I'm new to the website, and having a quick browse through it has an abundance of help already, which is amazing! I've seen other posts about books etc. and have seen plenty of great instructional videos, so I am just wondering if anyone can recommend a good banjo teacher in North London? I've only had my banjo for 3 weeks, and I feel it's going well, but as I don't have anyone to give me any feedback, I would love some teaching and constructive criticism!
16 Comments |
 | tonytcc says:
12/11/2015 10:41:45 AM
I've looked at a few books, and for me, the Janet Davis one published by Mel Bay is brilliant to start on, it has a cd and video to accompany it and its the way she structures the lessons and arranges the tunes that I really like, I still like going back to it and starting from page one even today when i'm faffing with lots of other (more random) stuff.
Hope this helps - no idea about a face to face teacher.
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 | mooweesworld says:
12/11/2015 10:48:08 AM
Thank you very much! Will look into that!
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 | Debs says:
12/11/2015 11:34:09 AM
Welcome Calum! I definitely recommend the Janet Davis book/dvd "You Can Teach Yourself Banjo" - it's an excellent resource and will get you off to a good start. Good luck on your banjo journey! :)
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 | birdmanUK says:
12/11/2015 12:08:24 PM
Hi I don't know of teachers in North London specifically, but if you have Skype you will find several teachers who use it, both in UK and USA. I know of Leon Hunt in Bath and john Boulding in USA, both have hangout pages here with contact details (both are excellent teachers).
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| mooweesworld says:
12/11/2015 12:17:13 PM
Thanks guys, this is already proving to be an invaluable website! Currently going through Rob Bourassa's Cripple Creek videos, I have it at a very slow tempo, but now it's getting messy, so I think an hour and a half of plucking is enough for tonight!
One final note, I seem to have quite a large thumb, the size large in thumb picks seems too tight, can anyone recommend a good website to get XL thumb picks from, I hear Golden Gate picks are good?
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 | the Twanger says:
12/11/2015 12:56:32 PM
Also consider the Murphy Method. This involves learning by ear and does not use tab. They are having a sale at the moment which also includes downloads.
I use this as I also have problems finding a tutor in darkest Essex.
Also look at Casey Henry who is Murphy's daughter she also teaches and does skype. She is about to have a baby and is doing offers of $5 lessons including greensleeves as a beginner, for that price its worth a punt!
Good Luck and welcome aboard.
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| mooweesworld says:
12/11/2015 1:36:43 PM
Thank you very much! Will look into that!
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| Debs says:
12/11/2015 2:49:09 PM
The Murphy Method erroneously claims to teach you to play by ear, without tab, but actually teaches by sight - it is an overwhelmingly visual method with absolutely no ear training involved, as far as I can see. Effectively, you're merely copying what you see on screen - definitely not the same as playing by ear by any means! But if it works for you, then go for it!!
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 | conic says:
12/12/2015 1:33:51 AM
1, I have a murphy method dvd, very boring and no good for a beginner.
2, I have the janet davies book, its very good but there are samples listed in the book which are not on the cd, I think you have to buy another cd.
3, Rob Bourassa is outstanding and his youtube is free, but also does skype lessons
4, 2015 with a massive internet resource I cant see the point in paying for a teacher when your a beginner when all you should be doing is practicing rolls and basic chord positions over and over for min 500 hours then learn two of rob Bourassa songs and practice these along with your rolls and chord positions for another min 500 hours, should take at least 8 months. you can do this for free.
At this point find Geoff Hohwald and pay for and download his banjo beginner package which should last another 6 months. you should then be in a position to make the most of a teacher and know what you want him/her to teach you.
After a couple of years of feeling like your getting nowhere something magical will happen overnight and you will start to play something that sounds like a good sound to yourself. it can be done..
lastly bring your banjo to the UK5 meeting near Manchester at the end of feb where you will meet a fantastic people there and pickers of all levels, its well worth the trip and a good jam
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 | Banned Joe 90 says:
12/13/2015 12:43:36 AM
Hi Calum, I had some lessons when I lived in London with a teacher called Stuart Cartright. I only had a few lessons as my financial situation changed, but my I would recommend him.
Here is a link to his website
scartwright.com/index.html?m
Pete
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| Banned Joe 90 says:
12/13/2015 12:49:02 AM
Forgot to say, Stuart is based in North Lindon (around Edmondton I think) :-)
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 | Buzzbomb says:
12/13/2015 3:49:07 AM
I think a lesson or two is a good idea, just to get some feedback & avoid any problems with hand position etc. It might be worth sending a PM to Trevor Hyett to see if there any local jams, or if there are any teachers he'd recommend. You can contact him by doing a member search at the top left of the page or via the BBMA bluegrass website.
There's also some bluegrass festivals within easy striking distance of London & they all usually have workshops & plenty of pickers who'll give you advise & feedback if you ask...
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 | Banjo Island says:
12/16/2015 10:59:49 AM
I think John Dowling still teaches in London. Former Winfield winner, amazing player, and all round lovely bloke!
jdowling.com/tuition
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 | Blue Tuesday says:
12/16/2015 6:14:53 PM
Here's another suggestion just to add to the mix. Jens Kruger's - Banjo Method for beginners (dvd) - He'll have you playing along in minutes and he slips a lot of important stuff in without you realizing. I found that a lot of books and DVD's I owned suddenly made sense. Best advice for self-study is to try as many different learning methods as you possibly can and you will find the one that works for you. Once you’re up and running using that method you can always go back to the others.
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 | keith W says:
12/21/2015 5:16:26 AM
Hi Calum, Stuart Cartwright, lives in Walthamstow .And is a very Good and patient teacher .
( He Must be to put up with me ). He can travel to you or as I do go to his home for lessons .
He has a website which will explain all about his background and lessons.
Hope this is helpful. Regards Keith W
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| conic says:
12/23/2015 4:58:43 PM
Good shout Warren, Jens Kruger's - Banjo Method for beginners (dvd) I agree is very good, you will learn the fretboard and scales and guarantee at the end you will be playing home sweet home with confidence at any jam, bluegrass or otherwise
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