TOPIC: Why Am I Learning To Play the Banjo?

What do I want to get out of my music? Why Am I Learning To Play the Banjo? What do I get out of it?

My first thought is, I just love to hear the sound of banjo music. It fascinates me and touches my inner feelings. By learning, I am able to invoke the joy of the music on command, no matter where I may be. My friends and family members are likewise intrigued with the sound of the banjo. By being able to play it, I am able to endear myself to them and bring them joy through the music. Am I in some round about way controlling them? Probably, but in a good way. At least I am not abusing them if they enjoy my playing. Also, it is a lot of fun to go to a social gathering, like a picnic, and pull out a banjo or guitar and instantly become the most popular person there. Let’s face it, that too is a lot of fun. I am sure some players are looking on the horizon for the bright lights of the stage. That ain’t a bad thing either. So why are you playing?

As I was growing up in the coal fields Appalachia as fell in love with the music but, unfortunately waited until I was middle aged before I decided to learn. Now I regret having wasted so many years. I definitely should have started forty years ago.

Yes I agree with you on that. I wish I had taken up the banjo when I was younger. By now I woud be have a great time playing. But as long as I am top side of the grass I plane on learning till I can't go any more. There just to much fun to be had.

I LOVE !!!!! the banjo..
I wish I started 20 years ago..
I am a banjo addict.
My family thinks I have lost my mind !!!!

My family has the same thoughts. They think I’m crazy! I fell in love with Bluegrass the first time I saw the Beverly Hillbillies. When I saw Deliverance, I fell in love with white water rafting; I pursued the rafting but not the music. At age 39, I decided to go back to collage and finish my degree. That was a long road to drive at one class per semester. As I neared the end of that road, I promised myself that when I was done I was going to get myself a banjo and learn to play. Well here I am, struggling to make these old fingers go where they need to go, and havin a blast doin it. Family, what do they know? Lets pick!

Ya, Deliverance had the same effect on me. Being now a retired senior citizen. (Sounds old doesn't it?) When I tell some one I have take up the banjo at my age, they say good for you. Do they really think us Old folk can't do anything? My doctor said he loved bluegrass but could never learn to play. Well, I am glade David is making us learn Dueling Banjos in our Banjo/Guitar Workshop.