I like music. Do you like music? Let's study some music.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the things I am happy to study and mentor with students, as well as general skills that can be useful to have some guidance on before you dive in too deep all by your lonesome:
- 5-string banjo (fingerstyle, clawhammer, old-time, bluegrass, and progressive styles)
- 6 and 12-string guitar (standard and open tunings)
- Fretboard mapping (standard and open tunings)
- Learning by ear, improvisation and jamming, and creative exploration
- DIY recording and production (I produce my own records, with a little help from my friends!)
- Self-management as an independent artist (affordable recording options, video production, copyright, registration, releasing music, band management, booking, etc.)
Occasionally someone approaches me that would enjoy lessons but cannot afford them. If this is you, please reach out, and let's see what we can do. On the other hand, if you would like to sponsor a series of lessons, please see the anonymous program below to sponsor a lesson.
Have something you're interested in studying? Have some general questions? Submit an inquiry below to tell me a little about yourself, as well as what you have in mind.
Stay kind out there,
Tan
STUDENT TESTAMONIALS:
“I have never played an instrument in my life but always wanted to learn how to play the banjo. I found a great teacher in Tanner. He is methodical with his lesson plans, patient and encouraging. He is always willing to listen and finds the right style and words to answer all my questions. As I play along with him in the class and practice at home, I can hear how much I've progressed in such a short time. It is all so refreshing, comforting and just plain fun. ” - Thomas (Virginia)
“Tanner is a gem. He’s patient, down to earth, great at breaking things down in a digestible fashion, and he makes sure you have the resources you need to practice effectively after every lesson. I’ve always been intimidated by learning music but he makes it fun and approachable. And I was thrilled to find a clawhammer banjo teacher who is happy to teach not only tunes but also music theory, which isn’t always the case with old time music teachers. I have fallen in love with the banjo and I credit Tanner with helping me stick with it.” - Calyx (Pennsylvania)
"I searched high and low for a skilled clawhammer banjo teacher, and I was elated to find Tanner. He’s an exceptional teacher and an equally wonderful human being. I was initially skeptical about taking virtual lessons, but Tanner quickly proved just how effective they could be. I’ve been learning with Tanner for nearly a year and a half, and the experience has been worth every dollar and every minute invested. As an adult learner who set out on a midlife passion project, I never expected this journey to become quite so meaningful. Tanner has helped me fulfill a lifelong dream—and somehow, it feels like we’re just getting started." - Bethany (Pennsylvania)
“I’ve been taking weekly banjo lessons with Tanner for a month now—both in person and virtually—and the experience has been fantastic. Tanner creates a completely low-pressure environment where the pace of the lessons feels just right, allowing me to make great progress without feeling rushed or held back. My absolute favorite part is that he sends personalized, short video recaps after every lesson. These are custom-tailored to what we just worked on, which makes practicing at my own pace during the week incredibly easy; I look forward to every lesson with him. Whether you learn better in person or online, I highly recommend Tanner.” - Cuba (Virginia)
