Looking for banjo lessons in Dundee or Edinburgh? Want to learn to play acoustic guitar?

You’ve found the website for Michael Starkey’s banjo and acoustic guitar teaching. I’m Micheal and I specialise in old time 5-string banjo and acoustic folk guitar. I teach all levels of experience, form beginners right through to advanced fingerstyle techniques.

I’ve recently moved to just outside Dundee, after living and teaching for many years in Edinburgh. I’m delighted to now offer banjo and guitar lessons in the Dundee and Angus area, as well as continuing to teach students in Edinburgh (although I now have a waiting list for Edinburgh lessons).

I offer one to one tuition in person, and online lessons via remote video call. I also have dozens of video lessons available to buy on my website if there is a particular old time banjo tune you’d like to learn.

Banjo video lessons

Have a listen – Here’s some of my fingerstyle guitar picking

 

I would be pleased to help you:

  • Learn to play the 5 string banjo and/or acoustic guitar from whatever level you’re currently at

  • Bring your music on by providing feedback on what you’re already doing and suggest ways to move forward with your playing

  • Learn to play with other musicians by building experience both playing and listening

  • Hone your style by developing specific playing techniques used in old time, country-blues, folk and traditional Scottish and Irish (Celtic) music

  • Enjoy an hour out of your week making music with someone

Michael Starkey with banjo

Do you like folk, old time, bluegrass, country or blues music?

Have you ever wanted to play guitar like Bob Dylan, Peggy Seeger, Martin Simpson, Martin Carthy, Mississippi John Hurt, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Doc Watson, John Martyn, Elizabeth Cotten, Bert Jansch, John Fahey, Lindsay Buckingham or Mark Knopfler?

Ever fancied picking a banjo like Billy Connolly, Earl Scruggs or Kyle Creed?

Been given an instrument for Christmas? Noticed that banjo hanging up at the back of the music shop but you don’t know anyone who plays? Maybe there’s an old family heirloom with a few broken strings gathering dust in the attic?

Then get in touch! I’d be delighted to help you take your playing to the next level.


Please have a look around my website for more info about clawhammer banjo lessons, acoustic guitar lessons, old time music, and of course you can find out more about me.

Michael

“Michael was a fantastic teacher when it came to the 5-string Banjo. As a total beginner to the instrument, I was particularly encouraged by Michael’s teaching style, which was patient, educational, and above all really encouraged me to continue with the Banjo. I highly recommend him for anyone looking to learn a new instrument or improve their music skills!”
Linus Y
Banjo student

“I highly recommend Michael for clawhammer banjo lessons. I’ve been learning to play in the old-time style and it’s been a real pleasure to be taught by someone who is so obviously into the music. As a teacher he is very nurturing, patient and welcoming. He’s opened my ears to what is a very satisfying seam of music!”
Alan F
Old Time musician