The distinctive sound of the 5-string banjo was first pioneered by the legendary Earl Scruggs, and the instrument remains very popular to this day across many musical styles. Designed for absolute beginners, this ten-week course provides an extensive introduction to this great instrument, including:

• The basics – holding and playing the instrument, learning to pick the right way.
• Right-hand technique – positioning, ‘roll’ patterns and exercises.
• Left-hand technique – slides, slurs, hammer-ons and pull-offs, all of which give the 5-string banjo its distinctive sound.
• Instrumentals – students will learn some of the most famous banjo instrumental pieces.
• Songs – students will learn arrangements of well-known songs from both sides of the Atlantic, and will be shown how to develop their own arrangements.
• Commonly used chord shapes up and down the neck of the banjo
• Techniques and licks from the great banjo players.
• Listening to recordings of 5-string banjo in various musical contexts.

Participating students will need to have their own 5-string banjos to bring to class and to practice with at home. If you do not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments, some of which are available on payment plans, for students at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.

Introducing 5-String Banjo is one of our group courses for beginners. Private, partner, group and one-off 'intensive' banjo lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Traditional Instruments for more information.

2012 Summer Term Schedule & Fee

5 weeks, July 5 – August 2, 2012
Thursdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm

Tuition Fee: €170

Patrick Kiernan, Teacher

Paddy’s interest in the banjo grew out of his original love of Irish music, and he first took up the 5-string banjo after hearing Luke Kelly's famous recording of 'On Raglan Road’. He soon turned his attention to the bluegrass and folk world, learning from recordings of famous players such as Earl Scruggs and Béla Fleck, and studying with banjo legend Tony Trischka. Paddy played with Dublin's longest-running bluegrass band, Fair City Grass, from 2006 to 2008 and has performed and recorded with various bluegrass and folk bands and musicians at festivals throughout Ireland and the UK. He currently plays, arranges and teaches traditional and contemporary bluegrass, Irish traditional music, folk music and jazz on the 5-string banjo.

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2012 Summer Term Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited to eight.

Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

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