www.schoolofbanjo.com.au

He will start people from scratch, getting their right-hand technique sorted out from the outset, and teaching simple but beautiful tunes they can play without too much hassle, so it’s not all hard work for no reward. Books and the internet can be a great resource for learning banjo, but to learn properly, you need to get feedback as you go. There’s nothing better than having someone show you how to do it – learning music happens as much through osmosis as through instruction, and it is the secret to Gus’s success as a teacher.

All students come with their own schedules – so some have weekly banjo lessons, some prefer fortnightly, and others come in fits and starts…  each according to their requirements and life routines.

“Gus is a superb banjo teacher. He is inspirational and lessons with him are a delight. Thoroughly recommended!” - Rhonda Stewart, former student (via Linked In)

For the more experienced banjo players Gus can also look over their progress thus far and find things that might have them stuck in a rut with their banjo practice… or just provide some focus, direction and inspiration to pick it up again, through:

• Developing new rolls – take the rolls you know and turn them on their head. Play familiar songs in an unfamiliar way.

• Learning clawhammer technique including drop thumb and skip strokes

• Technique – get feedback on hand positioning, making your playing more efficient and effective

• Explore Up The Neck – work out why those high tab frets go where they do.

• Scales and Improvisation – learn about scales, blue notes and simple riffs to keep things interesting.

• Basic music theory. Look at the big picture of how music fits together. Harmony, melody and rhythm.

• Working out songs – if you’ve got a song that you’ve always wanted to play Gus can write it out and teach it to you.

• Developing picking speed – start to sound like those speed demons on the web.

• Learn a variety ‘hotlicks’ to spice up your playing.

He has a large selection of music that he gives to banjo students as they progress, writing out his own tunes and exercises as well as from all different sources – he tends to pick his favourite banjo tunes, and also give students recordings of the things they’ll be playing in their banjo lesson, but nice and slow, so they can hear what’s what. He’ll also give you a playlist of some of his favourite banjo tunes, to spark your inspiration. He takes advantage of all the digital resources such as You Tube and Spotify to expand a student’s knowledge.

Gus is always happy to teach more banjo students, if you’re willing to give it a try.

“Gus’s banjo lessons are fun, rewarding and client-oriented” - Dr Bill Williams Former Student (via Linked In)

PRICES:
He charges $85 an hour (+GST) , $80 for Zoom lessons, and he teaches from a dedicated banjo teaching space at the rear of his home in Brunswick. Banjo hire is available for $15 per week.
He also offers gift vouchers if you are looking for a present for a friend or loved-one who would like banjo lessons.

CONTACT:
Get in touch with Gus via gus.macmillan@gmail.com or 0412 964435 to have a chat and make a banjo lesson time.

INSTRUMENTS:
For complete beginners, Gus has banjos for hire, or you can purchase banjos at close to wholesale prices. He has access to Deering, Rover and Goldtone brands, and can order any these models direct from the distributor.

MORE STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:
“Gus is a gifted teacher – knowledgeable and flexible in how best you will learn. Great knowledge of and affection for good banjo music and playing. Absolutely recommended. I am learning about musicianship and well as how to play. Love my lessons with – always ready to stretch me further and always encouraging.” – Carolyn Phiddian, Google Reviews, 2/2/2018

“Banjo lessons with Gus at the School of Banjo are so enjoyable. His teaching method is encouraging and relaxed. I have been having lessons with Gus for 2 years and have gone from an absolute beginner to playing gigs in a trio. Not only is Gus a great teacher, but an inspiring banjo player. Listening to him play makes me want to practice harder to achieve my goals. I always look forward to my lessons; the music room is a great space. Lessons with Gus are always so much fun. Don’t miss out!!!” – Annie Dixon, Google Reviews, 2016.

“It is well worth the 2 hour drive to take lessons with Gus. I love it! A very talented teacher with a whole lot of patience for this old girl. Do yourself a favour, if you have ever considered lessons, get onto the school of banjo. You won’t regret it.” – Amanda Hughes, Google reviews. 2016

“I have been learning banjo for three years with Gus. He has taken me from beginner banjo to intermediate level, and I now enjoy jamming with other musicians. I have learned quickly with Gus’s tutelage. Gus is a qualified music teacher who is able to give structure and context to the learning of banjo. He is also a gifted musician with a diverse interest in music and has been able to refer me to many musical sources which has been a learning experience in itself. He offers a safe and professional environment.” – Mary-Anne MacCallum, Google Reviews, 2016

“I got so much out of our banjo lessons… it has totally changed how I am playing, I can feel the strings now and the sound is so different.”  – Adrian Norman, 11/2/2014

“Thank you so much for all your help so far, It has made my playing a trillion times better and actually fun to practice now.” - Nathan Henderson 10/10/2013