also Greg Cahill, Jones Family Music, and Brian Munday. I don't recall the exact cost of the lesson but it was about $40 for an hour lesson. Mr. Baumann plays the banjo very well, and turned me onto some real improvements with my right-hand position and getting a good sound with my rollls. He did not actually assign a lesson. Overall Rating 5

DAVE MARTY submitted 4/24/2008 Submitter dbanjoman (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Banjo Jazzer Dave Marty is 'Mr. Smooth' Thursday, April 24, 2008 @2:42:08 PM Banjo Jazzer Dave Marty is 'Mr. Smooth' Posted by Rick Foster on April 3, 2008 at 10:43am Whether entertaining on luxury cruise liners or appearing before convention audiences, California banjoman extraordinaire Dave Marty's nickname is "Mr. Smooth." Marty, whose virtuosity as a performer and recording artist spans nearly a half century, will be the main headliner for this year’s Early Spring Banjo Fling April 3-6 at the Mansfield Holiday Inn. The event, which includes dozens of bands and solo performers playing everything from early 20th Century popular music to traditional and Dixieland jazz, is staged annually by the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band. Music captured the young Marty’s imagination almost from the start. From the age of 12, he had already begun teaching himself ukulele before eventually asking his father for something a little bigger. Marty actually had a guitar in mind, but for his 16th birthday, his dad surprised him with – of all things—a banjo. He had trouble at first adjusting to the banjo’s long neck, and put the instrument aside for the next three years until he happened to hear a banjo player in a trio in a local pizza parlor. “After hearing a couple of tunes, I decided I was as good as or better than the banjo player, and he was making money doing that,” said Marty. “Then and there I knew what I wanted to do with my life.” Before long, Marty had resurrected the banjo, joined the musician’s union and got his first professional job – also in a pizza parlor. He’s been playing ever since: 48 years in all. Marty’s career began in beer halls and restaurants, but he soon branched out to night clubs in San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans and New York City, not to mention Florence, Italy and the New York World’s Fair. Together with David Sturdevant on guitar and Abe van der Meulen on side banjo, Marty formed the San Francisco Medicine Ball Band in 1970, recording an LP “On a Slow Boat to China” in 1976. Marty went on to record several other albums and spent 17 years as a featured performer on major cruise lines. Marty revels in a wide variety of musical forms, from classical to Dixieland and traditional jazz along with music from the big band era. But the uniqueness of the banjo lays the strongest claim to his heart. “Musically, the banjo tugs at the American heart because of the sound derived from the instrument; it is unlike any other American musical instrument and can be a happy one,” said Marty. “Culturally, the banjo is a big part of very early American popular music and dixieland jazz and country & western music. Furthermore, music played on the banjo stirs up many memories, particularly for senior citizens.” Marty will perform several times throughout this year’s Spring Fling beginning with a guest appearance with the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band 7: p.m. Thursday, April 3, in a celebration of the Tin Pan Alley era of American Music, and the annual Headliner concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the hotel. Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 2/29/2008 Submitter single malt (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I learned more in one month (Beginner'^s Banjo Course) than in the first three years by myself. As in Europe there are almost no teachers , Harold was the best choice I could have. The arrangements are very demanding but the course guarantees banjo proficiency very quickly. On the top, Harold is extremely friendly. Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 2/4/2008 Submitter tgospodnetich (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Harold Streeter has an extraordinary gift for teaching banjo, guitar and mandolin. He individualizes his instruction to suit each student in private lessons and group sessions. Harold eases the learner into the driver's seat and provides guidance toward the student's objectives. A gentle coach with a big heart and delightful humor, Harold recognizes and applauds his student's accomplishments. With his vast and varied collection of graduated tab arrangements, he helps his students to develop as independent learners. For students who live outside the North Idaho area, get in touch with Harold at www. lewalt.com. Overall Rating 10

Dave Jakubiak submitted 1/10/2008 Submitter OutlawSteph (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I've been taking lessons from Dave for over three months. First I took a group lesson in beginner banjo through the Palm Beach County community education program, which is a very good program if you are just starting out on banjo as your first instrument. I wanted to learn more, so I signed up for private lessons. Dave is an excellent instructor in many ways. He's helping me break bad habits that I've developed by teaching myself on banjo (and guitar) such as issues with timing, technique and dynamics. Dave is great with telling what your weaknesses are so you know what to practice for the rest of the week. I have found that many instructors cannot, or will not, be critical in that way towards their students, and it does not help you to not have that criticism. He has written instructional cd-roms but is also open to teaching songs you would like to learn. We're working on some JD Crowe right now. Dave has real life experience as a banjo player as well, so he can help with the skills you need to play with other musicians. I am also taking another group lesson that he gives to do just that, as well as continuing with private instruction. Again, I have found that many other teachers are bedroom players and cannot help you with this. Dave is hightly recommended by me for all Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast students. He's a bluegrass/acoustic music enthusiast in an area of the country where those values are in short supply. He has a cool dog too. ;) Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 12/22/2007 Submitter Majkaj (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Harold Streeter is one of those rare musicians who can, at the highest level, both play AND teach. I have been fortunate to have taken banjo lessons from Harold. He has always been patient yet gently urging me to improve my playing abilities. He seems to know when to teach theory and when to show you technique. If you are in Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington, lessons with Harold would be time well spent. I have also taken, and recommend, Harold's Beginner Banjo Course ( http://www.lewalt.com/bluegrass_beg.html ). Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 12/18/2007 Submitter jmlhm (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments For years I struggled, trying to teach myself how to play guitar based on lessons I took many years ago. I finally decided to take lessons again and I asked someone at a local music store if they could recommend someone. They highly recommended Harold. I don't know if it was luck or providence, but, Harold and I attend the same Church. So, I met him and was able to start lessons. From the first visit, he made learning so easy. All the tricks and techniques he taught me made me a better player in a very short time. His patience, encouragement, and skill made lessons very enjoyable. Harold has a wealth of musical knowledge and skill and can help anyone improve their playing, no matter what their level of talent, beginner or expert. Overall Rating 10

John Boulding submitted 12/17/2007 Submitter sunday (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Just finished first lesson with John. I like his approach. He is very thorough. I would highly recomend him. Chris Prewitt Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 12/13/2007 Submitter 5strbanjo (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments The other reviewers have about said it all, but as one who has been learning from Harold for about five years now I will say this: If you're within driving distance of Harold Streeter, and you want to take banjo, guitar, or mandolin lessons from someone who is not only a master at playing these instruments but who knows how to really and truly help others learn, too, then you can't do better than Harold Streeter. Period. Overall Rating 10

John Boulding submitted 12/8/2007 Submitter MoTomCat (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I am very impressed with John as a teacher, and with him teaching the lessons online, he is available to just about everyone. He takes the time to find out where the student is in his banjo learning journey, finds out where the student wants to go, and then starts helping them toward their goals. He asked me what I felt my shortcoming were on the banjo, and what I felt I needed to work on first, and then proceeded to help me in the areas I had identified as problem areas for me. So far, I have not seen any "canned" lessons, but rather ideas and concepts that will help me become a better banjo player and reach the goals I have for myself on the banjo. After taking some lessons from teachers who only gave out "canned" lessons, or those who didn't take time to learn where the student was or what the student wanted out of the lessons, I was very pleased that John took an interest in gearing the lessons toward me personally. I gave John a 10 rating, because I believe he deserves it. Tom Overall Rating 10

Andy Rau submitted 11/28/2007 Submitter Gomer (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments This would be for the Orange County area of Southern California. Andy has been teaching me Scruggs and melodic for about six months. He teaches by tab and by .tef for practice. Very good at pointing out a missed or extra note and the easiest finger placement tricks. Also big on pointing out different licks that work for a tune which gets you to thinking about your own style. Also frails and clawhammers, but I am not there yet so I don't have an opinion. I am very satisfied with the pace which changes appropriately, depending on the level of brain death that I suffer from week to week. When I get it, he pushes on until I get something else, and so on. Each time its a little further stretch. He is all about the subtle stuff that you don't hear unless you know to listen. He is on the Deering pro list, so I guess somebody else thinks he is pretty good too. He was the Banjo player at Knott's Berry Farm for a long while. played hooky in high school to learn the banjar for hisself. Very low key, very patient, but keeps a good pace. If he hadn't got me through the frustrations phase I would be playing the rhythm kazoo. He is at www.andyrauband.com ( I didn't give the ten in case I ever get a lesson from Bela Fleck. You got to keep your perspective, you know) Overall Rating 9

Harold Streeter submitted 11/24/2007 Submitter C Wylie (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Harold is the best music instructor I've ever had. He's also a fantastic performer. My first introduction to Harold was watching him play for a cowboy supper club called "The Rockin' B Ranch" and I remember being awed by his talent. When I found out that he gave private lessons I was excited as well as pretty nervous, but from my first lesson he made me feel comfortable and at ease. I started taking guitar lessons from him in 2004 and in 2006 decided to try the banjo. Since then I've been juggling both instruments and having so much fun! I've left every lesson feeling encouraged and motivated to continue on my journey toward becoming a better musician. In 2005 I joined the New Horizons Bluegrass Band of which Harold is the instructor. In this group I've grown in confidence to play with and in front of others. Through Harold's encouragement and instruction I'm learning to play at a level that I'd never dreamed would be possible. Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 11/23/2007 Submitter ljnewby (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments When I first got my banjo as a Christmas present in 2006, I knew I needed lessons to play it properly. I was told that Harold was the best and if I had the opportunity to take lessons from him I should. From the first lesson I knew I had made the right decision. He made me feel right at home, and his friendly manner make the lessons something to look forward to. Although I have only been taking lessons for less than a year, I believe I have learned so much more than I would have from most other teachers, and certainly more than I could have on my own. He doesn’t just teach “what” to play, he teaches “how” and “why”. I intend to take lessons from Harold as long as I can, and I would whole-heartedly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a good instructor. Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 11/21/2007 Submitter Joe Beckett (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Up here in the Inland Empire most students looking for the best end up with Harold. He is an accomplished musician in his own right. However he has demonstrated time and again his devotion to helping others develop and learn. If it isn't private lessons, it's his role in developing the New Horizons Bluegrass Band, a venue to develop the skills to play with others and perform. Despite the Jimmie Carter voice, and his lack of flashy DVD's ( a reference to comments in Banjo Hangout on his Banjo II Course}, this man puts his pants on one leg at a time. I've seen the stick figured directions on his wall at home. Overall Rating 10

Harold Streeter submitted 11/21/2007 Submitter Pete Clemens (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments First let me say something about myself which should hit home with many others who want to learn an instrument and have had difficulty making that first call to talk with an instructor. Nobody and I mean nobody struggled with the anxiety of making that first call more than I did. Boy was I lucky when Harold answered his phone and within two minutes I was at ease and knew right then he was my new Banjo teacher. I was very comfortable from the very first which is a skill Harold has developed from 40 years of teaching and playing at a professional level. You might want to check out his complete Biography at his web site to get a better understanding of this mans life work. I was priviledged to take private Banjo lessons for two years and continue now with his Banjo II course. Upon completion I will return for additional lessons to an advanced rating. If your reading this review with a serious interest in learning the Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin or Dobro then Harold Streeter is someone you need to talk with. He has changed my life in many ways and I will be eternally grateful. Overall Rating 10

Larry Edmond submitted 11/13/2007 Submitter teacher (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Early last year, my wife couldn't stand hearing me try to play clawhammer in the basement so she got me several lessons for Christmas from Larry Edmond in Bethel, Vt. (802-234-5668). When I went up, Larry immediately saw problems with my right hand (and thumb) and gave me exercises to get it right. Larry has been very patient and we practice a new song at each lesson and at the end he tapes the song at slow speed and up to speed so I can listen as I practice. Larry loves the Round Peak style and has put me onto some great music by Tommy Jarrell, Kyle Creed and others that has opened up a new world for me. Larry has a bunch of classic banjos around his house and it has been a pleasure to handle them as I have improved. If you live in Vermont or New Hampshire and want to get into the old time style, I can't say enough about Larry Edmond! Overall Rating 10

Wayne Erbsen submitted 11/12/2007 Submitter Jaminbanjo (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Wayne is a super beginning teacher. He guarantees that he can teach you to play banjo! His website is www.nativeground.com Try him! Overall Rating 10

Chris Quinn submitted 11/4/2007 Submitter SJL (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Many of you have benefitted from Chris's instructional posts here on the Hangout. I have had the benefit of taking some lessons from Chris. He has a remarkable ability to assess where you are in your "journey", to simplify the things that you are working on and send you away with enough homework to keep you going for a long time. He has an absolute passion for the banjo and Bluegrass that comes out in every lesson. He also has enough experience in teaching that I get a sense that he knows how to read a student and determine the best strategy for them. Chris's other job is teaching English as a second language to adults, so he has professionally developed teaching skills that transfer to his banjo instruction. Chris also makes a CD summary of each lesson, which I find very helpful. I can go back and review the CD. If you are interested in learning to play Bluegrass banjo and live in the Toronto area, Chris is your man. Overall Rating 10

Dan Levenson submitted 10/30/2007 Submitter mrphysics55 (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Greetings HangOut Folks, We just completed a Dan Levenson, Intermediate, Claw Hammer Workshop here in Birmingham, Alabama. The Old Buzzard and the Lovely Miss Jennifer are great people and extremely talented musicians. We begged for an Grand "Old-Time" and that's what we got! It surpassed my expectations ... As a matter of fact, I only have one "complaint". I asked Dan to show me how to improve ONE area of my playing. He found Three or Four for me to work on! Dang! I'm gonna be busy for months. :>) .... LOL Brother Buzzard ... :>) Too bad I can't rate their program Higher than a 10. Sincerely, Eddie Birmingham Overall Rating 10

Dave Jakubiak submitted 10/22/2007 Submitter voodoo_chilly (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I've been taking banjo lessons from Dave Jakubiak since I started playing (Dec 2004). Dave has an incredible knowledge of music theory, which has led me to pursue other musical genres instead of just bluegrass. Although one could learn music theory from a book, or on-line sites, Dave has taught me numerous ways to remember different theory based on the layout of the banjo. Playing major, minor, pentatonic (etc etc) scales out of the three chord "shapes" and recognizing patterns from playing out of these chord shapes has helped me immensely. To keep it all interesting, Dave throws in songs to learn based on the theory I am learning. He also stresses backup playing since that is what you will be playing primarily in a group setting. I take private lessons from Dave, but he also teaches a group class. I highly recommend Dave as a banjo instructor (he also teaches guitar and I beleive he teaches mandolin as well). Overall Rating 10

Dave Jakubiak submitted 10/22/2007 Submitter martinezgf (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Excellent instructor that works hard to make sure every lesson counts. Has a good feel for when to push and demand more from the student and when to encourage and keep it fun. Well versed in music theory and will not settle for teaching one to play a repertoire of songs from wrote memory. His instructional C/D’s, which are based on actual recorded material, are an excellent learning tool. The material is presented as both a single instrument; banjo, mandolin or guitar, as well as duet combinations, up to tempo and half speed. This makes the material suitable for beginning through intermediate students. Unlike other instructors, Dave never “overbooks” and when you schedule a lesson, you can count on starting on time. At the same time, he is very accommodating and willing to work around shifting work schedules and personal issues to schedule lessons. The rates are consistent with other private instructions that I have taken in the past. Overall Rating 9

Dave Jakubiak submitted 10/20/2007 Submitter umfan3981 (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments When I got the bug to learn the banjo, two very fortunate things happened. I found the Banjo Hangout, and through the Hangout I found Dave Jakubiak. Lots of good players offer lessons, but not all can teach. Dave has the rare gift of being able to both teach and play, and he does both well. I had some musical education as a kid, and tried to teach myself guitar. Since starting with Dave a few months back, I have learned more about music theory and its practical application than I could have stumbled across in years of aimless self study. He is helping me learn both the music and the instrument, and I know I will be a better player for it. I've got a long way to go before anyone will mistake me for a banjo picker, but I'm on the right road, with a plan. I know what I'm supposed to be doing, and why, and that's what a good instructor does for you. With practice on my part, I will have the skills to get there. Once I'm a little farther down the road with the banjo, I'll work with Dave to fill in the holes in my guitar playing that I never would have figured out on my own. I believe that whatever your skill level, Dave can help you be a better musician. He has the patience and teaching ability to get the beginner started with confidence, and the knowledge and skill to help the experienced player better understand both music and technique. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have. Best regards, Chris Kinzel / umfan3981 Overall Rating 10

Dave Jakubiak submitted 10/19/2007 Submitter briln (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Dave is unique among all the teachers that I have had. Most teachers give you songs to learn and some technique. Dave only start there. His objective is not just to learn songs (although we learn songs also) but to reallly understand the instrument and how to make music. For the first time I can understand the process that professional musicians use to improvise and play without tabs. He interjects theory in a very informative and easy to understand manner. His lessons are based on the students needs and not just going throug a book. My highest recommendation if you live in South Florida within driving range of Jupiter. Overall Rating 10

Dave Jakubiak submitted 10/18/2007 Submitter onlinemike (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments Amazing teacher with amazing talents. Great patience and a superior game plan. He has all of his own materials they are nicely organized on DVDs for you to take home and print out. He has really gone out of his way for me. Before I even took one class with him he placed countless calls to get pricing for banjos for me and answer every question I had. He is top notch, so if you are in the Jupiter Florida area I would give him a shout for a fact. His phone number is 561-309-8616. His BHO link is http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/home.asp?id=7016 Overall Rating 10

Eddie Collins submitted 9/28/2007 Submitter ac5aa (see all reviews from this person) Overall Comments I'm returning to playing after having taught myself from Pete Seeger's and Earl Scruggs' books back in the early 1970's. Eddie has lost no time in helping me straighten out some posture and playing position errors, and has improved both my tone and confidence. I've had teachers before who think my lesson time is time for them to chat instead of teach. Eddie uses every minute of our lesson time for instruction and advice. There is no wasted motion or moment!! Lesson time flies, and yet each week I leave richer and excited to try the new things I've learned. He's easily the best music teacher I've had, and his rates are reasonable. For those interested in Eddie's books, they contain a significant portion of his teaching in the text. Very helpful. Overall Rating 10