Recommendations

"I have been taking classes with Clawhammer Mike for a while now. He is an excellent teacher. His passion for the instrument and old-time music bubbles over into every class. Not only does he teach you to play, but he also teaches you history about the region and music. He adapts what he teaches and his methods to how quickly you are picking things up and teaches you techniques on how to be a better overall player, not just regurgitating a song. Most importantly, Mike is a great person: very friendly, easy to talk to, and understanding. He makes banjo lessons a highlight of my week and I love learning from him."
-Paul

"You are in good hands.  Mike's down to earth style, technical skill, and patient approach to passing on traditional music were exactly what I needed.  I had never even played an instrument before working with Mike and frankly didn't think I'd ever be able to.   In a year and a half Mike has brought me from not even knowing how to hold a banjo to being able to accompany fiddlers, play at jams, and perform at parties with confidence.  There are lots of skilled old-time banjo players out there, Mike among them, but as a professional education teacher I can tell you that Mike's ability to teach the music, not just play it, is what sets him apart.  In the last six months I have tried taking lessons at Homestead Pickin' Parlor and attended banjo workshops with professional musicians and I can honestly say I scarcely learned 1/10 of what I learn taking a lesson from Mike.  He's about as easy a guy to talk to and learn from as I've met.  I don't think I can put into words how awesome it is to be able play an instrument, and I have no one but Mike to thank for it. "-Dave