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Clawhammer Banjo

Save the picks for the bluegrass class.

Clawhammer Banjo is used in old time music. The tunes are both easy and repetitive. It's exciting to build your way to playing in an old time band in which banjos, fiddles, mandolins, and guitars play with energy for cloggers and partner dancers. When you advance, you can branch out into more complex repertoire: French Canadian, Fiddle Tunes of the Midwest, and other specialty classes.
How is clawhammer played?
It is played by rhythmically rapping your right hand downward (as if knocking on a door) and plucking the string or strings along the way. Your right hand's index finger brushes against the strings and then the banjo head underneath the strings, and combined with your thumb catching the uppermost string, you get the trademark rhythmic sound of clawhammer.

Introduction to the Banjo

Beginner

Thursday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

For anyone attracted to the 5-string banjo but not sure which style to try first, this is for you!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Clawhammer Banjo 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Clawhammer Banjo 2

Intermediate

Tuesday with Dan Mulvihill

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Go beyond the basics with Clawhammer techniques such as drop-thumbing, while playing more challenging songs and fiddle tunes.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Clawhammer Banjo 3

Advanced

Tuesday or Thursday with Steve Rosen or Dan Mulvihill

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Develop stronger left and right hand techniques in frailing and drop-thumb using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Online

Banjo 2

Intermediate

Monday with Joshua Guy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Banjo 3

Intermediate

Monday with Joshua Guy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Clawhammer Banjo 2 Repertoire

Intermediate

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $256 ($236 members)

Clawhammer Banjo Artistry

IntermediateNew!

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $128 ($108 members)

Clawhammer Banjo Workshops with Michael J. Miles

WorkshopIntermediate

Monday with Michael Miles

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $25 ($23 members)

Michael presents his compelling arrangements with the kind of detail that demystifies complexity and establishes pathways for students to arrange their own works.

Location: Online

The Melodic Approach to Clawhammer Banjo with Ken Perlman

WorkshopIntermediateNew!

Sunday with Staff

90 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $40 ($35 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Private Lesson Options

Our private lessons like our group classes run in 8-week sessions, however, you can begin private lessons during any week in the session. Please call our customer service folks at 773.728.6000 to register as private lesson availability is based upon individual teacher schedules.

Lessons are scheduled weekly, for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and are available every day of the week at our Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations. Our experienced and professional faculty will work with you to develop an individualized program that helps you achieve your musical goals.

Stop in at either location or call the front desk at 773.728.6000 to register.


8-week Session Prices

$336 for 30 minutes ($326 for members)

$480 for 45 minutes ($465 for members)

$616 for 60 minutes ($596 for members)


Session & Registration Dates

8-week lessons: 10/28/2024 – 12/22/2024

Monday 09/23/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 10/07/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 10/09/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 01/06/2025 – 03/02/2025

Monday 11/18/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 12/02/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 12/04/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 03/03/2025 – 04/27/2025

Monday 01/27/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 02/10/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 02/12/25: Open registration

8-week lessons: 04/28/2025 – 06/22/2025

Monday 03/24/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 04/07/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 04/09/25: Open registration


Teachers

Click for teacher profiles and schedules

Jonas Friddle »
Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ensembles, Band Coaching, School Partnerships

Michael O'Toole »
Guitar