2008

The recent financial meltdown is doing a number on all of us. Everyone’s financial outlook is worse than it was. We all know that life is not about money, and yet shortages of money create changes and can put a damper on plans and expectations. Pro musicians wonder if our careers are threatened or just maybe, we’re better-positioned because “people will always need music.” Probably some of both. Time will tell.
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Bill writes: Hey! I’m 53 with a family and work 6 days a week. I’ve been playing for 2 years but gotten to the point where I don’t feel like I’m using the little time I have for productive practicing. Could you suggest what I should be doing! … Read More

Will J. writes: I have been taking banjo lesson for about a year and a half now. My instructor is a great banjo player, winning competitions at major events. My problem seems to be that he wants me to learn songs by ear. I currently have about 30 songs in my repertoire, mostly traditional Scruggs tunes. … Read More

Think “no one where I live is into bluegrass”? Maybe you’re wrong and don’t know it. There may be someone like you, just as interested, just as skilled, but like you, a closet player. … Read More

We’re in peak jamming season now, and I hope those of you who bring your banjos to festivals actually take them out and get into some real live jams. More players than most would imagine rarely if ever get to play music with other people. You know who you are!… Read More

This summer presents me some good challenges. Between late April and mid-July, I will have been on stage performing no less than ten different repertoires:… Read More

For the past several years Joan and I have been invited to perform and teach in Morehead, KY by one of our favorite musicians and people, Don Rigsby. Don heads the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, bringing attention and learning to music there in the eastern part of the state, between Lexington and West Virginia.… Read More

Jim from Colorado Springs here with an update on my progress. I was invited to play in a group called “The Heirlooms”. The name fits because we are all over 50 and in my case 62. It is really enjoyable. … Read More

In March of 06 I purchased a banjo flight case from Gary Price of Oklahoma. It was #008. In short, I really like it, the best case I’ve ever had. … Read More

Gary from British Columbia asks some great and typical questions: First, I would like to thank you for all the encouragement you give new and developing pickers on your videos and website. I have been picking for 6 years, in an active bluegrass band for 2 years, and practicing daily for the last 14 months. … Read More