WEEK ONE OF A SIX WEEK COURSE
Learn the traditional skills of old-time banjo playing, which are the basis for the recent revival of the instrument in popular music by acts like Laura Marling or Mumford & Sons. This six-week course, for complete beginners or those transferring from playing other instruments (such as guitar) will teach you the basic strokes of the style before exploring how to put them to use playing and writing tunes and songs.
Frailing, clawhammer or old-time banjo is the traditional way to play 5-string. More gentle and melodic than bluegrass and very easy to incorporate into all kinds of musical styles, it it quick to pick up and a very rewarding for players and listeners alike.
The course is taught by mulit-instrumentalist Mat Martin. His reputation as a sensitive and imaginative player has been built over years performing internationally with singer-songwriters such as Kirsty McGee, Karine Polwart and Joanna Chapman-Smith. Mat is sponsored by Deering Banjos of California and is about to publish his first book on the banjo, currently available as a free PDF from his website.
Day: Wednesdays
Times: Beginners Class: 7-8pm Guitar/Crossover Class 8-9pm
Dates: September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, October 12th, 19th