Ideal for both clawhammer and bluegrass players, this brand new workshop will introduce you to the fascinating music and techniques of five-string 19th century banjo. Drawing upon Bill’s research of 19th and early 20th century instructional manuals and sheet music, Bill will show you how to play the basic techniques of 1850’s minstrel banjo, presenting new combinations of techniques familiar to clawhammer players. He’ll then move on to demonstrate classic banjo, a finger- picked repertoire popular in the United States and England from the 1880’s through 1920 that captured the energy and spirit of ragtime and early jazz. You’ll come away from this workshop ready to explore this world on your own – you’ll know what to play and how to play it when examining the sheet music from this era.

What to bring: Any kind of five-string banjo will do – either open back or resonator. If you use a fingerpick for clawhammer style (which is rare, but some folks do use a pick), bring that with you but if you are a bluegrass player, there is no need to bring your fingerpicks. Bring a banjo strap if you need to balance your instrument. Video and audio recording is encouraged. Bill will provide copies of all sheet music, tab and printed materials covered in this workshop.

Cost $40.