Reeves Downtown School of Music

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.