Oct. 7 – Nov. 4: Clawhammer Banjo Classics with Molly Tenenbaum (In-Person)

Four Saturdays: October 7, 14, 28, and November 4 (skip October 21)

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

In person at Dusty Strings, 3406 Fremont Ave N

Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 4

Skills Needed: Comfort with basic frailing (the “bum-ditty” pattern); familiarity with G, Double-C, and Modal/Sawmill tunings; drop-thumb is handy but optional.

What to Bring: 5-string banjo, tuner, recording device (phone or other), paper and pen/pencil

Description: Deepen your skills, expand your repertoire, and explore banjo style by learning tunes from influential banjoists and recordings. Each week will focus on one or two pieces from sources such as Tommy Jarrell, Fred Cockerham, Matokie Slaughter, Samantha Bumgarner, Murph Gribble, Etta Baker, Ola Belle Reed, Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music, John Cohen’s High Atmosphere anthology, and Clawhammer Banjo volumes 1, 2, and 3, from County Records. With each tune, you’ll learn skills that can be applied to other tunes and songs.

About the Teacher: Molly teaches old-time clawhammer banjo (also called “frailing” or “overhand” style). A banjo teacher since 1987, Molly guides students to be independent players and learners, emphasizing old-time traditional repertoire from diverse sources. She deeply loves old-time music and is always excited to get students involved in the music and the community. Molly has been playing old-time banjo since she was a teenager and has since performed around the Pacific Northwest with bands including The Queen City Bulldogs and Dram County. She’s taught locally and nationally at camps including American Banjo Camp, Augusta, and The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.