Learn

lessons

Melissa teaches private lessons out of her home in Salt Lake City and is currently taking 3-finger and clawhammer banjo students.Teaching is a passion of hers; music is a wonderful language we all can learn to communicate. But each student will approach it differently and find their own musical voice. Whether you’ve never played an instrument in your life but you’re drawn to the banjo, or you’re looking for a refreshing perspective on your playing, you are welcome to join!

Please send Melissa an email with lesson inquiries as she sometimes os available for group lessons, vocal lessons, and the occasional zoom lesson.

community

As the Director of The Trash Moon Collective for Hot House West 501(c)3, Melissa has been working to build Salt Lake City, Utah, into a thriving town for acoustic music with her non profit team. Trash Moon Collective is a program devoted to growing and supporting Utah’s bluegrass, old time, and roots music community. The Collective provides and promotes weekly and monthly events—from dances, to jams, concerts, and workshops—that support and build our community.

  • "I’ve been learning claw hammer with Melissa for over 2 years. She’s inspiring and fun yet demanding. That’s a tough combo to pull off, but she does. I’ve made a lot more progress than I could have imagined. "

    Banjo Student

  • "Trash Moon Collective has enabled me to reconnect with my instrument and with the joy of making music in community. I'm so thankful to have discovered such a welcoming environment to get back to playing!"

    Community Member

  • "I started my banjo journey almost a year ago now. With a love for folk, old-time, and bluegrass music I knew playing the banjo was for me. I called a local music shop in hopes of finding another banjo enthusiast willing to teach me what they know. On the other end of that phone call was Melissa."

    Banjo Student

  • "I have made so many new friends at the Trashmoon events and have had many musically affirming experiences! I'm certain that I'm a better musician because of it."

    Community Member

  • "I would recommend Melissa to anyone wanting to take lesson or for those wanting to be more involved in the acoustic music scene. I look forward to each of our lessons and can't wait to see what musical growth is in store for me and my banjo this next year."

    Banjo Student

  • "Melissa and my banjo have brought so much joy to my life. Melissa's welcoming and genuine personality is easy to be around. As a beginner in my banjo journey Melissa has been able to introduce me to music theory and beginner banjo playing. With each lesson and continued practice my fundamentals, tune work, and noodling (i.e. creative playing space) get stronger and more pronounced. "

    Banjo Student