Award winning banjo player offering lessons in 5-string clawhammer style (all levels)

HI, i'm brand new to banjo, live in NZ, so was a bit dubious about having a teacher on the other side of the world but it has worked really well! Classes with Dan are very relaxed, and most importantly he listens to find out what I want to do, what I want to learn and accommodates to my ability rather than imposing a standard lesson, Feels very individualised. Really nice guy who is encouraging and supportive!

I am an intermediate banjo player of about 13 years, and a student of Dan's for the past two years.

The first time I saw Dan play was at a banjo camp here in the US. He was doing a demo, along with about 4 to 5 other instructors in a classroom with a small audience. Though all the other instructors were incredibly accomplished, none were as jaw dropping as Dan. I'd never seen anyone play the banjo like that before--the different styles he knew, and how his faster playing just sounded literally like a melodic avalanche of notes; each one precise and masterful. I made up my mind to approach him sometime during the camp to find out if he offered lessons.

Dan is the type of teacher who you just know would teach even if he didn't get paid for it. You can tell he loves it. Professional, courteous, and an all around great guy.

Dan is an amazing musician and a great teacher. He's taken me from being a complete beginner to having a collection of songs I can play covering several different styles such as Bluegrass, Irish/Scottish trad and contemporary. He's happy to adapt lessons to work on any tunes that I want to learn, as well as introducing lots of new material. Highly recommended.

Dan tutored me throughout my music degree, inspiring and challenging me with a vast repertoire of tunes and arrangements. He helped me work on technique and also improved my confidence as a banjo player!

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I’m 77, a banjo picker for around thirty years, and recently asked Dan for help with techniques I’d long ago dismissed as beyond me. It’s difficult not to be infected by his enthusiastic teaching skills and as a result my playing, confidence — and pleasure — have improved markedly. Thanks, Dan!

Dan Walsh is a world class musician, banjo player, guitarist and vocalist, but he can also teach and teach clearly, enthusiastically and with the authority that comes both from live playing and a degree level education in folk music. He is completely approachable and down to earth despite being up there with the best players around today. All my lessons leave me feeling inspired and ready for the challenge.

I have really enjoyed learning from Dan for almost a year. I took up banjo on a whim, but he has helped me rediscover my interest in creating music. Our lessons go beyond the (tricky) mechanics of playing the instrument and we often venture into bits of music theory and style.
Looking forward to the next year of tuition!

Dan has been tutoring me over Skype since July 2020, and I am honestly amazed with how much I have progressed with the clawhammer style as a result. Dan is incredibly talented, both as a musician and a tutor, and he provides inspiration in bucketloads. I always look forward to lessons - his tuition style is easy-going and adaptable, he can teach you pretty much anything you want to learn, but has great suggestions based on the style of music that I like. He also makes it fun. Sign up - you won’t regret it!

If you want a tutor who can teach you the basics of clawhammer, then push boundaries to any style of music you want then Dan is a must. Awesome tutor.

Dan has been teaching me for 3 months. I had never played banjo before, though had played guitar for a number of years. I had also never had online music lessons and wasn't sure how they'd work out but took the plunge and am so glad I did.
Dan is able to pick up on detailed elements of technique that need improving, while still maintaining a relaxed informal approach. Having fortnightly lessons has kept me focussed, and inspired me to practice.
I can honestly say I would not have made the progress I have by working on my own.
Ben

Dan Walsh provides excellent music instruction. I have been taking lessons via Skype with Dan for over 2 years. He is very keen to understand my goals and interests to design our lessons. If we find an area that I am interested in exploring in greater detail, or that I am struggling with, he is happy to adjust and dive deeper.
His teaching experience comes from years of his own education. Learning from some of the best and his time spent in University has given him many tools for teaching.

I highly recommend Dan for learning music!

Lessons with Dan have seen me quickly through my sticking point and back to enjoying the banjo. I always look forward to lessons and inevitably feel better about my playing each time. A really positive experience.
Great teacher with huge ability and knowledge but also a great sense of fun. Highly recommended!!!

Dan has been my teacher the last 6 years. My experience is only positive.
Dan has managed to lead me with my desire for both banjo playing and singing to a level that I would never have thought possible.
Dan is a great inspiration and I look forward to every lesson.... and YOU will too!
Good luck!
Mark - Bergen, Norway

Dan's coaching and encouragement have really helped me.
All done with a gentle sense of humour that make learning a pleasure, even for a older student.

I have been having lessons with Dan for a year and he is such a patient and skilled teacher. He has skill to burn, so can teach anything you want to play - but always pitches lessons at the right level. Always have a laugh along the way too! Highly recommend!

I have been lucky to have had Dan for a teacher for over 5 years. Without him I would have abandoned my 5 string long ago.
His skills as a player are equalled by his ability as a teacher. His style is relaxed and light hearted and as such he manages to get the best results from you. When you are feeling the banjo Gods are against you he will inspire you to get through the dark periods and reassure your confidence and enthusiasm.
Great bloke ..... Great teacher.

I could not ask for a better Banjo Tutor.
Lessons are a lot of fun, and I always take something with me out of every lesson.
If you are into traditional Irish and scottish music and want to learn to play it on a five string Banjo..... Well Dan Walsh is the best adress to go to. Cheers, Ted

As a mature student Dan has made leaning the banjo a so much more enjoyable and less stressful experience, with his relaxed supportive teaching style. I am really enjoying the journey so far and would recommend Dan to anyone considering learning to play!

I have been playing banjo for a while and was looking for gaps in my playing and knowledge. I decided to go with Dan and so far he has identified particulars I need to work and also new ideas and techniques that I wasn't considering. I am very happy with Dan's tutoring.