Banjo lessons?

Kind of a weird question, but does anyone know any banjo teachers in the hood? I've been teaching myself claw hammer style for about 6 months now, but it feels like its time to actually get a pro involved. I've searched craig and all that, but I couldn't really find anything promising. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

Sam

There's a place on Staten Island that is the banjo mecca of NYC (link below). I know this is not close to where you live, but they might be able to provide you with a local teacher.

http://www.mandoweb.com/

You want to find the oldtime community in brooklyn/manhattan. Try to show up at a session sometime. Someone will have a recommendation for clawhammer banjo teacher.

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/newyorkcityoldtime/

At the Grisly Pear, there's a session on Wed, Aug 11. (107 macdougal street)
Co-hosting the fun will be Sabra Guzman (Old Sledge, Crooked Jades) &
Brett Ratcliff (Klack Mtn, Dirk Powell Band)

Starts at 9:30

Try Jalopy Music Theater on Columbia street (718-395-3214). www.jalopy.biz

They have banjo classes starting in september; and while I don't know the teacher, I can tell you that the folks over there are truly good people. It's a great local business that deserves support.

good luck.

Yes, Jalopy is a great place. I have taken several classes there myself including banjo. Eli Smith teaches clawhammer classes there. The next session of instruction at Jalopy starts early September. Eli's classes are on Wednesday evenings.

Other instruments are taught at Jalopy and there's always a ton of great performers passing through there. Highly recommended. Good luck!

Wow. You guys couldn't be more helpful. Thanks so much.

Indeed, the jalopy people are awesome. Too bad Wednesday nights just don't work for me. Those other links look mighty promising though. Definitely think I'll hop on the yahoo board and I think I'm gonna check out the banjos at that shop in SI (mine was bought at a thrift store and just sounds like crap sometimes).

Funny isn't it that old time music people always seem to be super hooked into the Internet. You don't usually equate the two!

Sam

Subject: Banjo Teacher

I just found this website and saw the query about clawhammer banjo teachers in Brooklyn. I am a long-time banjo player and have been giving banjo lessons for the past 10 years. If you haven't already found someone, contact me!

hahaha.... hey Alan! I DID contact you already! We've got a lesson scheduled for next week!! i got your name from the guys at Mando Bros!! so weird!