Tim Hicks’ Banjo, Guitar & Mandolin Lessons

I started taking 5 string banjo lessons from Tim about a year and a half ago when I moved to Oakland. Before I had only studied Scruggs picking style but I indicated to Tim that I had an interest in learning claw hammer style. After my first lesson, I knew Tim was the real deal. For one thing, his knowledge of both old time bluegrass and contemporary bluegrass is extensive. His teaching style is exemplary– he can help you break down a seemingly complex song into easy to learn segments that eventually lead to completion of the tune. His style is fluid and yet crisp– Tim can absolutely show you how to perfect your technique, but what I really took away is he stresses not getting too wrapped up in perfect form; rather, to play with feeling. Under this type of tutelage you don’t worry about making mistakes, but instead come to appreciate the feeling, the harmonies and the variances that make a great bluegrass song able to be played in a unique and stylish way. I watched my playing go from somewhat stilted and mechanical before Tim to a looser and lighter sound that gave me a feeling of musical freedom and achievement after a few lessons. If you’re looking for a great teacher in the Bay Area for banjo, guitar, or other stringed instruments, I suggest looking no further than Tim Hicks. He’s a fantastic teacher and also a truly cool and decent human being. I’m glad I moved to the bay and found him!

Tim is more than just a banjo player, more than just a teacher. He is an ambassador of old timey and bluegrass music. He’s a great player, and a patient and articulate teacher (I’m a violin teacher, so I can really appreciate good teaching) – and he has amazing stories to tell about his experiences growing up in the world of bluegrass, which is half of the fun of playing this kind of music. The personalities. The stories.
He has a vast wealth of knowledge about old time music, about the banjo as an instrument (and where it belongs in music, worldwide), about songs, technique, expression. And he really, really shares his deep love for the banjo and the music of Appalachia. He is supportive of each student’s vision for their own banjo playing (best moment for me might have been when I played an Indian raga/​bhajan on the banjo for him, and he really dug it), and will help you get there as quickly as your befuddled fingers can carry you.
In short, if you are looking for a kind, supportive, articulate, knowledgeable teacher who’s also a complete badass on the banjo (and guitar, and mandolin!!), Timothy Hicks is your man.
Worth every penny!

My son S started taking banjo lessons with Tim a little over a year ago as an 8 year old. At the time, S had a little bit of musical experience and thought that the banjo sounded pretty cool. He immediately developed a rapport with Tim and has really taken off since then. Lessons are the highlight of S’s week, and he is even excited about practicing at home. After seeing this, I started taking mandolin lessons with Tim a few months ago. Tim has been a huge help for me in learning how to play by ear and work on solos, and he has taught the two of us a ton about bluegrass. I’m really grateful to have such a great teacher right in our backyard.

About 3 years ago, we walked into the 5^th String music store looking for a banjo teacher for my then 12 yr. old son (who had listened to some banjo music, thought it was cool, and decided he wanted to give it a go). Thankfully, we found Tim! Both my son and I would tell you that Tim is an awesome instructor. He’s patient and incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about music and teaching. He makes learning to play an instrument fun and interesting, and encourages creativity. My son has not only become a very good banjo player, but he honestly loves playing, looks forward to his weekly sessions with Tim, and plays/​practices for the joy of it – no «mom» nagging involved at all. If you’re looking for an excellent banjo instructor, we highly recommend Tim. If we could give him more stars, we would!

Tim has been an awesome mandolin teacher for me! I am a professional musician who was hoping to expand into the mandolin, so my standards are high. He is deeply passionate about bluegrass, and in addition to teaching me about the technique on the instrument, he has taught me so much about the history and style of the music. His lessons are relaxed, fun, and informative! If you’re looking to learn banjo, mandolin, or guitar, he’s your man!

Coming to the banjo later in life creates extra challenges, both physically and mentally. Tim Hicks has guided me from complete novice to the point where i can play the banjo comfortably in a group while singing the songs I’m playing. Tim has nurtured my singing skills as well as banjo playing, a wonderful discovery that keeps me happily elated all week long.
My lessons with Tim are consistently joyful, informative, instructive, interactive and rewarding. Beside being an outstanding musician on multipe instruments, Tim is one of the finest teachers I have ever encountered in any field. Tim’s endless patience. gentle encourgament and calm demeanor as I began my musical journey, has kept me on course to achive my personal goals.
Every Wednesday morning I wake up excited, knowing I’ll be learning something new, interesting, and challenging from Tim that day.
If one phrase could describe Tim Hicks teaching style it would be «joyful learning.»
I only wish Unilocal could give out 10 star ratings.

It is difficult for me to state what an excellent teacher Timothy Hicks has been. Five years ago I walked into the 5^th String music store (which, sadly, no longer exists) with a crappy banjo, a vague idea of what bluegrass music is, and no idea how to play. Over the course of my time with Tim, I have gained a knowledge of the history of bluegrass, an appreciation for the vibrant energy present in bluegrass music, the ability to play the banjo quite well, and lots of practice playing music together with other people (both with Tim, and for a while with another banjo student who would share half of the lesson time with us). These are things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Tim is great — totally friendly, relaxed, laughs easily — and these qualities rest on top of a mean ability and talent at banjo, guitar, and mandolin; a true appreciation, love, and knowledge of bluegrass and old-​time music; and genuine talent as a teacher. This guy is the real deal. If you are interested in learning banjo, guitar, or mandolin and learning about bluegrass and/​or old-​time music, jump on this goldmine of a teacher.

Learning Mandolin from Tim has been a really rewarding and worthwhile experience. He goes about teaching history of bluegrass, how contemporary work fits into it and nurturing your skills in an instrument. He is a teacher that will help you not just learn songs, but learn how to have fun with the music and play more than just notes. I would recommend Tim to anyone who wants to master an instrument in their own voice.

When I decided I would play the banjo, I went to the Fifth String in Berkeley to ask about a teacher, and they told me to call Tim.
Tim helped me buy the best banjo to get started, and we began lessons by making sure I really knew the music we were playing. Tim has deep knowledge of bluegrass and oldtime music, and he’ll help you understand where it all came from – both the people and the places.
Tim has a great teaching style and emphasized solid technique, and good listening in learning to play by ear. He helped me explore a range of banjo playing, both bluegrass (briefly) and clawhammer style, always making sure we didn’t stray from the heart of the music.
He’s the first fella you should talk to if you’re interested in learning to play.

Tim is the best banjo instructor I’ve had! (I’ve had three.) He was very receptive to the way that I wanted to learn banjo (without charts, by ear) and together we built a strategy around my objectives and strengths. Tim is very knowledgeable about bluegrass history and uses that experience to give context to the lessons. We had great conversations that extended beyond banjo basics to music in general — it was an opportunity to be open and critical about my studies. I had to stop taking lessons because of the demands of a new job, but I look forward to taking classes with Tim again in the future when I can carve out more time to dedicate to banjo.

I can say with full confidence that Tim Hicks is one of the most helpful and dedicated music teachers that I know. I have been taking mandolin lessons from Tim since the spring of 2013 and I can wholeheartedly say that he not only made certain that I was fully immersed in the bluegrass scene by playing and showing recordings of live performances, but he also made each lesson fun and exciting. If there was a concept I was having difficulty with, Tim was always available and approachable. He is eager and is constantly willing to answer any questions. His methods of teaching are also unique and effective. In addition to teaching music theory, Tim introduced me to a world of bluegrass musicians like Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe. This gave me a more comprehensive perspective in bluegrass music and enabled me to truly love and appreciate bluegrass music. More than just being an outstanding teacher, Tim is a kind, personable instructor who is always patient and constantly encourages me to embrace my mistakes and transform them into creative venues, which is something that I found rare among many of the music instructors I’ve had in the past. Tim is an exceptional instructor who has a clear passion for teaching. After taking many lessons with other various music teachers over the years, I can testify to the fact that Tim stands above the rest of the music instructors and I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in learning the mandolin that they enlist Tim’s help!

I have been taking mandolin lessons from Tim for almost 2 years. He makes lessons fun and I always leave with wanting to go home and play the tunes that I learned in class. The hour just flies by. I highly recommend Tim for anyone wanting to learn to play the mandolin regardless of their age. He is patient, kind and fun. I have learned theory while learning to play fun tunes.

Tim is a great teacher and really fun to be around. He is super patient, knowledgeable, and talented! It is tough learning to play an instrument and can be really intimidating but he makes you feel comfortable and relaxed while learning how to play awesome music. The style of teaching he uses is easy for me to follow and I really saw my skills improve. You can tell he really loves music and loves teaching. If you’re looking for a Banjo teacher –Tim is it!

Time flies when you’re having fun! And that’s exactly the experience I’ve had over the four/​five years of banjo lessons with Tim! Hailing from West Virginia, Tim had grown up with an acute appreciation for bluegrass music. I got the sense immediately that I found someone that had great passion for the banjo.
He preaches the gospel according to Scruggs and now I’m a believer! Tim listens to me (not only my playing, but to me!) and is able to help this 40+ novice become a competent picker! I’ve a repertoire of a dozen or so songs under my belt and I’m learning to improvise through jamming. He is aware of the learning process and has, in my opinion, infinite patience where that is concerned.
Tim has always been very positive in our teacher/​student relationship and I look forward to each lesson.

It has been the most fun learning banjo from Tim. He is incredibly patient, pleasant, and knowledgeable, and I always look forward to lessons. I can come in with all kinds of questions about music and Tim will take the time to really explain them to me– I’m not only learning to play the banjo, but really gaining a better understanding of music. So highly recommended!

Tim is the very best guitar teacher for kids in the area! My somewhat reluctant 8 year-​old son has really blossomed with Tim’s private lessons. Tim allowed my guy to first master the Star Wars anthem. Well, that got him interested alright. Week by week he both listens to what my son wants to play (however absurd) and makes sure he is also mastering songs that expand his knowledge of music and the guitar. Within a few months he had learned the chords, how to tune his own guitar, how to read music, etc… Who could ask for more? From country classics, TV theme songs, Bluegrass and contemporary, Tim knows and can teach just about anything. And most importantly, my boy actually practices because he likes Tim and wants to show him what he’s learned. I know Tim is an amazing musician in his own right and I am sure he is a great teacher for adults. I wanted to make sure all the parents out there know that this guy is a real gem when it comes to the little ones. Tim is patient, kind, and 100% professional! If you are looking for lessons for your child, look no further! Tim rocks.

I went to Tim to learn the banjo. To start the review off, I am not musical. I have tried to learn countless instruments over my lifetime, never once succeeded. When I decided to learn the banjo, I located Tim through the Fifth String. I really enjoyed his style of teaching– he taught me to learn to play by ear. It was tough at first, and with my nonmusical ear I thought I would never be able to learn a song by listening to it. However, when it finally clicked, it was as if everything finally made sense! The songs I originally spent weeks trying to put together suddenly were flowing after just one hour. I am so happy I learned this way! What really makes Tim a great teacher is that he truly loves what he is teaching. I did not only learn to play the banjo, but he taught me the history of blue grass, greatly expanded my music taste, as well as introduce me to the bluegrass culture in the bay area. I enjoyed each lesson, never found myself bored or overwhelmed. All in all, I would highly recommend Tim to anyone interested in learning to play the banjo!

Not only is Tim an incredible musician himself, but he is an absolute natural at teaching! His deep love of music just shines through.
Tim’s personality is so genuinely warm and encouraging — add to that the fact that he has endless reserves of patience and, well, you have the perfect combination of characteristics for a teacher!