CHRIS FRIESEN
MUSIC LESSONS
Banjo Lessons
Banjo Lessons
in Winnipeg
Oh, the banjo! A beautiful and ingenious folk instrument, capable of playing any style of music you can think of!
I specialize in teaching folk fingerpicking techniques on the banjo. If you want to learn how to play old-time music on the banjo, I'll teach you the fundamental skills required.
What Will We do in these Banjo lessons?
My banjo lessons are personal to each student, based on that student's needs (everyone is different).
They can involve learning songs (everyone needs a bit of help learning a song now and then). We focus on the songs that you want to learn, because this is what will keep you playing. What is exciting to you? I will guide you towards the understanding needed to teach yourself whatever you want to learn.
However, unlike many banjo lessons, this is not the whole story.
We will also explore the language of music through self-expression, improvisation, and play.
Even complete beginners are capable of expressing themselves on the guitar, using the 10 Elements of Music:
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notes
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articulation/duration
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technique
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emotion/feel
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dynamics
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rhythm/tempo
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tone
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phrasing
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space/rest
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listening.
My lessons usually include some combination of the following:
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songs (tutorials, how to teach yourself a song)
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Elements (new ways to play, cool things to do, work on specific elements of music)
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improvisation/songwriting
To find out more about how I teach banjo lessons, read: The Language of Music.
Who are these banjo lessons for?
Anyone and everyone!
I generally teach ages 6 and up. Younger children should be exposed to music as much as possible, and be allowed to explore and experiment, but they usually aren't ready for formal instruction. However, this is only a guideline. If you have a younger child who you feel would benefit from 1 on 1 banjo lessons, don't hesitate to contact me!
I can teach beginners of any age, and specialize in teaching creativity and self expression. If you have something specific you would like to learn, please reach out!
How long will i be doing banjo lessons?
This is an important question.
Often the answer is: "forever."
But why? The only reason you should have to take banjo lessons indefinitely is if you are dependent on your teacher.
However, my goal is to make you independent. How long the banjo lessons last is a question that depends on both teacher and student. Sometimes a student may feel that they have what they need from lessons, or I as the teacher may think that the student doesn't need lessons anymore. It is an open conversation.
We can even set a timeline for banjo lessons, such as 1 year or even a couple of months if you have something specific you want to learn.