Well, a few months ago. And um, I've practiced exactly once since then. But it was a good practice! My shoulder gets sore, however. I guess if I practiced more often I might get over that.Why, oh why, I keep asking myself did I choose, like, the hardest bluegrass instrument there is? The instrument in which the player plays four times as many notes as anyone else. (Did you know that? Yes, the reason the banjo sounds so cool is because banjo players are playing "roles" of four notes for every one melody note, instead of strumming single notes like most everyone else!)
I love my banjo. I really, really do. It's even American-made. A Deering Goodtime Banjo, the very best inexpensive banjo on the market. I love it with a passion. I even want someone to take my photograph with it. Just like the cool girls in this photo... 
But that feels too fake since I can hardly play a single tune on it. (The book in my photo at top is also the BEST beginner banjo book ever--take it from an expert like me, okay? It's Jack Hatfield's Bluegrass Banjo Methods for Beginners, Book One. I'm learning to play a mean, albeit slow, version of Good Night Ladies from it. Yes, that's the first song in the book, and I'm really not there yet.)
But that feels too fake since I can hardly play a single tune on it. (The book in my photo at top is also the BEST beginner banjo book ever--take it from an expert like me, okay? It's Jack Hatfield's Bluegrass Banjo Methods for Beginners, Book One. I'm learning to play a mean, albeit slow, version of Good Night Ladies from it. Yes, that's the first song in the book, and I'm really not there yet.) I also love that red suede strap I got for my banjo. The one that's supposed to help make my left shoulder not so sore. And I love that table runner my Grandma made, the one under the banjo and stuff.
With all that love, I really should start playing the thing more, eh?
By next summer, in time for the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival, I'm setting a goal to have played through at least my entire beginner banjo book. Okay? Will someone hold me accountable? (And no, dear husband, you don't count. Your musical ability just gets annoying in this case. I don't want to hear anything from you!)
I'm really looking forward to being able to play one of my favorite old-timey songs ever, Will The Circle Be Unbroken. It's in my book.
Comments
I need to set some sort of similar goal to help inspire me.
Love the banjo! Good luck with your lessons.
Arienne
Oh I just love bluegrass. Maybe one of these days we'll both practice and then if we ever meet we can play together!
~Tara
Gina and Tara, I guess maybe if we did form a band we'd practice more! And have fun, too. Too bad we don't all live closer to each other.
Arienne
Then you have to do a youtube video thingy so we can all hear and watch you play! lol
I'm trying the knitting, you'll do the banjo!
I think that what you should give yourself credit for is that you are still trying to learn something. So many grown-ups in our society don't do that. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people grump, "I wish I learned to ...." but then they never do anything about it.
I think it is wonderful that you are learning a new skill and that you are making time for yourself.