Private Lessons
If you would like to set your own pace and the direction of the music you learn, private lessons may be for you. I offer private clawhammer banjo and guitar lessons in person in NE Portland distanced on the porch, inside my home (vaccines and boosters required), or via Zoom. I work with all levels of banjo students from complete beginners to advanced players and I teach guitarists from novice to intermediate players. I donate a percentage of my banjo lesson income to Black-led organizations such as Black Resilience fund and the Black Banjo Reclamation Project. Check out Jake Blount’s extensive compitation of Black Stringband Resources.
RATES • COMMITMENT • COVID POLICY • SCHEDULING • TESTIMONIALS
RATES
Rates are $70 – $90 per hour long lesson, Semi-private lessons are $40 – $60 per hour per person. Small group rates (3 – 5 people) are $30 – $50 per person per hour. I accept Venmo (preferred), Paypal, cash, or check.
NOTE ABOUT THE SLIDING SCALE: I believe music education should be accessible to everyone. Those with financial comfort and stability paying at the upper end of the scale enables me to accommodate students that have fewer resources. Select your payment by reflecting on these resources: a Sliding Scale Fee Guidance Flowchart or this Income-Based Guidance. If you have financial need or these rates still do not fit your budget, please let me know and we can find a way to work together. I believe in reparations, so if you are Black and/or Indigenous I can offer extremely reduced or free tuition/lessons, just let me know.
COMMITMENT
After 20 years of teaching I have seen that frequent (weekly) lessons result in better progress and retention. Of course, we are busy, so I understand if that doesn’t work for you. I ask that you commit to weekly or bi-weekly lessons for each quarter (fall, winter, spring). If you need to miss a lesson please let me know right away and do your best to reschedule, even if by Zoom. If you give me less than 24 hours notice, please pay your usual lesson rate. There will be no charge for lessons missed due to Covid or emergencies (of which I hope there are none!).
COVID POLICY
I ask that all in-person students are fully vaccinated and current on boosters. Masking will be optional unless the CDC policy changes or you or I prefer to mask due to circumstances. Please do not come to an indoor, in-person lesson if you or anyone in your household has symptoms, or if you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive. Zoom lessons are always available and are a great choice if you are feeling well enough to learn, but you aren’t sure if you are contagious or not.
SHEDULING
Call or text me at 5O3-756-2579 or email me at maggiebanjo@gmail.com. I currently have a few openings for weekly and biweekly lesson slots.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Thank you for such great instruction… Your approach to teaching is excellent for everyone. I am currently hooked on Matokie Slaughter… So glad you introduced us to her. I also greatly appreciate your values in being conscious of the music and its origin.
C.M.
You were my favorite instructor, your passion for the instrument is so authentic, it was a pleasure being in your classes.
C.S.
Thanks again for the great pointers and encouragement… I learned a lot from you and thought you were really supportive of your students. Not all amazing players are also amazing teachers – you’re clearly both.
T.J.
The lovely Maggie Lind taught me how to play my banjo (and she is THE best teacher I have ever had). With her help I was able to write the songs that were in my heart and reach a lifelong dream of getting my words on iTunes.
J.E.
Maggie, I’m not sure if I’ve ever told you, but those first few banjo lessons I had with you, followed by joining SBC, has opened an entirely new world for me these last four years, not only musically and with square dancing, but socially (jams, festivals, workshops, etc.) as well. And for that, I’m forever grateful to you.
D. R.
Maggie, [your guitar lessons] have changed my life forever. I appreciate all that you give of yourself each lesson and in between.
C. E.