Just wondering if there are any Newbie Banjo VINTAGE (65 yrs. +) pickers who want to share any topics about their new musical endeavor ???
As such, in addition to the standard challenges learning to play banjo, we often deal with other numerous trials, tribulations, and frustrations not yet encountered by the younger counterparts.
Please share your advice, suggestions, helpful tips, successes, etc., with those of us “rounding third” as they say.
Much appreciated.
Vintage newbie pickers
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As a Beginner (who will be 70 in a couple months), here’s my expert advice.
Learn to manage your expectations. Expect to have fun. Nothing else.
You won’t be able to play like Earl until you do what Earl did. One thing he did was play “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” every day for over 30 years. If you don’t think you have enough time left on God’s green earth to do that, then don’t worry if you don’t play as good as Earl.
You are the best banjo player on your street!
People play for many reasons. Remember why you are playing, and don’t confuse your reason with someone else’s.
Get used to failure. It happens a lot. So much so it becomes normal. You will stop thinking you failed and start thinking you just need to try it just a few more times.
Onward: Thru the fog!
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I can hardly call myself a newbie now but I started learning to play the five string banjo for a hobby in 2008 when I was 61. I am now 76 and pleased to say I am still learning.
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Thanks for sharing and especially for making me realize that I AM the BEST banjo player on my street !!!
Granted, time is of the essence and the fun factor becomes a more realistic goal as it goes on (thru the fog n’
aches n’ pains). Perhaps being the world’s OKAYEST banjo player is a goal worth pursuing.
Saw a sign that read : WILL PLAY THE BANJO FOR FOOD … WILL STOP PLAYING FOR MONEY !!!
Something to ponder !!!
Thanks again for sharing.
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I’d just add. I don’t play for others, I play for myself. If you don’t like me, you should maybe go listen to yourself. If you do like me, I am pleased that you do. I never saw myself as being a serious banjo player. My goal has always been to be the best banjo player in my street and since I am the only banjo player in my street I guess like @BanJoe I’ve already achieved my goal.
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It’s what we do here, and we can’t do it without you!
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You might not be the best banjo player on your street. Before his passing Earl had neighbors too. But the misfortune of not being the best on your street would be a blessing if you had a neighbor who was also a picker and would share the joy. Just “pick and grin”.
Hey Kooseman,
Welcome to the looney bin. There are some tremendous advantages for learning to play at an age when most folks are working hard to find nothing to do. Real high on the list is always having an excuse.
At 70, one of my primary goals is to keep working for another 15 years… It pays huge dividends to love what you do for a living. Playing an instrument like the 5 string banjo is great exercise for you brain, as well as maintaining dexterity in your hands. Thirty-three years ago I was fortunate enough to marry into a very musical family. Prior to that I was just a dumb jock. Since then, I’ve discovered the primary difference between old athletes and old musicians.
When old athletes get together, they drink and commiserate about what could have been if “I’d have only made that catch or the ref hadn’t made a bad call…etc”
When old musicians get together, they still might drink, but they bring their instruments and voices, then play and sing until they’re to senile to realize how badly they sound, then they just keep playing and continue having fun.
Set your expectations high, keep working at it, play fast and take lots of chances and know, that, between Ben and all the folk associated with his operation you’ll always get sound advice and tremendous encouragement (especially at the camps).
Keep your nose in the wind, the sun at your back and above all, enjoy the ride.
Best,
J
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Sounds like a great (RETIREMENT) plan to me !!!
Hang in there.
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