Learn the Banjo from a Working Musician
Over 20 years of stage experience with nationally recognized bluegrass bands. Personalized 5-string banjo lessons in Denver and online.
20+
Years Playing
2,000+
Lessons Taught
6+
Notable Bands
Banjo Lessons Your Way
Whether you are in Denver or anywhere in the world, Chris offers personalized one-on-one instruction tailored to your skill level and goals.
In-Person Lessons
Personalized 5-string banjo instruction for students of all skill levels right here in Denver, CO. Learn 3-finger-style banjo in a one-on-one setting where Chris can tailor every lesson to your learning style and goals.
Get StartedOnline Lessons
Not local to Denver? No problem. Chris teaches one-on-one banjo lessons online to students worldwide through Lessonface.com. The same personalized instruction, from the comfort of your home.
Book on Lessonface
About Chris
So you want to learn how to play the banjo? You've come to the right place.
I have been playing bluegrass banjo for more than 20 years. I have had the good fortune of playing with some of the finest bands from across the country — including Blue Canyon Boys, Big Fat Gap, Mandolin Orange, Mipso, Meadow Mountain, and Scott Slay and the Rail — and some of the premier bluegrass musicians in the country.
All the while, I have enjoyed teaching the banjo to a wide variety of students, hoping to instill in them the confidence and ability to play with others and to foster a love for bluegrass music. Outside of music, I also led a 7-year career as a middle school math teacher, which gave me the opportunity to spend time — a lot of time — thinking about best practices for teaching and thinking about how students learn.
I love teaching, I love the banjo, and I'd love to help you in your journey to learn the banjo.
"The real joy of bluegrass begins when you are able to play with other people."
Why Learn with Chris
You can learn to play 3-finger-style banjo like Earl Scruggs or Bela Fleck. Any and all students accepted: the young, the old, the beginners, the pros, the musically challenged, and the virtuosos.
Personalized Instruction
While teaching more than 2,000 banjo lessons to a wide variety of people and teaching math to hundreds of middle-schoolers, I have learned — over and over again — that everyone learns differently. It is my job to teach in a way that fits your learning style and gets you closer to your goals.
The Goal: Playing with People
Sure — it can be enjoyable to sit at home and play tunes, but the real joy of bluegrass begins when you are able to play with other people. Most of my students have gone on to play bluegrass socially, and a handful have even gone on to join bonafide bluegrass bands.
Picking the Banjo Is Fun
Whether you're working on ripping Foggy Mountain Breakdown at break-neck speeds, or learning to cruise with the Kruger Brothers, I guarantee you'll have a good time doing it. Learning any new skill requires practice and discipline, but that doesn't mean it has to be a grind.
Learning By Ear
One nice thing about learning bluegrass is that you don't have to know how to read music. Bluegrass is based in a tradition of teaching person-to-person and played without sheet music. Eventually, you will get to the point where you can sit down with your banjo and your favorite recording and learn it by ear.
Ready to Pick Up the Banjo?
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Chris is here to help you on your bluegrass journey.
Schedule Your First Banjo Lesson
What you need to start: a banjo. Contact Chris today to begin your bluegrass journey.
All scheduling and billing handled through Lessonface — simple and hassle-free.
Denver, CO