Posts Tagged ‘Beginner Banjos’
When my youngest son endeavored to learn the banjo last year, I honestly knew nothing about the instrument. After going to a local music shop, I decided that purchasing the various components individually would be much too costly and time consuming. After doing some research online, I found a site that carried comprehensive banjo starter packs.
Not only did they come with a quality banjo, but the packs also included a case, strap, beginner’s books and picks. When my son got the package, he was overwhelmed and quickly began learning the instrument.. Although the music was atrocious at first, he rapidly developed his skill and can now play several classic tunes.
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.