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Chris Quinn |
About me. I am a professional bluegrass banjo player and teacher. I grew up listening to Scruggs, Crowe, Stanley, & Hartford; to name only a few. I went through a big Bela Fleck phase (pre-Flecktones); I will again. I play more Scruggsy stuff these days, but have a few melodic chops for fiddle tunes. I've recorded extensively and toured & taught all over the U.S., Canada, & parts of Europe.
My Music. Some of my playing can be found by clicking on the Video and Music links above my photo to your left. Let me know what you think.
The Foggy Hogtown Boys. I play banjo and rhythm guitar with "The Foggy Hogtown Boys" We play traditional and traditionally influenced bluegrass with a hint of Old-Time. (Check out our website www.foggyhogtownboys.com)
When I am not on the road, I perform:
- every Monday night in Toronto at The Local on Roncessvalles Avenue near Howard Park. As part of The Hamstrung Stringband. (I play banjo and mandolin on the Monday show.)
- every Wednesday night in Toronto at The Silver Dollar Room on Spadina Avenue with "The Foggy Hogtown Boys".
I teach lessons. www.chris-quinn.ca I teach lessons on banjo, guitar, and mandolin; have done so for over 20 years. I have learned a lot over the years and always enjoy learning more. I remember how it feels to struggle through the initial learning process! If I am performing in your town, or you are passing through Toronto, feel free to contact me for a lesson. E-mail me at wheelhoss@gmail.com or phone (416) 819-8990.
My Posts and Replies. As of May 8, 2013, I have not posted much in a few years. I don't have time to spend on BH. These days, I spend a lot of my time teaching Bluegrass banjo lessons and performing. If anyone is interested in my older posts, please search the Archives. Feel free to email me.
I usually try to post ideas that can be helpful in the areas of learning. I philosophize, perhaps too much, in an effort to inspire and provoke. I will always encourage but never coddle. I will never tell anyone that learning is easy, but anything is attainable with hard work and a generous attitude toward music, fellow musicians and, foremost, yourself.
In my time on this website, I have posted a lot on the topics of: Scruggs style, technique, attitudes in learning, capo technique, learning by tab versus by ear, being a gearhead versus being a player, setting goals, and a slew of other topics. I have been told occasionally that my ideas have been helpful. Look for Chris Quinn in Active Topics as well as Archived Topics. I do not think anything I write is necessarily correct or absolute; they are my observations based on experience.
To folks new to the Banjo Hangout. Beware of getting lost. If you really want to learn about the banjo, stay away from the "Off Topic" or "Games" forums: there is nothing valuable there.
If gear excites you, you are not alone! There are many real authorities who contribute there. That said; learn to separate gear from playing: gear is great, but if you can't play Cripple Creek yet, magic picks will not help you! You don't need a pre-war Gibson, or every new piece of banjo equipment in order to enjoy playing music on the banjo. A lot of the top pros you admire can't afford and, therefore, do not perform on the vintage banjos that many of us covet.
There are many great players and teachers here who will offer good advice and help. There are many people who know very little, but talk a good game. Sort them out for yourself.
Think before you post; a lot of people don't. When you post something, regard it as a permanent statement. Even if you delete your post one minute after you have hit the button; someone will have already read what you wrote; perhaps they have copied it and forwarded to others.
Nice to have met you. Thank you to all the good people whom I have met through this site. I have forged friendships, established professional contacts, found work, helped others, been endorsed, and gotten feedback.
Drop me a line. If you think I can answer any questions or you just want to say hello, please drop me a line. If you are ever in Toronto and would like to get together or are looking for music events, please drop me a line.
Enjoy the banjo journey.
Chris Quinn
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