Tell us about you and your family!
We live on a little farm in North Texas. My husband, Shawn grew up on a dairy farm and wanted our kids to do all of the wholesome things farm kids get to do like walk to the fishin’ hole, build forts, bottle feed calves, and take care of chickens. We mostly grow and sell hay but have a big garden and enjoy the fresh veggies! Our five beautiful children are all grown up!. Two girls, Rachel and Jessica, then the twin boys. Cameron and Collin, and baby Sarah. I recently retired after an incredibly blessed 30 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Dyslexia Specialist. Thankful for this next adventure!
What was it that first got you interested in playing the guitar, mandolin or banjo?
When Collin, my son, was in middle school he asked for a banjo. Well, I had grown up near the Ozarks, and with John Denver, and heck, even the intro to Heart’s Dreamboat Annie has a banjo - who doesn’t love banjo music! I was thrilled and ran as fast as I could to get him a Deering Goodtime 2 banjo and a book that came with a CD. He liked it, but when he wasn’t looking I learned a forward roll and fell in love! He dropped it all together, so I kept on looking for ways to learn.
How long have you been playing and what’s your motivation to play?
I started about 10 years ago. Music is such a joy and the more you learn the more fun it is…so I’m always trying to get better. Music lovers, “Bluegrassers” in-particular, are just genuinely nice people. More experienced players have motivated me with their patience and encouragement to take solos in jams etc. I love that you can take music anywhere and it makes people happy. I like to help out with the nursing home ministry that plays bluegrass gospel songs.
What’s your favorite lesson on Ben’s site and how has it helped you improve?
They are all my favorite…but at the moment, I’m learning Alan Munde’s Old Spinning Wheel and Wayfaring Stranger. I’m working on the chord shape scales for different ways to find notes…e.g. linear vs melodic. These are all showing me solos in different keys and different ways to access notes. Two words…pinky pull off. Need I say more? I used to think I couldn’t do it. My fingers wouldn’t do what I imagined in my head. But now that I have more time to practice I realize…If you put in the work, you will get better. Even if it’s baby steps.
Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
I’m loving the mandolin lessons as well! Gospel/worship music is my favorite in any genre.
Do you have a favorite technique? What is it?
Learning to practice things more slowly and speed them up gradually.
If you could play in anyone’s band, who would it be and why?
Not really one band…but I’d like to have followed Carl Jackson around.
What type of gear or accessories have you found that work best for you?
I have a three-instrument stand that helps a lot in my practice space and is great at a jam. It’s sturdy and holds a guitar, banjo, and mandolin with room for a clip-on iPad holder. It’s made by ‘On Stage’.
If money was no object, what would be your dream instrument(s)?
I don’t have a way to try out a lot of instruments! (Time for a trip to the general store!!) I like my RK 80 but maybe a Gibson something or other?
When you’re not pickin’, what else do you spend your time doing?
Church, Gardening and taking care of the animals. I’m going to get back into some artsy craftsy things too!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for all the hard work you do! It impacts so many!
How did you find out about Banjo Ben?
When I started to learn, there may have been instructors in our area, but at the time, it was impossible for me, living out of town, to actually have the time, money, and energy to drive quite a ways for lessons. As the kids got into high school I bought a few videos and learned the basics of jamming, but then I found the Banjo Ben Website online! Hallelujah! It was awesome!!! So comprehensive and fun! All of the instruction and materials you need to learn and practice…it’s just brilliant and I’m so thankful!
Thanks for letting us feature you Michele!
Michele on being selected as this weeks Gold Pick Member. Always great to meet new banjo players on the forum. I do hope you will be a regular visitor now you’ve got your feet wet so to speak.