The North Carolina Banjo Clinic

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Welcome to the North Carolina Banjo Clinic
In Asheville!

Coming November 10th & 11th, 2017

All Day Friday and Saturday

As many of you know, Jack Hatfield was a victim of the fires in Tennessee. He has reprinted a number of his instructional banjo books. They are available from Jack at hatfield music.

Times & pricing:

Dates: Friday, November 10 & Saturday, November 11, 2017.
Doors open at 8:30 am daily.
Regular 2-day clinic price is $295.00 (beginning October 2). Early-Bird pricing at $275 if paid in full by October 1.
Daily Rates: Friday @ $175.00. Saturday @ $175.00.
Clinic Deposit: $100 holds your place. (Enjoy Early Bird rate if paid by October 1, 2017).
Payment terms: Cash, check, or credit card. We accept all credit cards that Square accepts. Phoning in the number is fine. Up to the day, there is no penalty for canceling. (Cancellations. Please note: refunds are on net dollars after credit card charges. Paying by check will ensure a full refund.)
Register now

Here's what is new for 2017:

The North Carolina Banjo Clinic will again be held at CrossPoint Church in Asheville's historic Montford neighborhood. Crosspoint offers easy interstate access, free parking, lots of eating and lodging options, walking distance to downtown Asheville and to the Chamber of Commerce.
Prior clinic students have until March 31st to register for that year's clinic at a special discount.
We welcome Rob Bourassa and Seth Rhinehart to the NCBC hall of instructors.
We're proud to announce that Village Productions has been accepted into D'Addario's Education Collective. D'Addario has been a continuous supporter of our instructional clinics.
Jam classes are now part of the beginner and intermediate curriculums. Jam classes will happen all afternoon on both days. Students are welcome to bring another instrument to jam classes.
In addition to the local support we receive from Trader Joe's, Melissa at Chiesa, that fine Italian restaurant we can see from the clinic, has offered to provide us with another gift certificate for auction.
A limited number of full and one-day tuition-only scholarships will be available. These scholarships are meant for those who would like to learn banjo but who do not have the financial means to afford tuition. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, send us an email letter explaining your interest in our clinic, why you would like to learn banjo and why you are applying for aid. e-mail address
New to Village Productions in 2017 is the Asheville Guitar Summit. The AGS happens in March at Montford's Morris Hellenic Cultural Center a short distance from Crosspoint down Cumberland Avenue! Asheville Guitar Summit

Class information:

We have a limited number of banjos available for rent during the clinic. The cost is $15 per day and $25 for both days. If interested, note so on the registration page.
Classes are offered in Scruggs and in Old Time/ Clawhammer banjo. Some intermediate and advanced instruction may include Melodic and Single String styles.
Instructional sessions range from one hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half each.
Class schedule
On both days, the building will remain open late for jamming.
What will you need? Rent or bring a 5-string banjo, picks, capo, a wire music stand, recording device if you'd like and writing material. Thanks to D'Addario, we will be handing out complimentary banjo strings.
(We highly recommend electronic tuners.)
Depending on schedule, private lessons will again be available both days with the instructor of your choice.
Banjo setup will be offered both days. Tom McKinney will be available on Friday and Warren Yates on Saturday to set up your banjo. A fee of $30.00 includes strings and all labor. Other components such as banjo heads and bridges will available at market rates. Please schedule banjo setup with us beforehand.
You are free to record and/ or video your clinic classes.

Levels of instruction:

Introduction to Banjo: Start from the ground up. No experience. Not quite sure what style to pursue; clawhammer or bluegrass? Students will be exposed to both.
Beginner: Limited experience. May know a few tunes, primary chords, and rolls.
Intermediate: Experienced. Possibly in a band, can jam, understands the basics. Knows a number of banjo instrumentals. Seeks more consistent sound and timing. May have trouble finding the melody.
Advanced: Serious players. Can play up to speed without sacrificing technique, tone, or clarity. Ready for new ideas and an individual style. Seeking a professional sound.
Our instructors

Class Overview:

Introduction to Banjo OTB & BGB: For students new to the instrument, this class will provide exposure to both clawhammer and bluegrass banjo music and playing. Students will be exposed to banjo basics including chords and right-hand techniques that define frailing (clawhammer) and picking (bluegrass). Once students decide which style they prefer, the instructor will separate the class and alternate between groups teaching that style. The instructor will cover picks, holding the instrument, essential accessories, basic maintenance, string tuning, reading tab, anchoring the right hand, picking rolls, primary G chords, hammer-ons, pull offs, slides, and timing. This is a tablature and written information class.

Beginner BGB: Topics will include developing listening skills, overcoming obstacles, practice routines, developing better left and right-hand coordination, more intricate rolls, left-hand technique, runs, a touch of chord theory, how-to produce better tone, elementary backup techniques, timing, and a few kick-offs and endings. Basic arrangements in various songs will be taught in the Beginner class. Students are expected to know the primary G chords, how to tune, basic rolls, and a few songs. This is a tablature and written information class.

Intermediate and Advanced Classes: More advanced topics will be covered in these classes. I/A students are encouraged to switch between Intermediate and Advanced Sessions if topics seem appealing. Often, the material taught can be understood and played by Intermediate players. If a class proves too technical, you are always free to switch to another class.

When offered, Alternative Picking Styles: Though Melodic and Single String styles tend to be more advanced, the same principle as described above applies. If a class is appealing, try it. You might be surprised at how fast you catch on. Once you grasp the elements of these styles, a wider path opens to improvisation and being able to play note-for-note fiddle tunes.

Beginner OTB: Beginning OTB class is structured to accept players already familiar with clawhammer banjo. The basics will be covered as well as technique and tunes. This is a tablature and written information class. Students must bring a capo, tuner and banjo in playable condition.

Intermediate/Advanced OTB: Climbing a level above beginner OTB banjo, Intermediate OTB will focus on improving chord and drop-thumb (right hand) technique while exploring the rich tapestry of Western North Carolina OTB tunes. Several regional OTB tunes will be taught. Students are expected to know the primary G chords, how-to tune, basic right-hand technique, and a few songs. This is a tablature and written information class.