People are whispering that...

"Wayne Erbsen can even teach a FROG to play music!" See for yourself!

Log Cabin Music Classes

Classes and lessons for total beginners in bluegrass banjo, clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin and guitar are being offered at the Log Cabin Music Center in Asheville, North Carolina. These first-timer classes are taught by Wayne Erbsen, who has been teaching for over forty years, and has authored 28 books on playing various musical instruments. Wayne  is host of Asheville's Public Radio WCQS "Country Roots" radio program on Sunday evenings at 88.1 FM from 7:00 -9:00 PM. Listen live on the web on Sunday nights http://www.wcqs.org

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about classes, registration, or instrument rentals, contact Wayne at the Log Cabin Cooking & Music Center: (828) 299-7031, banjo[at]nativeground.com.

Pick 'n Pie: Wayne Erbsen and Barbara Swell will be teaching a Pick ‘n Pie class on Saturday, April 27, 2013, 1:00-4:30. First, Barbara will teach the secrets of crafting a flaky butter crusted strawberry and/or rhubarb (or apple) pie made from scratch. While the pies are in the oven, Wayne will teach you how to scratch out an old mountain tune on the banjo. After that, we’ll all eat pie and play the banjo! No experience at all needed for either! The workshop will take place in our vintage log cabin in East Asheville, North Carolina. No banjo needed, rental included. You’ll leave with a pie for two and enough crust to make a 9-inch pie at home. Pre-payment of $50 required to hold your spot. Class size is limited to 12. (828) 298-2270, logcabincooking.com

Introduction to Bluegrass Banjo! Starting September 17, 2013, 6:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday evenings. This easy class for total beginners will meet for six sessions, and will continue with an optional six week session after that. COST: $120 for 6 sessions plus $19.95 for Wayne's book Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus! For details, see http://www.nativeground.com/instruct.asp  This class is for 100% beginners with no experience whatsoever with the banjo. Partial "ignoramuses" are also welcome. Register by calling (828) 299-7031 or emailing banjo(at)nativeground.com

Introduction to Fiddle or Mandolin 7:30 - 8:30 PM Tuesday evenings starting September 17, 2013. This class will meet for six sessions, and will continue with an optional six week session after that. COST: $120 for 6 sessions plus $19.95 for Wayne's book Old-Time Fiddle for the Complete Ignoramus! or Bluegrass Mandolin for the Complete Ignoramus! (Includes instructional CD). For details, see http://www.nativeground.com/instruct.asp  This class is for 100% beginners with no experience whatsoever. Partial "ignoramuses" are also welcome. Register by calling (828) 299-7031 or emailing banjo(at)nativeground.com

On-Going Class:  LOG CABIN BAND: 7:30 - 9:30ish Thursday evenings. This intermediate bluegrass & old-time band is an ongoing "institution" that combines about a dozen intermediate level musicians who play fiddle, mandolin, bluegrass and clawhammer banjo, guitar and bass. If you can play some tunes on your instrument but don't have the opportunity of playing with other people, you are encouraged to contact Wayne for more information. Each week all the instruments will learn one or two new tunes and play tunes and sing songs in our growing list of bluegrass and old-time songs. Cost: If you sign up for at least 6 consecutive classes, it's $120. If you'd rather pick and choose the classes you attend, it's $25/class. If you'd like to drop in and check it out, it's FREE. Come join the FUN! Register by calling (828) 299-7031 or emailing banjo(at)nativeground.com

Here's what the Log Cabin Band looked like when they played at the Shindig on the Green in Asheville, NC on August 23, 2008. That night we played "Wild Bill Jones" and "Hold the Woodpile Down." 

We are now offering high quality banjos and mandolins at an affordable price. Click HERE for info.

In August 2007 The Log Cabin Band performed at the Shindig on the Green in Asheville, NC. Here we are, all 17 of us!

On July 18, 2009 The Log Cabin Band made a return performance at the Shindig on the Green in Asheville, NC.

For registration, instrument rental and additional information on the classes, call Wayne (828) 299-7031, or email  banjo This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Omit "nospam" when emailing (unless you're a spammer!)

For more information about Wayne's instruction books or songbooks, visit http://www.nativeground.com/

Attendance & Refund Policy: To reserve a place in the class, please register in advance. You are entitled to a full refund if you are unsatisfied with the quality of the teaching and are not learning anything. To qualify for a refund, you must attend all classes and make a reasonable effort.

Note: There are no refunds or make-ups for missed classes, except in unusual circumstances.

Payment is normally made on the first night of class, unless other arrangements are made. Checks can be made out to "Wayne Erbsen."

Instrumental Rental: A limited number of banjos and fiddles are available to rent for $40/6 weeks, a bargain. Be sure to reserve an instrument before the first meeting of class. Instruments should be returned promptly on the last class session. If you keep it past the last class, a rental charge of $10/week will apply.

The Guarantee. Wayne promises that he can teach virtually anyone to play, anyone. In order to qualify for a full refund, you must attend all the classes, make a reasonable effort, and give it your best shot. If, at the end of six weeks, you cannot play a tune on your instrument, and think that Wayne could have done a better job of showing you the basics, then he will certainly issue you a refund. Fair enough?

Instruments for Sale: Wayne occasionally has instruments for sale or he can order you one for you.  Among the brands that Wayne can order for you are Anton Breton, Sigler and Cremona Violins, Kentucky Mandolins, Saga and Rover Banjos, Gold Tone Banjos, Recording King Guitars & Banjos and Blueridge Guitars. Call for details.

If you'd like to learn to play banjo, fiddle, mandolin or guitar, and don't see what you're looking for above, get in touch with Wayne and he'll let you know when the next class will start.  (828) 299-7031.

Snow & Ice Policy for Log Cabin Classes: In the event there is "white out" or blizzard that is widespread over most or all of Buncombe country, there will be no class. If, however, the storm is hit or miss, with snow or ice here and there but not everywhere, there will be class. If you’re uncertain about the road conditions outside your immediate area, call the office - 299-7031 and we’ll let you know whether we’ll be having class. Above all else, be safe on the roads..

Praise from Former Students

"I must admit that I was a bit skeptical when you guaranteed that you could teach anyone to play the fiddle, especially me, but dang if you didn't!" --Mike Evans

"I wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your class.  I am in awe how fast I caught on and how much I love practicing my mandolin. Your teaching style is truly amazing. Thanks again for a great experience."  --Judy W.

"I continue to build on the great foundation you provided in the "beginning mandolin" group classes earlier this year. Thanks for getting me started on the road to playing bluegrass mandolin." --George Buttermore

"Wayne could teach a willow branch to play." --Howard Bivins

"Thanks for all the knowledge you imparted and making learning so much fun!! Your teaching style is the best by far." Cheers, --B. Clarizio

Gift Certificates Available!

The classes will be held in a perfect setting in the large living room of a 1940s log cabin located at 111 Bell Road in east Asheville, North Carolina. In cold weather, we'll gather around the hearth with a raging fire in the fireplace.                                     

Directions:  Log Cabin Cooking & Music is located at 111 Bell Road, just off New Haw Creek Road in the Haw Creek section of East Asheville. From Highway 240 in Asheville, take exit #7. From 240 going East, turn left at the light at the off-ramp.. From 240 going West, turn right at the light at the off-ramp. Now you're on Tunnel Road going east. At the very first light, turn left and then take a sudden right on New Haw Creek Road. Go about 1½ miles. On your right you’ll see a baseball field. Turn right at the beginning of the ball field on Bell Road. Pass Evergreen Charter School on your left, then pass Ozark Springs Road on your right. Then you'll come to our big garden on your right. Slow down. On your left will be Zander Way. You'll turn right on the driveway opposite Zander Way at two big black mailboxes. As you come up our gravel driveway, the cabin will be on your left. You can park either in front of in back of the cabin. If you park in back, come in the back right door.