lessons

I teach out of my studio in Glendale, Utah. Whether you’re new or seasoned, you’re welcomed to take lessons with me. Book banjo lessons below!

If you’re interested in lessons other than banjo, if you’d like online lessons, or you’d just like to say hello first, please contact me here.

Got a question about lessons, banjos, and more? Check out my Banjo Student Information & FAQ.

CURRENT STUDENTS - Book below! You can reschedule or cancel up to 36 hours online. If you select ‘reserve without paying’, your card will be charged just before our lesson, or you can pay in advance.

NEW STUDENTS - if you’re in the Salt Lake area and want lessons, book below using the ‘New Student’ type. You will be prompted to fill out a New Student form at checkout. After you book, I will reach out to say hello! Please use ‘reserve without paying’ at checkout so you’re not charged until I check in.

Note that my teaching hours are limited! If there are no slots on the online calendar, join the waitlist!

Book Now

community

Trash Moon Collective Fiddle Tunes Raccoon.

As the owner of the Trash Moon Collective, Melissa has been building the Salt Lake City’s bluegrass, old time, and roots music community. She organizes weekly and monthly events—from dances, to jams, concerts, and workshops—that support and build scene.

Learn More

  • "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

  • "I have been Melissa’s student for about 18 months. She maintains discipline to my practicing in a friendly and supportive way, ensuring continued progress. Continuing to expand my understanding of music theory and playing mechanics which Melissa introduces “just-in-time” which keeps me improving. Finally, Melissa is outgoing, friendly, and likeable. Looking forward to continuing my progress under her considered guidance."

    -Banjo Student

  • "I have been taking banjo lessons from Melissa for about a year. She is an incredible musician and teacher. I have improved as a banjo player substantially. She has taught me classic bluegrass songs, music theory and we have worked on my improvisation. She is also a key organizer of local jams which have also helped me improve and stay motivated. I would recommend Melissa to anyone wanting to learn banjo."

    Banjo Student

  • "Melissa and her lessons have fostered a passion in me for playing the banjo and an appreciation for acoustic music. Melissa has been able to adapt her teaching style to my best methods for learning. Melissa is so encouraging and has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone to find that musical flow."

    Banjo Student

  • "Even with Melissa's busy schedule as a local acoustic artist and running her nonprofit, Trashmoon Collective, she welcomed me into her creative space where she has shared her love and passion for acoustic music and playing the banjo."

    Banjo Student