Banjo | David O’Dell | Beginning/Intermediate | Period 3 | Week 3 (July 20-24, 2026)
This course will emphasize the fundamentals of clawhammer banjo, including the basic clawhammer rhythm applied to simpler versions of common fiddle tunes as played by West Virginia fiddlers such as Melvin Wine and Wilson Douglas. Timing and technique will be emphasized, as well as maintaining solid rhythm.
A note from Augusta – This class will not teach from-scratch basics. Students should be familiar and comfortable with their instrument and able to pick up basic techniques and tunes by ear. Check out Augusta’s evening mini-class offerings for from-scratch options!
About the Instructor
David O’Dell is a native West Virginian who has been playing traditional music for more than 40 years. He plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, Appalachian dulcimer, mandolin and upright bass. David has won just about every banjo contest in the state and has taught workshops at the Augusta Heritage Center and Allegheny Echoes in Pocahontas County. He serves as the president of the West Virginia State Folk Festival in Glenville, WV, where he is also a professor of chemistry at Glenville State University. David performs regularly for square dances and concerts throughout the state with the Mack Samples Band, the MacAbre Brothers amongst other groups.