Posted by Keith Madison on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Not that it matters, but just in case a few of you were wondering + it;s good therapy for me. In the last four yrs or so I lost both my parents, my (ex) wife divorced me after over three decades of marriage and six kids, well to the point. I joined this site toward the end of 08' and had a little BG jam (still do) at my house,( where I play a little mandolin/guitar) now apt & wanted to learn banjo, I attempted both BG & Clawhammer several times but never stuck with it too long, as the emotional stress of life divorce, other things , well it was really hard to focus on anything, so I put it aside, & just kept my once a month jam going playing a little mandolin.
Now fast forward a little & feeling a little better like maybe I could focus on learning the banjo, then what style, what moved me the most & would I stick it out for the long haul. I felt that while I enjoyed bluegrass banjo, the style that really moved me was Old time" banjo, clawhammer & also two finger style, so since I sold my past banjos, I went and purchased a ' Goodtime II, bought a few books/video + I start my first lesson today. Really another thing that drew me to Clawhammer was the fact that I live alone now & it's a good solo instrument, soulful, has it's roots in struggle & historically so interesting & I just plain love the sounds that come from it/ thanks
frailin Says:
Thursday, July 5, 2012 @7:22:21 PM
Welcome to your new life. :)
BNJOMAKR Says:
Friday, July 6, 2012 @2:34:03 AM
I've been in your shoes, and asked many times "why?" Just keep the faith and things will work out for the best. Phillipians 4:13...
God Bless!
Guy Says:
Friday, July 6, 2012 @3:54:50 AM
Music and especially playing music can be very therapeutic. It's certainly a lot more constructive than considering what's gone wrong in life.
I'd echo Frailin's remark.
Welcome to your new life.
Keith Madison Says:
Friday, July 6, 2012 @4:52:50 AM
Thanks all for the nice comments :)
rpmilius Says:
Friday, July 6, 2012 @7:18:32 AM
Although the details are different, your story is familiar to mine. Banjo and Old Time music has revitalized parts of my life that I forgot were there.
btw, good to see you last night at the pickin parlor. How was your lesson?
Keith Madison Says:
Friday, July 6, 2012 @10:01:05 AM
Good, but... I'll post it in the blog.
Oplunk Says:
Friday, July 6, 2012 @2:23:37 PM
Keith, you might be surprised at how many of us banjo bums have been down that same long road. Hang in there and know that music can bring joy and comfort, as well as express grief and sorrow. Dig deep into the rich traditions of the music and its players!
Keith Madison Says:
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 @7:31:09 AM
thanks Oplunk
You must sign into your myHangout account before you can post comments.
