Banjo | Ben Nelson | Beginning | Period 1 | Week 3 (July 20-25, 2025)
Both total beginners and budding players hoping to reinforce fundamentals will build a solid banjo foundation, layer by layer. We’ll learn to feel the drive of the clawhammer rhythm, to make the banjo ring with clear tone, and to listen intentionally to ourselves and other musicians. Our focus will be on technique, not repertoire; but we’ll assemble at least one common old-time tune that we can play together by the end of the week. Most importantly, we’ll create a warm and welcoming musical community that offers an encouraging environment for learning!
About the Instructor
Ben Nelson grew up in a family of old-time musicians in the mountains of southwest Virginia. A passionate educator and community builder, he has worked as an elementary school science instructor, naturalist, traditional music teacher, and square dance caller. Ben has taught music and dance at Warren Wilson College, the Junior Appalachian Musicians program, and traditional music camps throughout the U.S. He was a founding member of the prize-winning string band The Moose Whisperers, and studied traditional music abroad as a Thomas J. Watson Fellow.