Michelle Younger
About
Banjo player and multi-instrumentalist Michelle Younger bridges the gap between Appalachian Old-Time and contemporary folk music. Her sound is founded on tradition, a technical approach, and a new sensibility. Whether traveling in the internationally renowned folk trio Harpeth Rising or performing solo, Michelle brings the authenticity of traditional banjo into new and unexpected contexts.
Michelle studied classical guitar at Oberlin Conservatory (B.M.'07) and Eastman School of Music (M.M.'09), and her classical training is evident in her intricate arrangements and technically impressive performances. Michelle's musicality, her unique clawhammer style of banjo, and her new takes on old tunes make her a promising force in modern folk music.
Reviews from Another Lesson Platform
I'm enjoying my bluegrass lessons with Michelle. She is very patient and friendly but also a stickler for proper technique.
Michelle is a wonderful clawhammer instructor. Personal issues prevented me from taking as many lessons as I would have liked, but in a remarkably short time I acquired the necessary techniques to improve on my own. Thanks, Michelle!
Highly competent -- excellent teacher!
Michelle was wonderful to work with for my first lesson (and I have many more scheduled!). She gently helped me correct some habits I had developed from DIY lessons and I can already feel my skills building. Michelle gave me some excellent and useful excises to keep me busy until our next meeting. And she patiently addressed all of my simple first-time banjo player questions about the instrument itself. Can't wait until my next lesson!
Michelle is patient and thoughtful with her instruction! I look forward to my lesson each week!
She was awesome and so patient!
I’ve really been enjoying my lessons. Michelle is friendly, and I’m noticing progress every week.
Michelle is an excellent teacher!!! She is very clear in her instructions and guidance. Michelle has a way of making me feel at ease, making the lessons enjoyable.
Michelle is a wonderful teacher! She is patient and motivating, and helped me to set specific goals that advanced my classical guitar playing. I now have 4-5 pieces under my fingers that are so much fun for me to play and also taught me new techniques.
I've been learning the banjo from Michelle for the past 18 months. Never touched a musical instrument before. Now have learned a dozen clawhammer tunes and four banjo tunings. Michelle is amazing...so patient but keeps you moving! I highly recommend her.
Great to be back!! Lots of fun :)
Michelle is the most patient teacher!! She helps me through all my issues and bad habits with my banjo playing. I have learned a lot from her. She is the best!! RO
Michelle is a wonderful instructor who gives attention to details, and she knows her stuff. She is very patient and helps you reach your goals no matter your skill level.
Just had my first lesson with Michelle. I am very impressed - I like the way she made the basics of improvisation very doable. Am definitely looking forward to working with her again!
Michelle is great instructor!
Michelle not only knows music but based on my 50+ years in education, she also is has a very good grasp in the mechanics of education. The lesson was excellent!
Michelle makes my banjo playing easier and easier. I am feeling very comfortable. She points out all the bad habits I should not do, that is good for later down the road.
Absolutely wonderful first lesson. Michelle is a true professional. I am looking forward to my future lessons.
Michelle was very patient with me. I am 67 years old, not too coordinated, and rusty at most things. She explained everything and answered all my questions! Look forward to my next lesson.
I'm continuing to learn so much and having fun along the way :-)
I am very inspired and excited! Michelle is fantastic :-)
Just had my first lesson. Have never played an instrument. Michelle was so patient and positive I can tell this is going to work out well for me.
Banjo instructors are very uncommon. If you are looking for one, look no further. I had Michele for 6 months. She is awesome and extremely attentive on how you wish to learn. Unlike my previous two banjo instructors I had several years ago. With them, they didn't really know Blue Grass genre like Michele does. Due to circumstances in my personal life and time, I have to step away. Nonetheless he taught me things well especially I have not played in 15 years. I highly recommend her to anyone.
Good advice and good assignments. Looking forward to next week.
A great first lesson. Thanks!!!
Very positive reaction from my 13 year old daughter on her first lesson with Michelle. Michelle very patient with great interaction and instruction. Turned out to be a really good fit so far.
Great first lesson - good rapport and informative!
Michelle is very knowledgeable and personable. I am looking forward to my next lesson!
Michelle has been a patient and supportive Banjo instructor! As an adult learner with absolutely no experience with stringed instruments, my learning curve has been steep! Michelle is an expert musician! She is encouraging and makes lessons fun. I highly recommend Michelle! I consider myself so fortunate to have found her!!!
Excellent technical knowledge for classical guitarists.
Michelle is a great instructor! Starting lessons as an adult I thought would be difficult, however she is very accommodating and helpful. She takes the time to figure out your strengths, as well as see what you can work on. Every suggestion she makes is helpful and beneficial. I’m excited to see where the lessons with her will go!
Michelle has been a great teacher. She is patient , positive, and does a wonderful job of explaining things to me. I would highly recommend her.
Michelle is an amazing musician and instructor! She was great at assessing my skill level and meeting me where I was at in my musical journey. She turned me into a lifetime banjo player and lover of Old Time music and other folk traditions. She is down to earth and fun to work with!
Michelle Younger is a GREAT banjo teacher!! Her musical knowledge is very deep, yet she knows how to convey it at just the right speed for the individuals ability. She is extremely perceptive, and can offer valuable suggestions after watching you play through once, whatever it is you are working on. She has me believing I can actually do this! I look forward to each lesson, because she is a delightful person to work with, has keen skills, a good sense of humor, and a whole lot of patience! ~ Michael Branden
Michelle is a great teacher who has the knowledge, experience (and patience) to help me become comfortable playing the banjo. I look forward to my next lesson.
Michelle is kind, caring and a wonderful instructor. Always on time and works well with children.
Michelle is a wonderful teacher who explains things with both expertise and patience. I left my very first lesson inspired to practice and looking forward to the next one. I never thought I could learn to play guitar but recently gave my first performance. I highly recommend Michelle!
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Teaching Style
I cater my lessons to each individual student. I love teaching all levels, so don’t worry if you’ve never picked up an instrument in your life…there’s no such thing as a hopeless case!! I work on building a strong foundation of form and technique in all of my students regardless of level, whether you’re just starting out or are a more experienced player with some bad habits to break or looking to add to your musical toolbox!
My formal training is classical, I have a Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master’s degree from Eastman School of Music, both in classical guitar performance. That being said, I’m a little different than most classically trained teachers, in that I have traveled outside of the classical world to the folk traditions of old-time and bluegrass music, and I am very passionate about this music. I also toured regularly with a folk/Americana trio called Harpeth Rising, which combines both classical and folk traditions into original music. My teaching style reflects my combination of influences. My style is fluid, and I work with each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses create a learning environment that is comfortable, relaxed, and ultimately very effective. I also expect my students to schedule regular practicing into their daily routines, and I will help set up that routine.
Credentials & Affiliations
Oberlin Conservatory of Music - Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance (2007)
Eastman School of Music - Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance (2009)
Creative Ability Development Certification - Creative Ability Development, Inc./Kanack School of Musical Artistry (August 2021)