The Banjo Guru

As the parent of a beginning banjo player, I have to try especially hard not to seem overbearing. After all, I started playing the instrument when I was precisely my son’s age, and it’s tempting to help him avoid making all the same mistakes I made. But I’ve found through experience that harping on him to practice will only serve to drive him away from the banjo – something he loves for now.

I’ve also learned that it’s important to allow the child to deviate from his practice routine every now and then. At least once a week I encourage my son to throw out everything he’s learned about tenor banjos for a solid half-hour. During that time, I tell him to try whatever improvisational technique he wants. The way I see it, the best banjo players broke the rules and created their own unique style.