Teaching
My mother was a career teacher – maybe that’s where I got my skill and love for teaching. This has taken many different forms over the years and includes the following:
Camps
These are typically four to six day events where folks come together for fun, jamming, and concentrated instruction on their instrument. I have mainly taught bass, but I have taught clawhammer banjo as well, and often do electives in hambone and clogging. I have taught at California Coast Music Camp, Augusta Heritage Festival, Rocky Grass Academy, Common Ground on the Hill, Alabama Folk School, and Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Camp in the Yukon to name a few.
Workshops
I’ve always been happy to teach master classes and workshops at festivals, or offer them as an additional service in an area where I am doing a show. Again, includes bass, banjo, clogging, hambone.
Instructional Bass Videos
I have Beginner and Intermediate instructional videos on Homespun Tapes and videos. I have a very methodical and cumulative approach that starts with basic right and left hand technique, then proceeds to building bass lines. I don’t insist on a particular left hand fingering, but I do outline classical fingering and positions for those who want to implement that technique. I am joined by David Grier on guitar and Richard Bailey on banjo to demonstrate how the bass lines work in the context of a band. For more info see item in store.
Banjo Tab Book (available in my website store)
This has several sections The first is instruction that I have compiled from teaching at several camps. I start with the basic bum-ditty strum, hammer-on’s, pull-offs, and slides and provide drills to help develop these skills. Then I show how these techniques are combined to play a song or fiddle tune. I show chords and licks that can be used as backup for a song or tune. I then proceed to double thumbing and melodic clawhammer techniques.
The second section is tabs of tunes I have played on other folks’ recordings including Jerry Douglas, Mark O’Connor, and Bela Fleck. The third section is tabs of my own tunes from my two solo CDs
Zoom Lessons
I am available to teach lessons via Zoom. Just shoot me an email or text (found in contacts on this site) and we can set up a time. I’m happy to teach bass, banjo, hambone, or clogging.
In-Person Instruction
I’m always happy to offer private lessons at my home in Berkeley, CA, or while on tour when my schedule allows. Anyone wanting in-person instruction must be fully vaccinated.
Contact for more info