Hi! This is my first post, so I hope it's in the right category.
I just got a banjo 2 days ago, and I'm looking for an instructor. I'm an adult beginner with no previous instrument playing experience. I've looked all over this site and others for teachers but haven't found anyone because I want claw hammer style lessons near me in Cincinnati, Ohio. I'm fine with video lessons during the pandemic, but I would like to find someone that I could actually have in person sessions with at some point. Does anyone know a teacher in the south west area of Ohio (or across the river in KY)?
THANKS!!
Edited by - Yankee Andi on 01/19/2021 16:59:58
I assume you looked under "Learn" on the left side of the page? If not, click on it, go to "find a teacher", do an advanced search using your zip code (and state) to see if there are teachers listed here.
You might change the title of the thread to something like "Beginner clawhammer teacher, southwest Ohio, needed"
Edited by - thisoldman on 01/19/2021 16:43:02
Yes, I've searched this site's archive & saw suggestions from 2007, 2009, 2012, & 2014. Every person listed either does bluegrass or is too far away.
The Learn option to the left directs you to written or video instruction. I'm looking for private lessons.
Thanks for the suggestion about the title of the thread. I'll try to figure out how to change it... I'm new to this site...
Whilst you wait for answers on an instructor, below are some free videos and a free pdf to get you started.
If you struggle to find a tutor, bear in mind many do lessons over skype.
Dan Levenson 1
banjohangout.org/lessons/video...sp?id=235
Dan Levenson 2
banjohangout.org/lessons/video...sp?id=247
Dan Levenson 3
banjohangout.org/lessons/video...sp?id=260
RSB Videos
rsb.pricklypearmusic.net/rsbvideos.html
RSB Site
rsb=pricklypearmusic.net/
Tomorrow I’m beginning lessons with Kendl Winter. I’m doing Scruggs 3 finger lessons but Kendl is also an excellent clawhammer player. She’s in Olympia Washington so wouldn’t be able to give you in person lessons but might be a good place to start.
@thisoldman @AndyW @pat_mccarley
Thank you for the fast replies! I'll keep all of that in mind while I cast about for a teacher.
Happy picking!
Andi
Welcome from another Ohioan. Unfortunately I'm way up in Akron and can't help you with teachers in your area. I know Dan Gellert used to live around there. Perhaps he knows someone who could help?
It's also perfectly possible to learn to play without a teacher. I learned using Dan Levenson's 'Clawhammer Banjo from Scratch' book exclusively for about 5 months, and there are plenty other books out there. Also beginner videos, you tube channels, patreon sites and the likes.
If you can’t find a local person Skype is the next best thing. Very close to being there in person. My teacher is so far away it is not possible to be on the same planet without going further. I live in a Clawhammer desert. Books are good and videos better but a real person is best. My view as a very green musician.
That's true, Andy W, and I have been watching some videos. But I need a person to look at my technique and tell me what I'm doing wrong (or how to do things better). For example I'm really struggling with hitting the middle strings playing clawhammer. I could agonize over it for hours, but a good player could take one look and tell me exactly where I'm going wrong, ya know?
