College offers course for beginning banjo players

Ever dreamed of being a banjo picker in a bluegrass band? Here’s your chance to get started!

Dueling Banjos for the Adult Beginner is being offered Tuesdays, October 23-December 11, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Pellissippi Campus. Interested students should sign up early, since space is limited to 12.

The cost of the class is $105, and the instructor is Anna Uptain Denison, who has 23 years of teaching experience.

Students may bring their own instrument or arrange for a banjo rental prior to class. A book is required and will be available the first night. Its cost is $18.

The program teaches two styles of banjo playing: The first four weeks will focus on old-style playing called “up-picking.” In this part of the course, students will become familiar with chords, tabulature reading and rhythm.

Up-picking is easy to learn. It’s also a great lead-in to the style covered in the second part of the course.

Known as “bluegrass” or “Earl Scruggs,” this is the most popular and well-known style of banjo playing. In these four weeks, students will learn the basic roll patterns and some familiar tunes. No musical experience is necessary.

To find out more or enroll, contact Pellissippi State’s Business and Community Services at 539-7167.