I studied clawhammer banjo with Tim for six months, when I was just starting off. Now, a year later, I play actual gigs in a string band! I first reached out to Tim when my wife was interested in starting mandolin. She had no experience with string instruments and Tim was a warm and patient teacher for her. Her experience was so good, I picked up a banjo and headed to Tim's myself! Tim is a Bay Area treasure. Growing up in West Virginia and having played throughout the states, he brings a wealth of knowledge about the history of bluegrass and oldtime music, grounding his lessons in storytelling, the oldtimey way. This helps students develop a deep appreciation for the music and turned me on to players and styles I hadn't heard and might not otherwise have come across. He helped me develop a strong foundation and technique that has carried me through to today. We spent a lot of time honing in on my right hand technique and I still remind myself of his notes when I'm playing. Get on over to Tim's! read more

I started from scratch on the Mandolin 2 years ago, and Tim has been great to work with. In the beginning, he gave me very clear and motivational direction on how to play specific tunes. Then, as I progressed and developed my own style, Tim was very supportive of showing me how to express my own authentic voice on the Mandolin. Really, a dream come true - I have always wanted to express myself musically, and Tim has helped me do that more than anyone ... Thanks Tim! I highly recommend him for developing your own style and technique! read more

It is difficult for me to state what an excellent teacher Timothy Hicks has been. Five years ago I walked into the 5th 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. read more

Tim is a great teacher. I get more out of music study if it involves some history, context, etc., and Tim's background in folk traditions and obvious experience as a teacher let him cram that stuff AND skills/tune-based instruction into one lesson. Tim is a person I didn't know from Adam a year ago to whom I regularly pay money. Despite those facts I leave EVERY interaction with him smiling and feeling good about my progress and experience. read more

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. read more

Tim is a patient and experienced teacher. He has a system for teaching that succeeds in getting a rank beginner (no prior music reading or instrument knowledge) like me, to a place where I am able to play complete songs on my Mandolin. It is so satisfying and fun! He has broad knowledge of traditional music which he shares with you, but what stands out is his enjoyment of teaching and tireless encourgement. I feel very fortunate to have found Tim. read more

I really don't know how Tim does it but he works some type of magic teaching guitar. Tim started teaching my son at age 7 and one year later, my son has an extensive repertoire of a range of songs. From the Star Wars theme to an old Irish folk song, my son can skillfully play the guitar. To top it off, Tim is a really nice guy and always engaging to talk with. read more

Tim Hicks' Banjo, Guitar & Mandolin Lessons - In the zone... - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Tim is a phenomenal teacher. He is fun, caring and really knows how to make learning an instrument enjoyable and stress-free. He provides inspiration, not pressure. As an adult with a busy work schedule, this is really important to me. If I am having a hard week, I show up and we have a ball doing what we can. He is hands down one of the best music teachers I have ever had! Also, his knowledge of banjo and music history is an added bonus. He spent years hanging with some of the greats at music festivals and has lots of stories! read more

Tim Hicks is an amazing person and an excellent teacher. Our 11 year-old son fell in love with banjo and I contacted Tim. Although he was full, he made time for us and was incredibly kind and patient with our son. He intrinsically knows how to reach his students, to help them develop their passion for banjo in a gentle, but focused way. He infused my son with a love and an appreciation for banjo, its history and artists. We cannot recommend him enough. read more

Tim is an amazing teacher and musician. His teaching style is based on listening and feeling the beat, the flow, the fluidity of the tune and being part of the of that stream. As mentioned in other reviews, he is passing the old timey bluegrass music on to the next generation. Sandy Rothman is a big influence to him and he has some great stories of other great bluegrass musicians and their history. Tim helped me develop basic mandolin skills in which I use over and over again. When I came to him I wanted to learn how to master chords and focus on playing fast. It turns out that the secret for me is in the mastery of the right hand (shhh). He helped me find confidence in my playing and I always felt as though I could do this! I was given simple exercises which built on each other. In no time I was pickin bluegrass tunes I thought were impossible. I have a long way to go but I know that Tim will be my mentor for many years to come. read more

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! read more

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. read more

Tim is an amazing teacher! He's patient and puts you at ease immediately, which I really appreciated, as it was my first time playing the mandolin. I love his teaching style and his encouragement to learn in a natural and intuitive way. He is such an expert in all things music, and he has even spent the time teaching me about music theory. He records what he goes over in the session, which is so helpful for when I'm practicing at home. I'm quite new to the mandolin, but due to lessons with Tim, I have already learned to play many songs, able to jam, and quickly learning how to play by ear (which I never thought I would be able to do)! I highly recommend Tim to anyone wanting to learn to play the mandolin! read more

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 Yelp could give out 10 star ratings. read more

I've been taking banjo lessons from Tim on and off for nearly three years now. I most definitely wouldn't be at the level I'm at without his help! He's one of the best and most diversified musicians when it comes to bluegrass and old time music. He is also a patient and knowledgeable teacher. Taking lessons from Tim not only entails learning how to play an instrument, but also means you get to be exposed to his extensive song and history knowledge of whatever genre you happen to want to pursue. Plus we have the same last name! read more

I started working with Tim a little over a year ago to learn how to play Banjo. I came to him with no experience or understanding around playing an instrument but was eagered to learn. Tim is patient, encouraging, and able to explain music in a way that is easy to understand and make sense of. He is an incredible individual, who is kind and clearly loves what he does. I always look forward to meeting him for our lessons and to dive deeper into the banjo world. read more

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! read more

Being an Asian American grew up in the big cities, I have always been fascinated by the genres of the old time country classics and the blue grass music. The unique sound of banjo in particular simply blown me away. Now I am retired and started to take banjo lessons from Tim Hicks of Berkeley. He has not only taught me how to play the instrument in the styles of claw- hammer and the three finger picking, he also exposed me to the fascinating backgrounds of the vast different music groups, the history of the music scenes, and the triumphs and falls of some of the very talented individuals. It's a blast to go to his class. Mr. Hicks taught me how to play the tunes with great certainty and clarity. He installed in me the confidence that will be staying with me for a long, long time. read more

Besides being one of the nicest humans on the planet, Tim is also an excellent teacher. One of the the things I love is how passionate he is about music and how well he conveys that. He has taught me so much. I have taken up the mandolin as an older adult, with all the ups and downs of trying to grasp enough music theory and skill to actually play...his patience is amazing. I highly recommend Tim to anyone of any age. read more

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! read more

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! read more

I saw a kid about 14 years old playing banjo in a bluegrass trio at the Ferry Terminal Farmers Market about six years ago. He was really good and I asked him where he learned to play. He said, "My teacher, Tim Hicks in Berkeley". I was not a musician and didn't play any instrument but I had always been fascinated by the banjo so I called Tim and started taking lessons. That was six years ago and I still go every week. Tim teaches by doing. Like learning a foreign language by only speaking that language. You jump right in from day one and learn the vocabulary of the banjo so you can start putting your own musical sentences together. Now I can go to bluegrass jam sessions, play with friends or just enjoy playing on my deck. He also spends time talking and teaching about the history of the instrument, the great pioneering players, various playing styles. We watch videos of the greats performing. It's all part of an education in an instrument that flows from a lifelong passion for it. He even helped me find and buy the right banjo that I love. He also plays and teaches guitar and mandolin so we often just jam together. Makes me feel like a kid again. Or at least one 14 years old, busking at the Farmers Market. read more

I had the pleasure of studying beginner Bluegrass banjo with Tim earlier this year. I found Tim to be one of the better overall music teachers I've ever had. I'm not new to music (have played bass and guitar for 20+ years), but was completely new to the Banjo. I felt like Tim was really able to meet me at the level where I was already at, and helped me apply the musical knowledge and training I already had to a new instrument. He is very methodical, patient, and focused on your improvement. Each lesson built upon the previous one. I felt well supported in my introduction to the banjo. He is also well-steeped in the tradition. He grew up surrounded by the culture and the music, and has many great stories to tell from his own life and from musical greats that he's crossed paths with. Tim is the real deal! I plan to return to lessons after I finish grad school. read more

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! read more

I have been taking banjo lessons from Tim for 2 years. I cannot recommend him highly enough. I loved how after my first lesson, he sent me home with several songs from multiple banjo styles to listen to so I could better decide which style of banjo I most enjoyed and wanted to learn. He is patient and fun, make learning really low-pressure, and in addition to learning a song each week, he sends me home with a very slow recording of him playing the song so I can have him as a tutor if I need any additional help. We learn a new song each time, but he also makes time for me to learn to improvise and play along with him as he accompanies on the guitar so that I'm able to join Old Time Music jams even as a relative new player. He is also very flexible and works around my schedule when something comes up in my busy professional and family life which causes me to need to move a lesson around. He's an all around wonderful teacher. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

About 3 years ago, we walked into the 5th 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!! read more

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. read more

Tim is a fantastic, patient, caring and very competent teacher. I came to him as a complete beginner and he was able to meet me where I was (e.g. putting my banjo picks on my fingers upside down). As he taught me the basics and beyond, he was always super gentle and supportive while also letting his innate and infectious enthusiasm for the musical style shine through. He not only had me playing awesome music pretty quickly (which he selected based on my individual taste) but also was constantly giving me new ideas on how to get deeper into the music scene- from jam session info to descriptions of local music festivals! I absolutely recommend Tim as a teacher for people of any age, ability and stylistic inclination. Thanks Tim!! read more

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! read more

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! read more

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. read more

Tim is an awesome teacher, musician, and bluegrass storyteller! I think one of the best qualities of Tim as a teacher is that he understands his students' goals and empowers them to take the lead in their musical odyssey. A year ago, I started taking lessons from Tim as a newcomer to banjo and bluegrass. In the past year, we have worked on about 15 tunes, accompaniment/backup, and strategies for taking breaks. Tim is always adapting his teaching to fit where I am at. In the beginning he walked me through songs slowly and methodically and encouraged me to learn from a variety of sources (recordings and tabs). As I've progressed, we've focused more on "learning to speak banjo." Tim has connected me to the thriving Bay Area bluegrass community and to another student of his who plays mandolin. These experiences have added a lot to my progress and enjoyment of bluegrass. Tim is always pushing me to take my playing to the next level, but is at the same time very supportive and encouraging. I highly recommend lessons from Tim! read more

This is a long overdue review for the fabulous Mr. Tim Hicks. I have been taking banjo lessons from Tim for almost a year and a half now and I think Tim is an awesome teacher, musician and human being. I picked up the banjo with almost no musical experience and no knowledge of old time music, all I knew is that I loved the sound of the banjo, and Tim has somehow managed to turn me into a musician. Tim grew up totally immersed in old time music and culture and has so many amazing stories to share. Following old time tradition, he teaches by ear, which makes learning much more fun and engaging and personal than looking at notes on a piece of paper and I really appreciate that Tim encourages me to find my own way to express music and has shown me that that's how music is made beautiful. Tim is very encouraging, patient and non-judgmental. There have been times when I have thought about quitting, but Tim has always found ways to re-engage me by tailoring the songs we learn and the approach to learning to my style and by sharing stories, videos and musicians that get me excited about playing the banjo and I am so glad that I have stuck with it! He even picked up on the fact that I preferred songs with lyrics and he helped me start singing along with my playing. Tim also helped me find a new banjo to buy when the time came to upgrade and I am totally infatuated with the instrument he recommended. Besides being an amazing teacher, mentor and musician, Tim is just so much fun to hang out with and sometimes I'm sad we have to cut our conversations short to start working on the music! Go get lessons from Tim!! read more