Re: [Dixielandjazz] Apologies in advance....newby here requiring education

[Dave Gravatt]

   -------Original Message-------
   > From:  <Skypilot98 at aol.com>
   > Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Apologies in advance....newby here requiring	education
   >
   >  Hello all. 57 year old here who has decided to learn to play the banjo. I'm
   >  in Belleville, Illinois, 25 miles SE of St. Louis, MO. To prepare for this new
   >  adventure I visited my local music shop and bought the only banjo they had in
   >  stock, a Dean 5 string BW-3. I finally found someone who knew a person who
   >  teaches banjo in town. A young lady names Chris Talley-Armstrong. I contacted
   >  Chris who agreed to take me on as a new student (Hell, I'm twice her age!). The
   >  problem is this. She teaches bluegrass music. I want to learn Dixieland. When I
   >  told her this she replied with, "Hmmmm, not only do you have the wrong
   >  teacher, but you also have the wrong banjo." There apparently is no one for miles
   >  around who teaches Dixieland banjo; perhaps someone in St. Louis, but no leads
   >  right now as to whom. I sure would appreciate comments from anyone who might
   >  read this as to what I might do. Do I really have the wrong banjo for Dixieland?
   >  All the research I have done indicates a few different types of banjos, but,
   >  nothing really tells me which type is for what music. 5-string, tenor,
   >  plectrum.....duhhhhhhhhhh. Boy, do I feel like a real dork! And just how does one
   >  find a Dixieland teacher? Again, I apologize for my ignorance. This is my first
   >  posting on here. Please be gentle.......Rob
   >  
   -------Original Message-------

Yo, Rob. She's quite right. You do have the wrong banjo. There will be plenty out there who say you can use a five-string for trad jazz...but, hey, I like to do it right. Tenor is the way to go. (Now we'll hear from the plectrum guys.) Call John Becker and/or Denny Shearer, both good players. If they can't help you they should at least be able to turn you on to someone who can. Sorry I don't have their numbers but I'll be they're listed. Good luck and welcome to the list.

Dave

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Dave Gravatt
"It's a treat to beat your feet."
The Creole Dixieland Jazz Band
Ozark, Missouri
http://www.CreoleJazz.com
http://www.Syncopation-Enterprises.com