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Paul Fairbanks

Ithaca, NY, USA

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Teaches Lessons: Online, In Person

Styles: Bluegrass (Scruggs) , Other

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Teacher Since: 1990

Pricing: negotiated and based on a 1 hour lesson

Listing Created: 11/15/2011
Listing Updated: 3/21/2026

More About Me

I enjoy working with banjo students at all levels and abilities and most of my students are from the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York. I've had students as young as 5 and as old as 88! My specialty is 3 finger bluegrass, but I can cover claw hammer basics for anyone interested in that style.

I don't follow a rigid "module" approach to teaching. My style is to find out what each student wants to accomplish. Many students wish to be able to jam with other players, so the focus is often on understanding how songs can be played with some "down and dirty" chords. I'm a firm believer in having fun with bluegrass and the fun really starts when you can play with other musicians!

Other students have particular songs or styles of music they wish to master, so we dig into how to "decode" a melody and chord sequence and then create an arrangement. This can involve using some software programs like Tabledit or Strum Machine for play-along backing tracks.

I have developed an approach to right hand rolls that can be used to play the melody line of a song, which is typically one of the big mysteries of the 5 string banjo. Along with this method, I have lots of materials, tabs, and exercises, including an instruction book that allows people to branch out and work on other areas on their own.

I cover all the basic Scruggs rolls, licks, bells, and whistles. I don't, however, insist on playing every thing just like Earl. To the contrary, I think we all need to find our own "inner Earll!"

I often incorporate some music theory into lessons, including how to find chords "up the neck," how to understand major and minor chords, and how to play backup. For more advanced players, I can offer suggestions on more complex chords, chord substitutions, and melodic style banjo. It is not necessary to be able to read music (but it can help!) and I encourage everyone to use their ears as much as possible!

My teaching schedule is quite flexible, as I'm retired. I often teach in the evenings and weekends for the folks with day jobs. Many students opt to come every other week (affording them time to absorb and master material). I can also do "jump start" lessons every week for those students (like soon-to-be college grads for example) who are wanting to cram in as much banjo information as possible before they leave the area. I also work with people on an "as needed" basis, sometimes every few weeks or even months. My experience is we all reach plateaus and we can use a nudge by meeting with another banjo player from time to time. Personally, I've worked with Alison Brown and Tony Trischka on Artist Works over the years when I needed a kick in the butt.

I was initially reluctant to do ZOOM lessons, but now find them to be quite productive. Lesson length is typically an hour and most students opt for an hour lesson. I do a video summary for both ZOOM and in person lessons so you can review the material after the lesson and play along with the examples we have studied. Zoom has allowed me to connect with people from Los Angeles, Silver Springs, Md, and Tampa! And when the weather gets gnarly in upstate NY, we can always meet on zoom and stay warm and cozy!!

Latest update: In August 2025, I was asked to coach at the Wernick Method Silver Bay Camp. Subsequent to that, I became a certified Wernick Method instructor and now do "Learn How to Bluegrass Jam" classes in Central NY. If you're interested in knowing more about the where's and when's of these workshops, as well as lesson options, feel free to drop me a line!

And most of all, have fun playing music!!

Comments

Awesome photo! - keqwow1


I've been taking lessons with Paul for about a year and a half, in person, then transitioning online due to the pandemic. His style of teaching is student centered. He's good at figuring out what your strengths are, and playing to that in a super positive and encouraging way, nudging you forward in weaker areas, while giving you what you want in terms of intensity and curriculum focus. Paul's teaching pulls from several threads simultaneously, and the threads connect more and more as you go along. My lessons include a mix of rolls and patterns, by rote songs, tablature, chord shapes and theory up and down the neck. Then to top it off, Paul records and sends a video recap of the lesson which is amazingly helpful. I feel like I am getting a wonderfully rich and textured "banjo education" by a gifted educator and fun dude. What a combo! Thank you, Paul!
Your (best) student,
Kari - zkari


Taking classes with Paul has been a blast! I'm brand new to banjo and in the past few months I've already learned so much. He sends out really helpful recorded videos after every lesson, breaking down what we went over that day. And I LOVE how he's happy to deviate from his planned lesson when I have a song I'd like to explore. Definitely recommend Paul for anyone looking to pick up the banjo! - msloew09


Very good teacher. Paul has the energy and enthusiasm and ability to teach well and of course knows banjo! Summaries following the lessons are very helpful. Very enjoyable lessons. - kwilliams


Thanks Everyone for the compliments! You're fun to work with, that's for sure!
 - Paulie Ray


I have always wanted to learn string instruments and I have alway been partial to the banjo. I was looking for an instructor and a friend of a friend in Ithaca had mentioned Paul. Since 2021 I have been working with Paul online and when I travel to Ithaca we meet in person. Paul is patient and I have learned a lot with my very busy schedule. He provides a regiment of skill building techniques as well as songs that drill many of the skills. Thanks Paul. - BanjoBeeman


It’s been a real pleasure working with Paul. He’s patient and knowledgeable and always willing to work with the student as a person.
It takes a lot to improve and it’s fantastic to have a teacher putting in the work to help! - RyanBeggar


Hi Paul,
We've might of met at a jam in Ethica, not sure. Anyway, I'm a lefty banjo player as well as guitar and harmonica. I've been playing banjo about 15 years and nowhere close to where I should be. Im much more committed to it these days than ever before.
Thanks,
Jim - Jersey Jim


Paul is a great teacher, and working with him was always a lot of fun!

I took lessons from Paul for four years in Ithaca. When I started, I had some basic experience playing guitar, but had never picked up a banjo. By the time we finished, I was playing in my own band and at local jam sessions.

Paul always took time to personalize each lesson, finding songs that fit my interests, and adjusting his teaching to fit my playing style. He is great for all skill levels, and I'd highly recommend! - Dgold


Paul is a wonderful teacher and even better man. He is patient, encouraging and always enthusiastic...even if you havent practiced! His videos are a library of knowledge. - fili123


I've been working with Paul for around 2.5 years. We meet mostly only but a few times a year I make the two hour drive one way for an in person visit, which is always worth it. His style is flexible, he's really there to meet the student's needs and learning style. He is a joy to work with and I'm grateful to have found him through banjo hangout - Melissa MacKay


I've been working with Paul for around 2.5 years. We meet mostly only but a few times a year I make the two hour drive one way for an in person visit, which is always worth it. His style is flexible, he's really there to meet the student's needs and learning style. He is a joy to work with and I'm grateful to have found him through banjo hangout - Melissa MacKay


I have always wanted to play banjo but was constrained by time and lack of instruction. Once I retired, I started taking banjo lessons from Paul about 6 months ago and it's been so much fun! Paul is easy going, encouraging and thoughtful. After each lesson, he sends a summary video, which is so helpful to refer to when I am practicing. I can highly recommend him as a banjo instructor! - ydeboer


I've been taking lessons with Paul on and off for about 11 years! I love how he personalizes each lesson. He considers your style, both in learning and music taste and caters his methods to suit. It's the perfect blend of music literacy and super fun jamming. :) - biggestpretend


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