Banjo Lessons · West St. Paul
Banjo lessons
Banjo lessons
for every level.
One-on-one banjo instruction for beginners through advanced players. Bluegrass rolls, clawhammer, folk fingerpicking — learn the style that calls to you.
What we cover
Everything a banjo player needs
Rolls & right-hand technique
Scruggs-style rolls, melodic picking, and the fundamental right-hand patterns that give banjo its distinctive drive and momentum.
Clawhammer style
The traditional downstroke technique behind old-time and folk banjo — a completely different approach with its own deep vocabulary.
Chord shapes & positions
Moveable chord shapes across the neck, capo usage, and the chord vocabulary for accompanying fiddle tunes, songs, and jam sessions.
Ear training
Learning to hear chord changes, licks, and rolls by ear so you can pick up tunes quickly and hold your own at a jam.
Bluegrass & old-time tunes
The core repertoire of both traditions — fiddle tunes, gospel, and standard bluegrass songs that give your technique real musical context.
Music theory for banjo
How chords, keys, and scales work on the banjo neck so you understand what you are playing, not just memorizing patterns.
Skill levels
Where do you start?
Beginner
Never picked up a banjo
No experience needed. We start with how to hold the instrument, tune it, and play your first rolls — covering both bluegrass and clawhammer approaches from the start.
Basic tuning and instrument care
First chords and simple rolls
Introduction to right-hand technique
Your first complete tunes
Intermediate
Most common
Know some basics, want more
You can play a few things but want stronger technique, a wider tune repertoire, and the skills to jam with other players confidently.
Expanded roll patterns and lick vocabulary
Moveable chord shapes and capo use
Fiddle tune repertoire and variation
Jam session skills and active listening
Advanced
Serious player, serious goals
For players pursuing a high level of technical and musical mastery — advanced melodic and single-string technique, complex tune arrangements, and performing.
Melodic and single-string technique
Advanced improvisation over chord changes
Complex tune arrangements and breaks
Performance preparation and stage presence
Our approach
What makes lessons here different
How we teach
01
The style you want to play
Whether you want to play bluegrass, old-time, folk, or country, lessons focus on the tradition that excites you rather than a generic curriculum.
02
One-on-one the whole time
Every lesson is private. Your instructor focuses entirely on your rolls, tone, and musical goals.
03
Progress you can track
Lesson notes in the student portal after every session so your practice is always focused and intentional.
Why banjo specifically
—
One of the most joyful instruments to play
The bright, driving tone of a banjo is uniquely satisfying. Once you can play a roll, the momentum of the instrument carries you forward.
—
Built for community music-making
Banjo is at the center of bluegrass and old-time jams. Learning it puts you in the middle of a living, welcoming musical tradition.
—
Accessible at any age
Students from their teens through retirement learn banjo with us. It is one of the most approachable instruments to start on.
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Banjo
Our banjo instructors
Meet the team
Contact us to learn more about our current instructors and find the right fit for your goals and schedule.
Pricing
Straightforward lesson rates
Half-hour lesson
$30–$40 / session
Rates vary slightly by instructor. A 30-minute lesson is the standard format and works well for most students, especially beginners and younger learners.
- One-on-one with your instructor
- Private lesson room in the store
- Lesson notes saved in the student portal
- Pay in-store, by phone, or online
Every lesson includes
Free student portal access
Every student gets full access to the online portal at no extra cost. Review your lesson notes, log practice time, and stay on top of your schedule.
- Your lesson calendar and schedule
- Instructor notes after every lesson
- Practice time logging
- Invoices and online payment
Common questions
Before you sign up
Five-string or four-string banjo?
Most people start on the five-string, which is the standard for bluegrass and old-time. Four-string (tenor or plectrum) banjos are used in jazz and Irish music. We can help you decide.
Should I learn Scruggs style or clawhammer?
Both are great. Scruggs-style is the foundation of bluegrass; clawhammer is the backbone of old-time. We can help you figure out which fits your goals, or you can learn both.
Do I need a banjo before my first lesson?
No. Come in and talk to us first. We carry instruments in the store and can help you find the right setup without spending money on the wrong thing.
How old do students need to be?
We typically start banjo students around age 8-10 when hand size is sufficient. Banjo is a wonderful instrument for adults of any age.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens. Get in touch with your instructor as early as possible and we will work with you.
How do I get ready for a jam session?
That is one of the best reasons to take lessons. We will get you ready with the tune knowledge, chord vocabulary, and jam etiquette to show up and contribute.
Get started today
Ready to start playing banjo?
Call us, send an email, or enroll online. No commitment needed to ask questions — we will figure out the right fit before you sign anything.
Already a student?
Log in to view your lesson schedule, read your instructor's notes, and pay your invoice.
Lesson calendar
Teacher notes
Practice log
Online payments
Hours
Mon–Fri 12pm – 8pm
Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday Closed
Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday Closed