Beginning Banjo

Beginning Banjo kicks off at the University of Utah on Tuesday, November 3, and runs through December 8. It's a Lifelong Learning class from the university's Continuing Education program, which means it's open to anyone 18 or older—you don't have to be a student, staff member, or even enrolled at the U to sign up. No prior experience is required, so if you've never touched a banjo in your life, you're exactly who this is for.

Devin Jacobsen leads the class, and the focus is on three-finger, bluegrass-style banjo. Over the course of the session, you'll work through the fundamentals: how to read tablature, roll patterns, slides, hammer-ons, and chords. It's a practical, step-by-step introduction to the instrument, and since it's a class rather than a one-off workshop, you'll have several weeks to get your hands around the basics.

There's a bit of history woven in, too. The course notes that the banjo likely evolved from similar instruments on the African continent before becoming a staple of American music. To give you a sense of where it sits today, the class points to Steve Martin, Rhiannon Giddens, and Taylor Swift as three very different artists who all play the instrument. It's a good reminder that while the bluegrass style is the focus here, the banjo reaches far beyond any one genre.

On the practical side, you'll need to bring your own banjo, along with a strap, finger picks, and a tuner. The class meets on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the University Connected Learning and Continuing Education building, 540 Arapeen Drive in Salt Lake City, in room UUCE 154. The cost is $149.00, and this section is currently full, though there's a waiting list you can join if you're still interested.