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Lessons!?

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, and progressive styles)
  • 6 and 12-string guitar (standard and open tunings)
  • Fretboard mapping (standard and open tunings)
  • Learning by ear
  • Improvisation and jamming
  • Concepts and creative exploration (this stuff is the most fun to teach and learn, in my opinion, and has been invaluable to me to learn from peers, giants, and even non-musicians over the years)
  • Home 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.)

I spent a lot of years trudging through teaching myself by ear,  watching (and trying to imitate players in) live concerts and recordings on the 'tube, studying intently at shows, and picking things up at the occasional open jam or festival workshop. I have been lucky enough to brush shoulders, share stages, or pick up tips from some of the best such as Bela Fleck, Charlie Parr, and the late great Anthony Hannigan. I have been perhaps even more lucky to become close friends and collaborate with songwriters, players, and producers I truly admire (this list is far too long to write out here, but I have some amazing friends whose music I am happy to introduce you to). I have gotten to the level of creative playing, songwriting, production, and exploration that I am currently at through a lot of consistency and the gentle hand of friends and mentors helping guide me along the way.

.   .   .

A few more things to note…

I am a happy endorser of Deering Banjos and can offer my students exclusive discounts on Deering banjos and products.

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
Pay-It-Forward Music Lesson

    Pay-It-Forward Music Lesson

    Purchase a music lesson for one of my students in financial need. I often have talented students that can't take lessons on a regular basis or as much as desired due to financial hardship. This purchase will gift a music Read more

    Purchase a music lesson for one of my students in financial need. I often have talented students that can't take lessons on a regular basis or as much as desired due to financial hardship. This purchase will gift a music lesson (banjo, guitar, songwriting, etc.) to one of my students. The world can be dark, a little kindness can bring a lot of light.

    In cart Not available Out of stock
    $75.00
    Banjo or Guitar Lessons 3-Pack Bundle!

      Banjo or Guitar Lessons 3-Pack Bundle!

      3 virtual music lessons (open tunings, harmony, banjo, guitar, fretboard theory, etc.) for the combo deal. Lessons focus on fretboard mapping, open tunings, creative exploration, and are largely driven by student needs and Read more

      3 virtual music lessons (open tunings, harmony, banjo, guitar, fretboard theory, etc.) for the combo deal. Lessons focus on fretboard mapping, open tunings, creative exploration, and are largely driven by student needs and style.

      Each lesson includes roughly 45-60 minutes of one-on-one time, as well as follow-up video(s) with further exploration materials.

      You will be contact via the email provided at checkout to set up mutually agreeable dates and times for lessons. Please reach out with any questions in the contact form.

      In cart Not available Out of stock
      $210.00

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