21st Century Bluegrass

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I’ve noted that some of my fellow BNL columnists run amok at times, discussing non-banjo things. I rarely run amok, ahem, but for my first column of 2014, I’d like to probe the wisdom of the ages—to make a point about 21st century banjo of course.… Read More

What Makes A Banjo Camper Advanced? More NY Notables, and Tab Policy

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Ted in Arizona writes: Am I ready for Advanced Class??? Concern: Get there and slow your class down because I’m not up to speed.… Read More

Why Teachers Should Offer Jam Classes

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Almost every aspiring musician dreams of playing music with other people. And any way you slice it, bluegrass banjo is an element of bluegrass music, a group effort, a teaming of instruments and voices. Yet very little bluegrass teaching stresses interactive skills. But it could, and it should!… Read More

Jam Class Teacher Network; My Take on Tab/Rote Learning

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I am proud to announce this month the launch of my Wernick Method Teacher Certified Jam Classes. As you dear readers may well know, I have for some time been championing learning to jam first as a fun and fundamental way to start playing any bluegrass instrument. Great things happen when people learn to jam, because it’s fun and so involving that they’re motivated—to play more and practice more.… Read More

Secrets – (Shhh , donʼt tell!) Hearing the Tune in a Tab, and the “Secret Sauce” of the Pro Sound

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Two pickers writing last week to the Forum on DrBanjo.com asked me to share “secrets”. Well OK, but then they won’t be secrets any more!… Read More

Hot Rize for Public Consumption

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I am lucky to have had some neat opportunities in music these days. Along with three banjo camps and six or seven jam camps a year, I’ve gotten to perform with a number of cool groups in a variety of places (Ryman Auditorium and Carnegie Hall in just the last week, yow!). … Read More

Breaking Out of the Intermediate Rut, and Learning to Play in D

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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

Tough Banjo Love Result: “My breaks are mine”

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Duane writes: In BNL this month you mention seeing you run a jam hosted by Steve Martin on your website. Can’t find it anywhere… Would you mind sending me the link?… Read More