LESSONS
(Scroll Down to Learn More About Our Teachers)
We Teach:
* Guitar * Banjo * Fiddle * Ukulele *
* Mandolin * Upright Bass * Voice
Adults and Children * All Levels * Beginners through Advanced
We have been offering lessons here at Bucks County Folk Music since we opened in 1966 and, from the beginning, we have had instructors that not only know how to play well, but also know how to teach well.
Our lessons are tailored to each individual student and we do not use "cookie cutter" approaches. Our teachers will talk with you and work to develop lessons based on what you wish to learn and what will work best to get you there. You will learn more quickly and, more importantly, with more enjoyment.
As your lessons continue, you and your teacher will continue to collaborate on your progress and your goals. All of our teachers are qualified to teach beginning, intermediate, and advanced players.
Please Contact Us to learn more or to sign up to begin your lessons.
Meet Our Teachers:
Christy Jefferson Brehm - Guitar, Ukulele, Voice
Christy teaches Fingerpick, Flatpick, Folk, and Christian Worship Guitar for Beginner and Intermediate Students; Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele; and All Levels of Voice.
Christy has her BA in music from Kutztown University. She has been teaching for the past 16 years in tandem with a successful career as a singer / songwriter. From 2002 – 2012 she toured domestically and abroad and professionally recorded six collections of mostly original music, all released under her own record label. In more recent years, Christy has cut back on touring and recording to focus on family. She enjoys singing with and supporting the worship team at her church, making music with her own young children, and inspiring her students. You are invited to view Christy’s website at: www.christyjefferson.com to learn more.
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Bob Sklarsky - Bluegrass Banjo
Bob teaches Scruggs and Melodic Styles on the 5-String Banjo for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Students.
Bob started teaching banjo for us way back in 1987 and is still going strong! Bob believes anyone can learn to play banjo simply by taking small steps, having patience and playing slowly. He is currently with the bluegrass group Hilltown (not to be confused with the town) and has performed multiple times at A.F.B.A. Festival, NEPA Bluegrass Festival, O.A.T.S. Bluegrass festival and at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Bob Dopira - Guitar
Bob teaches Flatpick, Folk, Bluegrass, Jazz, and Classical Guitar for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Students.
Bob has been a guitar teacher with us since the 1970s. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from Arcadia University and is working toward his master’s degree in music history through West Chester University. In addition to teaching here at our shop he also has conducted advanced guitar classes at Arcadia University. Former president of the Bucks County Folk Song Society, Bob has been the lead guitarist for the Bluegrass group Gentle Countrymen and the rock trio Nite Life. Bob is also in great demand as a classical guitarist and can be found performing at many museum, library, and society events.
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Christy Gross - Clawhammer Banjo, Fiddle, and Upright Bass
Christy teaches Clawhammer Banjo for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Students, Fiddle for Beginner and Intermediate Students, and Upright Bass for Beginner Students.
Christy embarked upon her folk music journey when a middle school guitar teacher gave her the skills she needed to become a progressing folk guitarist. As her passion for stringed instruments has grown through the years, Christy has refined her skills to play banjo, fiddle, upright bass, and more. Christy has learned and progressed through lessons, workshops and diligent study for many years and began teaching stringed instruments in 2007. As a lifelong learner, performing folk musician, and Pennsylvania certified educator, Christy deeply understands that everyone learns differently and she is able to customize lessons for diverse types of learners. Christy is founder and performer with Timberdoodle Crossing, an Americana roots group, and she plays upright bass for The Firefly Gals, an all-female old time square dance/contra dance band.
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