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Brad Kolodner

Baltimore-based clawhammer banjoist Brad Kolodner represents the next generation of Old-Time musicians pushing the boundaries of the tradition into uncharted territory. Regarded for his expressive style, creative approach and original compositions, Kolodner has rapidly gained national attention for his unique approach to the banjo. A four-time Clifftop banjo contest finalist, Brad is one of the bright young stars in the clawhammer banjo world. He regularly performs across the country in a duo with his father Ken Kolodner, a renowned hammered dulcimer player and with the acoustic roots quartet Charm City Junction. Behind the scenes, Kolodner is helping to lead the charge as a community organizer, winning the 2016 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Award for Industry Involvement. He hosts two weekly radio programs on Bluegrass Country Radio and Radio Bristol featuring the latest releases in Progressive Bluegrass, Americana and Old-Time music. He was nominated as the IBMA Broadcaster of the Year in 2019. Brad is a major driver behind the bustling Old-Time and Bluegrass scene in his hometown of Baltimore. He founded the bi-weekly Baltimore Old Time Jam, the monthly Baltimore Square Dance and the annual Baltimore Old Time Music Festival held every year in mid-March. When hes not playing banjo, on the air or organizing community events, you can find Brad rock climbing, playing squash, hiking or tending to his vegetable garden in the backyard of his Baltimore rowhouse.
Brad's WebsiteBrad's Radio Show

Banjo

Instrument

Acoustic

Genres

5.08 reviews

Courses

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Next Gen Clawhammer
Next Gen Clawhammer

Channels

Clawhammer Corner
Clawhammer Corner

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Reviews

8 results

Kirsten

05/05/22

LOVE the jam tracks

Brad - thanks for posting the new ones! This is a great site with so much great material for learning and practice. I personally find Brad's teaching style very pleasant. He explains things well and moves at a good pace.

Steve L.

01/22/22

Outstanding Instruction and Materials!

Brad's "Next Gen Clawhammer" lessons are well produced and superbly taught. The videos enable you to see what's going on with both the right hand and the left hand. And the inclusion of downloadable tabs and jam tracks makes this series an exceptional value!

Chris S.

02/25/21

Perfect

I've played guitar a lot, enough bluegrass banjo to fake it, but really wanted to learn clawhammer. Brad's natural pace, his ability to articulate the how's and why's clearly, and his arsenal of videos, tabs & other resources for banjo setup, orientation, going up the neck, practicing, etc. was was perfect for me. His skills are awesome - but he has a natural teaching ability suited a wide range of levels that is really a gift.

gary u.

12/03/20

Your love of the banjo, the music, AND teaching shine through!

I concur with all the previous reviewers, and so appreciate this opportunity. It's like you are across the room from me, making sure I "pop" those pull-offs and other tune/technique details that matter in the long run - and I AM IN for the long run. Thanks Brad!

Denise D.

11/12/20

Clean, concise and confidence-building

I'm a beginner player and combed through dozens of free online videos for 6 months before I decided tp pay for online lessons. There's definitely a difference! I started with 2 other online lesson series, both of which were helpful but I've since discontinued , before I settled on Brad's series. I love his playing - it's the sound I want to have - and I liked what I saw in the free 7 day trial. I couldn't be happier. The lessons are clear and well-paced and I really like Brad's teaching style. Not too fast, not to slow and I really feel like I'm making great progress. The tunes being taught are exactly the kind of stuff I want to play but I appreciate it's not just about learning a tune. Lots about technique, backing up others, why some variations work better in some places than others, arm position, etc. I especially appreciate Brad pointing out places where you can get off track, like forgetting to thumb the 5th string in certain passages. Plenty of material for more advanced levels too so I'm anxious to keep going!