Two words.... Booze. Guitar. (or Violin) Not that I'm getting plastered at 2pm on a Saturday, but if you like good beer or red wine, you won't have to worry about getting a bad case of the nerves, that's for sure. For the last class there's some seriously good bourbon. It's a good thing it's not available the whole time or I'd be slurring my chords worse than I do now. But it's a zero pressure class. Though I do feel bad when I disappoint Pete and Adam. I have a healthy dose of guilt for not practicing as much as I should. I may be completely projecting Pete's sad puppy dog eyes though. Speaking of puppy! Pete and Ginger will sometimes bring in their adorable lab/motivational dog. Not distracting in the least. Nope. I'm a rock of self-control. "PUPPY!!!!!" This is my second semester (session??? It's not a credited course) and I'm so happy I could do the two. The Beginner's class learned "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams. Kismet. Because who went to a screening of "I Saw The Light" with Tom Hiddleston's charming self... ME! If I were a wee bit crazier, I would have brought my guitar for Hiddleston to sign. As it was, it was a close thing. In the Intermediate group, we're learning "Ring of Fire". How did they know? How could they have possibly known how much I love this song? Once I get the chord changes down, there's no way to stop me from singing along. No. Way. Everyone's been warned. And I'm SO wearing my Johnny Cash tee to the recital. The recitals are held at Littlefield ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/littlefield-brooklyn ). We packed the joint. I didn't expect that many people. And it wasn't like when their friend/child/SO finished their set, people bounced. That would be rude. They stayed to watch me completely butcher the whole second half of my piece. Thank God for the bar. Ginger told us that they started giving the student's free pizza because they would be in such a daze afterwards, most of them were leaving their instruments behind. I guess we needed the de-stress carbs. You can rent/buy/bring your own instruments. The purchase price is competitive with Amazon because you are getting a soft case as well. I bought mine and I've already covered my case in patches. My flair obsession has reached ridiculous heights. These classes are an investment in my becoming a well rounded human being, and I'm now 7 chords closer to enlightenment. Thanks Ginger, Pete and Adam! read more

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I signed up for Booze Violin a few years ago on a whim and I'm SO glad I did. I hadn't ever touched a violin or bow at that point and now I can play several songs... I can read music... I'm getting better at sight reading too! It's turned from a very casual hobby into something I'm starting to invest more time and effort in. The teachers are really fun and extremely encouraging. I don't know how they do it, get us to progress even through we're all busy and don't practice nearly enough! The recitals are the best too. The environment is so supportive at all levels. I look back at that first recital and can't believe how far I've come. I've also made great friends! Highly recommend!! read more

I took beginning violin classes here and loved it! I had taken it upon myself to learn violin a little on my own before classes started so I did feel like the beginning class was a little basic for me, but the instructors were great about suggesting further practice books and correcting the bad habits that I had formed on my own. I would really recommend taking this class before trying to learn something on your own- it'll be easier in the long run! The social atmosphere of the class couldn't have been better. It was really laid back and fun to have drinks available. They also have a performance at the end of the semester, but I wasn't able to attend that. read more

Talk about a fun environment to learn an instrument! Pete and Ginger have developed a complete non threatening and rewarding place for people to enjoy learning a new instrument. I have taken about a year of their booze violin classes and have fell in love with the violin not just for the instrument itself but for the people that I've gotten to meet in the learning process. I went from never having picked up a violin before to playing everything from chamber, folk, to pop. And one of the best parts is that at the end of the semester if you so choose you are able to be part of this awesome recital that they hold at Littlefield in Brooklyn. If you are on the fence about joining up stop by sometime at one of these recitals and you will just love the energy of the whole event. They also offer rental instruments very low priced for the semester with the option to buy at any time. So don't sweat it if you don't have an instrument handy. read more

I took violin lessons with Bantam Studios in Fall 2019. Playing the violin is one of my personal aspirations. At my first recital, I was given the opportunity to play in front of my colleagues, friends and family. It was nerve wrecking stepping outside my comfort zone but Pete guided me thru its entirety. Thank you Bantam Studios for keeping my dreams alive. I can't wait to attend group classes again! read more

I've audited four sessions of Mandolin classes with Rick Snell. The community of students and teachers is really what makes this program special. Having a beer in a group setting with people that you enjoy. Isn't that how music was meant to be played? Take a class with Rick. He's witty and patient. He'll teach all guitar, mandolin, and ukulele classes. My wife takes violin with Ginger and Pete and has had only positive things to say. Also, their gentle dog frequents the violin lessons. read more

They offered the $125/$150/$175 vouchers yesterday but the online ordering does not work, but now that I know the value of the vouchers, I would not pay $200. The portly Korean teacher, Ginger, does not only look like kim jong un's fraternal twin but also runs the class like he runs his country - I was just adjusting my own sheet music (we each have our own) but she blurted out to make sure my partner also gets to see what's on the stand. She does not have patience with questions or comments. She made a loud noise by throwing something into her violin case when I was talking to Pete during class. She really needs a lesson on business etiquette and communication (verbal and online). Not good for a growing business. The title of the class is more like beer and violin. The boxed wine arrives on the fourth class of the eight class session. read more

Pete and Ginger are great teachers and all-around awesome humans. Took Beginners Booze Violin as a fun way to use my brain in a different way and loved the experience! I looked forward to weekly group lessons and absorbing the day's lesson and music. The highlight was definitely our recital- about 50 students from different classes sharing a stage at Littlefield, a super cool bar and venue in Gowanus. Everything good! read more

I've wanted to learn violin for a long time. When I finally got my act together and decided to learn, I first went to an individual lesson with a private teacher. It wasn't great - pretty lonely road and it was clear the teacher wasn't used to teaching adults. And then I found Booze Violin. It's a truly great way to learn an instrument as an adult. It's social, it's low pressure, it's ridiculously fun, and it's a very high quality of instruction. Pete and Ginger are excellent teachers, exuding both patience and positivity as we screeched our way through beginner classes. The pacing of the classes increases with each level and are just challenging enough to keep you interested without feeling like you have to practice for ten hours a day. The recital at the end of the semester is a blast, too. Do it! read more

I took a guitar class here on Saturday afternoons in the fall of 2015 with Pete and Adam and enjoyed every minute of it. The guys were supportive teachers which is good when you're a very amateur guitar player. They never talked down to us or made me feel uncomfortable which is important. It was a great atmosphere. You could down a beer or two or not, up to you. The fellow students were all nice people and everyone was very laid back. The end of the class is an afternoon recital at a local club. It sounds corny as hell but it too was great fun. I'm taking another class so that means...everything! If you want to learn how to play, how to read but at a genial pace, go here! And I am NOT related in any way :) read more

I've been a student at Bantam Studios for over 3 years. I'm taking violin and I love, love, love it! The program that Ginger and Pete, the founders and instructors, have put together is challenging but they keep it fun and are patient and encouraging. I am definitely learning and improving and its awesome. Learning violin has added a very positive dimension to my life. An unexpected plus is that the class includes some wonderful people who have become lovely new friends and we're all committed to helping each other improve. I'm so glad I found Bantam Studios and recommend for anyone wishing to learn to play an instrument in a warm, encouraging environment. Oh! And there's free wine and beer ... :) read more

Being part of classes at Bantam Studios for the last 3+ years has changed my life in NYC! I picked up my old vio after decades of letting it deteriorate as I moved to different cities. I have learned about music theory, sight reading and techniques of playing a violin. Most importantly, Ginger and Pete have instilled the confidence which allows me to continue to grow as a musician. Their instruction is thorough, supportive and fun and the organization of their school is matched by none other! I highly recommend Bantam Studios to people of all ages and levels!! read more

Exactly one year ago I made a promise to myself to learn violin. 4 semesters later I can happily say Bantam Studios has helped me immensely with my dream. Pete and Ginger are the BEST, and keep classes informal, engaging, and fun. The recitals are a blast and a great way to remember to be proud of your accomplishments. If you want to learn violin our continue your violin studies I highly recommend Bantam! read more

Ever since I was a child, I've loved the violin and wanted to play but never really thought it would be something I would learn as an adult. But then I saw an ad for Booze Violin and my world changed! I started in their very first class almost 3 years ago. Look how far we've come! I feel like I don't even have the words to convey what a wonderful experience it has been. Pete and Ginger are 2 amazing humans that I cannot say enough good things about. Patient, kind, and funny. They make it easy. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and the booze helps! The classes are just the right size; small enough for personal attention. Most importantly, if you don't understand something, they will always teach it in a different way so you do. The pace is slow enough that you feel you have a good understanding of what you learned each week but fast enough to see the progress being made. Plus, it's affordable! I'm delighted for them that they've been able to grow, adding guitar, music theory, and various workshops. I'm sad that my travel schedule has been interfering with my ability to attend the past couple months but I'll be back very soon. read more

I have always wanted to learn uke, and Bantam Studios was the motivation I need. Add the booze and amazing classmates and instructors for an amazing experience! read more

I took beginner guitar classes at Bantam Studios and absolutely loved the experience. Ginger, Adam and Pete are wonderful teachers and the class is really relaxed and it's a really fun atmosphere. I learned a lot but didn't feel like I constantly had to be practicing as the class has a nice pace. I highly recommend taking classes here. read more

I've been taking violin classes at Bantam Studios for over 3 years now and I can't stress more what an amazing and supportive learning environment it is. Taking on an instrument as an adult can be super challenging and this school does a fantastic job of making the lessons accessible and enjoyable for people at various levels. I went in with pretty much no violin experience and can now read music and play pieces at I never would have though possible in 3 years. The school's owners, Ginger and Pete, clearly put a great deal of thought and care into the structure of each class and progression of each level though the program. I have been fortunate to progress with roughy the same cohort of students and becuase of the warm environment of the school they have also become friends. Another cool feature of Bantam is that, in addition to the 8 week cycles of classes, they also offer workshops. These allow us dive into complex music technique in a digestible way. Finally, I always look forward to the recital at the end of each session. This is a well planned event were students can invite friends and family to watch them play. It's such a fun way to finish each session and having a event we are working towards each session is an addition motivator! All in all, the schools is a unique, well organized, fun and safe space to learn to play music! read more