Introduction to Banjo for Music Therapists (5 credits)

Presented by Jeffrey Friedberg MA, MT-BC

Want to bring something different into your music therapy sessions?

The banjo’s distinctive sound can add variety, energy, and a fresh musical experience for clients, and you don’t need years of training to begin using it.

This beginner-friendly course will give you the foundational banjo skills you need to start incorporating the instrument into your music therapy and educational work. You’ll learn the basics of the instrument, how to tune it, essential chords, accompaniment styles, songs, and even a few bluegrass techniques that can make your playing more versatile and fun.

You’ll also explore ways to use the banjo beyond simply accompanying songs, including how its unique musical qualities can be incorporated into improvisational experiences.

The goal isn’t to turn you into a professional banjo player. It’s to help you become comfortable enough with the instrument to use it purposefully and creatively with your clients.

In this workshop, you will learn:

The parts of the banjo and foundational skills for beginning players.
How to tune your banjo and prepare it for playing.
How to play I, IV, and V chords in four different keys.
Three accompaniment styles you can use to create greater variety in your playing.
Five songs you can practice and begin incorporating into your repertoire.
Three bluegrass techniques to add character and stylistic interest to your playing.
Ways to incorporate bluegrass banjo into musical improvisation.
How to begin using the banjo to support therapeutic and educational experiences.

Add another instrument, another sound, and another set of musical possibilities to your work as a music therapist.

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of basic skills on banjo in order to use the banjo to achieve therapeutic & educational goals

be able to play I IV & V chords in keys of C, D, A and G major
demonstrate 3 ways to accompany songs (choke, strum and 3 finger roll)
play 5 songs on banjo
demonstrate 3 ways to accompany vocals with banjo

Schedule:

Overview A. Parts of the instrument

B. Tuning – how to tune

C. Chords: I, IV and V chords in G and C major

D. Capo: I, IV and V chords in A and D major

II. Accompaniment, Songs and Fun Tricks

A. Accompaniment

1. Choking

2. Strumming

3. Rolls

B. 5 Songs

C. Slides, pull-offs and hammer-ons

D. Single String

III. 2:30-3:30 Music Therapy and the Banjo

A. Dynamics

B. Tempo

C. Improvisation using bluegrass and folk chord patterns

assignment 1 hour self study

CBMT Domain Areas:

(III.A.8) Apply a variety of scales, modes, and harmonic progressions

(III.A.7) Compose vocal, instrumental, and digital music

(II.D.8) Select appropriate musical elements, repertoire, instruments, and equipment consistent with treatment needs

Intro to Banjo for Music Therapists is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 5 CMTEs-Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. The Spiegel Academy, CBMT Approved Provider #P-106, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.

Class Description