Beginning 3-Finger Banjo
- Bluegrass
- Bluegrass, Contemporary
- Bluegrass, Trad
- In-Person Classes
- Instrumental
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS
Always wanted to play the banjo but don’t know where to start? This class is perfect for complete beginners as well as anyone who wants to review the basics and build a strong foundation. Whether you’ve never picked up the banjo before or need a refresher on fundamental techniques, this course will guide you through essential chords, simple melodies, and classic banjo roll patterns. In a fun and supportive environment, you’ll gain confidence in your playing and walk away with the tools that will take your music to the next level!
Requirements:This class will be best suited for students who have:
No prior musical experience
A 5-string banjo
A willingness to learn and a love for music
Class ScheduleTuesdays: Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7Time: 6:30–7:45pm ET
Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are located on the second floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)
Ages: 18+
Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. Tickets may be available at the door. A minimum of 3 students is required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.
Max Wareham
- Bluegrass
Max Wareham is a banjo player, songwriter, and author from Boston, MA. He is a member of the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band and was featured on the Grammy-nominated album Calling You from My Mountain.
After two years of touring nationally with Peter, Max recorded his own album, Dagommit!. The album features Chris Eldridge and David Grier on guitar, Laura Orshaw on fiddle, Chris Henry on mandolin, Mike Bub on bass, Larry Atamanuik on snare drum, and guest singer and producer Peter Rowan. Recorded by multi-Grammy winning engineer Sean Sullivan (Molly Tuttle, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Jerry Douglas), Wareham’s commitment to early innovators of the instrument shines on this forthcoming record of soulful original songs, highlighted by the hard-driving chemistry of Nashville’s preeminent bluegrass stars.
Max’s interest in history extends to his writing. His first book, “Rudy Lyle: The Unsung Hero of the Five String Banjo” chronicles the life and music of early bluegrass banjo master Rudy Lyle by presenting exhaustive and largely never-before-published transcriptions and analyses of every break Lyle recorded with Bill Monroe, the “father of bluegrass.” Lyle’s historical significance is explored in interviews with banjo legends and members of Rudy’s family. Beautiful portraits of each interviewee are included alongside several never-before-published photos of Lyle himself.
In addition to his work as a banjo player, he has studied jazz guitar performance at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in NYC, written songs for and co-produced the album “Cousin Moon,” played bass with psych-pop outfit Sun Parade, and produced and recorded songs under the alias “Sir Orfeo.”
