My Banjo Journey: From Beginner to Teacher
The Spark of Inspiration
The first time I heard a banjo was in an unexpected place—Encarta 98 Encyclopedia on our family’s first home PC, a Packard Bell. The program featured a map of the world where you could click on instruments to hear their sounds. Around America, two sounds stood out to me: the soulful saxophone and the bright, twangy banjo. I was 11 years old, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to learn one of those instruments.
A Late Bloomer in Music
Despite my early fascination, I had no musical background. In fact, I didn’t enjoy music at all as a child—music class was my most disliked subject at school. It wasn’t until I turned 16 that something shifted, and I began to truly appreciate music.
Early Struggles and the Search for the Right Style
When I picked up the banjo in 2005, my excitement quickly met frustration. Almost every learning resource was focused on three-finger Scruggs style. It felt overly technical, and I wasn’t interested in licks, scales, or improvisation—I just wanted to play songs and enjoy the music.
Discovering Clawhammer Banjo
Everything changed in 2009 when I discovered Patrick Costello on YouTube. His relaxed, informal, and beginner-friendly approach to clawhammer banjo resonated with me deeply. Patrick’s lessons felt welcoming rather than intimidating, and his calm delivery made learning enjoyable. Through his guidance, I fell in love with the clawhammer style—a rhythmic, soulful way of playing that felt natural and fun.
From Student to Teacher
Years later, I decided to upload a few simple banjo videos on TikTok. To my surprise, people began asking me questions about technique and style. That’s when it clicked: the knowledge I had gained over the years—what seemed basic to me—was valuable to others. I realized I could help people start their banjo journey without the confusion and frustration I had faced.
Building a Community – Banjo Adventures
When I reflected on my learning experience, I realized the biggest thing I had lacked was motivation and support. Learning alone is hard. That’s why I created Banjo Adventures, a Discord-based community where beginners can learn together, share their progress, and encourage one another. It allows me to teach multiple people at once while building a supportive, shared learning environment.
The Joy of Teaching and Learning Again
Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my banjo journey. I love meeting new people, sharing my passion, and watching my students grow. Looking back, I realize that the best part of learning banjo was the learning process itself. Now, by teaching, I get to experience that joy all over again—only this time, through my students.
What the Banjo Means to Me
The banjo isn’t just an instrument; it’s a time machine. Playing old American folk tunes connects me with history. I love the feeling of recreating songs from a bygone era, watching them come alive from simple tablature. For me, the banjo evokes a timeless image—sitting on a porch on a warm summer evening or gathered around a fire pit, sharing songs that echo from the past.
Advice for Beginners
If you’re just starting your banjo journey, here’s my advice:
• 🎯 Identify your style early: Whether it’s clawhammer, Scruggs, or melodic style, choose what excites you.
• 🤝 Don’t learn alone: Find a support network or a community like Banjo Adventures.
• ⏱️ Practice daily: Even 30 minutes a day adds up.
• 🎼 Experiment with tunings: Explore the banjo’s rich, unique sounds.
• 📈 Track your progress: Celebrate small wins and enjoy the journey.
• 💡 Enjoy the process: Take your time—learning is half the fun.
I’m so excited to share my journey with you and to welcome you into the Banjo Adventures community. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone looking for support, my goal is to help you enjoy every step of your banjo adventure.
