Tell us about you and your family!
Married to Donna with 7,1/2 Grandkids(one on the way) Live in wheeling Illinois. Thankful to have my kids(2) and grandkids close by. Love Playing banjo ( a little obsessed). Thankful for the hope God has given me through Christ.
What was it that first got you interested in playing the guitar, mandolin or banjo?
Donât laugh but, coming form Chicago area there wasnât much banjo playing. But when I heard Earl Scruggs play the theme from the Beverly Hill Billieâs I couldnât believe my ears! I was hooked!
How long have you been playing and whatâs your motivation to play?
Started playing in the summer of my sophomore year in highschool. I bugged my dad to get me lessons at a local music store and buy me a student banjo (I was persistent). I plucked and played for that summer and more but I put my banjo away for many years and went to College at Wheaton and then to Dental School. I almost forgot about the banjo. I Continued studying another musical love, classical singing. I sang classical concerts for 30 years taking voice lessons and putting my musical efforts into performances of Handelâs Messiah and other oratorios and worship leading, But about 8-10 years ago my daughter came home from college and said âHey Dad can I learn how to play your banjo?â It had been sitting in the corner, the strings were rusted and out of tune. I said âsureâ. And I got new strings and tuned it up and she got a book on how to play the banjo from the library, I think it was âbanjos for dummiesâ. After plucking it a few times she said âthis is too hardâ and promptly forgot about it. So there I was with new strings on an old banjo, a book on how to play the banjo and I said to myself âIâm doing thisâ!!! Now I like to say when I was a child I did classical music but now that have I grown up ( which is debatable) I play bluegrassâŚ
So this is a long answer to a short question. But Iâve been playing for about 10 years but started along time agoâŚ
Whatâs your favorite lesson on Benâs site and how has it helped you improve?
One of the lessons that I go over most is Allen Mundeâs Fret board Geography. I am looking for that thing to turn the light bulb on in my playingâŚHasnât gone on yetâŚ
Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
see above
Do you have a favorite technique? What is it?
Scruggs style
If you could play in anyoneâs band, who would it be and why?
Union Station is a favorite but never would want to replace Ron Block, love his playing and the Grascles love Kristin Scott Bensenâs playing!
What type of gear or accessories have you found that work best for you?
A good Banjo with a great sound is it. I play a Frank Neat Kentucky
If money was no object, what would be your dream instrument(s)?
I like what I have
When youâre not pickinâ, what else do you spend your time doing?
I m a Dentist in Chicago area; time with my grand kids; some occasional soloing in local churches and worship leading when they need someone for hymns.
Anything else youâd like to add?
Playing in a bluegrass band 4 times a year for Bluegrass worship, we donât even have a name
Thanks for letting us feature you Mark!