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Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: fairfax234 ()
Date: February 22, 2012 02:25AM

where can i learn to play banjo in fairfax county? i saw that park authority classes teach it, but are those county government classes any worth while?

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Ding an sich ()
Date: February 22, 2012 02:50AM

You tryin'a learn 4 or 5 string?

Prob'ly won't be able to find'n instructor 'round here, but if you check with the House of Musical Tradition ( hmtrad.com , or something like that), ya might be able to find one SOMEwhere in Northern Virginia.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: February 22, 2012 07:03AM

if yr serious, start yr search at American University. They have a whole department focused on National Bluegrass presevation

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Tea Leaves ()
Date: February 22, 2012 07:08AM

The key with the government classes, is if you are just trying to get into it, or are a bit unsure. They are very affordable, but the key is what you are looking for. Banjo is a five stringed instrument if I remember correctly, so hopefully it is a bit more easy to operate than a 6 string guitar with numerous frets. The Park and Rec/Govt classes I've gone to have been good intro's, but they really don't go in depth. Think of them as a starter.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: KingstowneMusic ()
Date: February 22, 2012 07:24AM

Check Kingstowne Music in Alexandria. Owner is a great guy. They have a lot of awesome instructors there. They do banjo lessons and they also have music jam sessions. It's like once or twice a month where a bunch of people just play bluegrass in the store.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: BanjoNut ()
Date: February 22, 2012 08:22AM

Capitol Area Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association.
These folks can not only direct you towards an instructor
but also specific styles.

http://caboma.org/

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Zippy ()
Date: February 28, 2012 12:40PM

You can try NOVA Music in Clifton or a Music and Arts Center. I think Clifton has music jams too. I tried a Park Authority class and hated it.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: <3 ()
Date: February 28, 2012 01:10PM

I am pretty sure that BEH would love to learn and play the BANJO. It will make him feel like he is back at home.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Dumbass ()
Date: February 28, 2012 01:44PM

Why don't you buy yourself a book and teach yourself? It's cheaper, it's there whenever you want it and you'll have the satisfaction of being self taught.

"The How and Tao of Olde Time Banjo" is a great place to start. Look it up on amazon.

And to Tea Leaves...what an ignorant statement. First of all, you do not "operate" a musical instrument. Second, thats like saying a motorcycle is easier to "operate" than a car because it has less wheels. Third, "Multiple Frets"? Do you think a banjo has no frets? Maybe just one, but good lord, not multiples!? Do you think a banjo is only capable of producing 4 or 5 notes? All stringed instruments, maybe save for a harp, have frets. It's how you play different notes smarty.
Don't comment on things you know nothing about. It only makes you sound like an idiot...if your poor punctuation didn't do that already.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: tea leaves ()
Date: February 28, 2012 02:01PM

Dumbass Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why don't you buy yourself a book and teach
> yourself? It's cheaper, it's there whenever you
> want it and you'll have the satisfaction of being
> self taught.
>
> "The How and Tao of Olde Time Banjo" is a great
> place to start. Look it up on amazon.
>
> And to Tea Leaves...what an ignorant statement.
> First of all, you do not "operate" a musical
> instrument. Second, thats like saying a
> motorcycle is easier to "operate" than a car
> because it has less wheels. Third, "Multiple
> Frets"? Do you think a banjo has no frets? Maybe
> just one, but good lord, not multiples!? Do you
> think a banjo is only capable of producing 4 or 5
> notes? All stringed instruments, maybe save for a
> harp, have frets. It's how you play different
> notes smarty.
> Don't comment on things you know nothing about.
> It only makes you sound like an idiot...if your
> poor punctuation didn't do that already.


Sorry to offend the guy from Deliverance. Seriously, loosen up. Weeeeeee!!

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: SmartAss ()
Date: February 28, 2012 03:22PM

Dumbass Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why don't you buy yourself a book and teach
> yourself? It's cheaper, it's there whenever you
> want it and you'll have the satisfaction of being
> self taught.
>
> "The How and Tao of Olde Time Banjo" is a great
> place to start. Look it up on amazon.
>
> And to Tea Leaves...what an ignorant statement.
> First of all, you do not "operate" a musical
> instrument. Second, thats like saying a
> motorcycle is easier to "operate" than a car
> because it has less wheels. Third, "Multiple
> Frets"? Do you think a banjo has no frets? Maybe
> just one, but good lord, not multiples!? Do you
> think a banjo is only capable of producing 4 or 5
> notes? All stringed instruments, maybe save for a
> harp, have frets. It's how you play different
> notes smarty.
> Don't comment on things you know nothing about.
> It only makes you sound like an idiot...if your
> poor punctuation didn't do that already.

I've seen fretless banjo''s, basses, fiddles to name a few.
Piano's have no frets last time I checked.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: SmartAss ()
Date: February 28, 2012 03:24PM

Fretless banjoy on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv3LwFHaGD0

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: BrandonG.M.U. ()
Date: February 28, 2012 05:52PM

My uncle is pretty much a banjo master, he's been playing since the early to mid 60's. He's one the most laid back individuals you'll ever meet and everyone gets along with him. He lives in Arlington near Ballston and he does lessons. If you want I can put you guys in touch.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Patrick Costello ()
Date: February 29, 2012 12:03AM

I used to give lessons in Manassas, but nowadays I really don't have any location for in-person lessons so I do most of my teaching over the Internet. You can catch my free daily banjo workshop series at http://dailyfrail.com.

I also happen to be the author of The How and the Tao of Old Time Banjo and the book can be found for free online in various formats: http://www.archive.org/details/TheHowAndTaoOfOldTimeBanjo

Hope this helps.

Patrick Costello

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: fairfax234 ()
Date: February 29, 2012 12:58AM

thankyou all so much! sure does

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: fairfax234 ()
Date: February 29, 2012 01:00AM

Brandom GMU can u contact me at whwilson@radford.edu

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: fairfax234 ()
Date: February 29, 2012 01:01AM

and thanks costello gonna look into that

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Ding an sich ()
Date: February 29, 2012 03:10AM

The original poster still has yet to specify whether he wishes to learn to play the 4 or the 5 string banjo.
The difference between the two is extensive.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: I'm a pickin' and he's a grinnin' ()
Date: February 29, 2012 03:31AM


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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Shuckin' the corn gang code ()
Date: February 29, 2012 03:34AM


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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Steve Martin, Bela Fleck, Tony Trischka ()
Date: February 29, 2012 03:40AM


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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: <3 ()
Date: February 29, 2012 07:34AM

Are you and BEH related?

BrandonG.M.U. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My uncle is pretty much a banjo master, he's been
> playing since the early to mid 60's. He's one the
> most laid back individuals you'll ever meet and
> everyone gets along with him. He lives in
> Arlington near Ballston and he does lessons. If
> you want I can put you guys in touch.

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Banjo Dukes ()
Date: February 29, 2012 07:42AM

now heres something i can get behind (or at least wear the related apparel)

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: Mike Banjo Deane ()
Date: February 29, 2012 10:54AM

Hello I am a banjo teacher have played in several Blue graas band and on record I have reasonible rates and will come to you call me at 703 246 7820

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Re: Banjo classes in Fairfax County? or loudoun
Posted by: jreynozo ()
Date: January 07, 2013 08:25PM

A typical bluegrass banjo does indeed have five strings. However, there are tenor banjos that have only four strings.

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