Online Banjo Lessons

Virtual Online Lessons for Banjo

My goal is to make sure you don’t form any bad habits before it’s too late.  We’ll cut right to the chase-No floundering around from banjo book to YouTube video, with little progress because you don’t know where to put your focus.

Did you teach yourself how to play banjo or guitar? 

Perhaps you’ve never played an instrument before and are worried this is will be difficult? 

Maybe you’re a singer-songwriter and you just need a few new ideas?

Don’t worry, most of my students were in that same boat.  I’ve taught hundreds of people how to play banjo and acoustic guitar through the internet and in-person over the last twenty years. 

My personal pledge

There’s nothing worse than taking music lessons from someone who insists on teaching what they are interested in, rather than what you’re interested in.  My background in a variety of genres helps me meet your needs wherever you’re at. 

My personal guarantee is I’ll save you hours and possibly years on your music journey.  I’ve had students tell me, “I learned more in this one music lesson than I did the last four years!”  

That’s what I want to hear, I don’t want to see you struggle and waste your time.

Online Banjo Lesson Testimonials:

Jody gives banjo and guitar lessons to our 8 and 10 year old boys in our home. He’s a great teacher and has a real knack for communicating with them in a way that keeps them motivated. They continue to improve and love practicing as a result.”-Earne

“The lessons that I had with Jody were truly a huge help in learning how to play the banjo. The time that I invested with Jody was well worth it. I progressed so much more in the lessons with Jody compared to me just learning on my own “

Thanks Jody!-William B

Virtual Banjo & Guitar Lesson Topics

Things you can study in my Online ZOOM virtual lessons

Banjo

  • Beginner Banjo  (Need help picking out a beginner banjo? Here is my Banjo Buying Guide  If you want to get a head start, you can look at: Banjo Chords To start with and How to Read Banjo TABS
  • Intermediate/Advanced banjo-Melodic Style, Single-String, and modern banjo styles.
  • Clawhammer Banjo – Fiddle Tunes & Celtic Music.
  • Composing/Songwriting (Any instrument)
  • Music Theory (Any Instrument); beginners to advanced.
  • Video Game and Movie Music

Rates For Online Lessons

  • $85 per hour
  • $42 per 30 minute lessons

**All new students must commit to a WEEKLY SCHEDULE of lessons

You might say, but I don’t want to do this every week?  In my experience, two things are necessary for progress with music lessons:

MOMENTUM & DEDICATION

Imagine a rolling ball stopping and starting intermittently. It takes more energy to get it started again; rather than letting momentum take its course.  Lastly, when learning a new skill, the chance is great you’ll practice something incorrectly.  The greater the interval between the feedback, the greater the chance of you doing something wrong.

If you are an intermediate player and just want someone to look over a few things for an upcoming performance, recording, etc, I do offer a-la carte lessons at a rate of $100 an hour.

Lesson Policies

-A 48 hour notice is required for all lessons. If cancellation is not given at least 48 hours before the lesson, then the student is responsible for payment of that lesson.  The student is paying for a reserved time slot whether the student attends.

-While I do often provide written materials; It is the student’s responsibility to archive lesson material for future reference.  This includes recording video or audio examples as needed.  ZOOM allows recording and I encourage students to record parts of the lessons they need.

-Payment for the entire month of lessons is due at the beginning of the month before the first lesson begins.  The fees for online lessons are in US DOLLARS so if the exchange rate is off it is up to the student to pay the extra fee to equal the proper amount.  Any lessons paid after the 11th of the month is charged a $15 late fee.

-Tune to standard pitch before the lesson.  Tuning takes time away from your lesson.  There are a number of great electronic tuners on the market for less than thirty dollars.

Digital Online Beginner Banjo Course

Maybe you want to learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home.  I have a Digital Online Beginner Banjo Course that teaches you the following:

  • How to wear your picks
  • Basic Rolls & Chords
  • Cumberland Gap
  • Cripple Creek
  • Train 45

You can enroll at my Udemy Beginner Banjo Course

Past Students

Many of the people I’ve taught have went on to become professional musicians or are currently touring.

The Band Jubilee

https://www.vongreymusic.com/

Hayden Reidling (banjo)

I’ve also given private lessons to some bigger “household names” who are signed to Sony and Atlantic Record Labels. I choose not to name due to professional reasons.