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Reeves Downtown School of Music



Clawhammer Banjo

Fiddle Level 1

$180

with Ben Masterson

Calendar Sep 3, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 13 weeks

Learn the fundamentals of this wonderful instrument in Fiddle Level 1. With a focus on traditional Surry County and Appalachian music, this class is perfect for students who are new to the fiddle or hoping to pick it back up after a long time away.

This is an adult level class but is open to fiddle students aged 13 and up who are able to participate at an adult level, or even to younger students accompanied by an adult who is also participating in the class.

What to bring: Fiddle (we may be able to provide an instrument, email info@reevesmusic.org to inquire), notebook and/or recording device, water.

Prerequisites: None, but a fundamental musical understanding is helpful.

Please note: This is a 12-week class taught over 13 weeks. There is no class the week of Thanksgiving.

Payment plan available: $25 deposit plus 2 payments of $45.00, paid monthly. Final payment of $65.00.

Clawhammer Banjo

$180

with Ben Masterson

Calendar Sep 3, 2026 at 7:15 pm, runs for 13 weeks

The banjo is an ancient and fascinating instrument, and the clawhammer style of playing, like the banjo itself, has cross-continental roots. 

The syncopated, driving sound has been the heartbeat of southern dance music for centuries accompanying the fiddle long before guitars were available in the southeastern Appalachians.

Here in Surry County, we have one of the richest, most distinct, and widely celebrated clawhammer banjo styles that can be heard at string band festivals around the world.

This style of banjo is also a wonderful and accessible accompaniment for signing.

This is an adult level class but is open to banjo students aged 13 and up who are able to participate at an adult level.

What to bring: 5-string banjo (we may be able to provide an instrument, email info@reevesmusic.org to inquire), notebook and/or recording device, water.

Prerequisites: None, but a fundamental musical understanding is helpful.

Please note: This is a 12-week class taught over 13 weeks. There is no class the week of Thanksgiving.

Payment plan available: $25 deposit plus 2 payments of $45.00, paid monthly. Final payment of $65.00.

String Band Class

$180

with Ben Masterson

Calendar Sep 9, 2026 at 7 pm, runs for 13 weeks

Have you been practicing on the banjo, fiddle, bass, or guitar and have been itching to get together with some other folks to make some music in a relaxed community setting? Then this class will be a perfect fit!

We will compile a list of traditional string band tunes that everyone is familiar with at the beginning of the semester so you will have plenty of time to dust them off before we play them together. We’ll be focusing on playing at a good danceable rhythm, phrasing, and intonation as we become more proficient at making music as a group.The instructor plays the instruments listed above, but if you play another traditional instrument, you’re very welcome to join in! Advanced beginner/intermediate skill level.

This is an adult level class but is open to students with a basic understanding of their instrument. Younger students are welcome if accompanied by an adult - we love parent/grandparent/grandchild combinations!

What to bring: String instrument of choice, notebook and/or recording device.

Prerequisites: Beginner level knowledge of your instrument. Feel free to email us if you have questions! 

Please note, this is a 12-week class taught over 13 weeks. No class the week of Thanksgiving.

Payment plan available: $25 deposit plus 5 payments of $25.00, paid weekly. Final payment of $30.00.




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