I teach 5-string banjo lessons out of my home in San Francisco, at the 5th String music store in Berkeley, and also at students' homes by appointment. I'll soon have content from my lessons available on this site (tabs, practice mp3s, theory tools) available for my students, so check back soon. In the meantime, feel free to email me or call if you'd like to schedule a lesson or have any questions.
banjoteacher@gmail.com
510.282..8831
- Jim Chayka
- San Francisco, CA
- Originally from upstate New York “Jim Chayka is the best banjo player you never heard of – but that’s starting to change.” (California Bluegrass Assoc. Newsletter, Jan 2009). Jim is regarded as a driving, creative, and versatile player firmly rooted in the tradition of Earl Scruggs and JD Crowe, but also well-versed in the fingerboard explorations of contemporary banjo. Although relatively new to the bluegrass scene, he has risen quickly among the ranks of formidable players in the West. Jim’s additional skills as a songwriter, composer, and performer helped 49 Special win the prestigious 2009 RockyGrass Band Competition, which featured two of his original songs. In 2010 he worked as Musical Director and banjoist with Michelle Shocked, performing throughout the US and Europe on her 2010 Roadworks Tour. Jim teaches music lessons privately around the Bay Area and through the 5th String Music store in Berkeley.
