| Learning something new as an adult can help | | | | will come easily to those who have a high |
| keep the brain active. This has been proven | | | | degree of these skills. However, most people |
| by doctors. Learning something fun like the | | | | must work a little bit harder to develop |
| banjo can really keep life interesting as we | | | | them. This is where the next two factors come |
| age. Below are some questions that are | | | | in.3. Practice. There is no magic sign that |
| frequently ask by adults that want to start | | | | any teacher can give to a student to help him |
| learning the banjo.How hard is it to learn | | | | her play better. Practice is the only way. A |
| the banjo? This is one of the questions most | | | | minimum of 1/2 hour per day is required if |
| frequently asked by someone who is | | | | you expect to make progress. If you do not |
| considering taking lessons. There is no set | | | | practice, it is a waste of money every time a |
| answer to this question as it depends on the | | | | lesson is taken. Also, it is very difficult |
| following factors.1. Previous music | | | | to give a full lesson if no practicing has |
| experience. A person with previous music | | | | been done to prepare for it. If you do not |
| experience might find it a little easier to | | | | practice, you are cheating yourself and you |
| learn to play the banjo since they may have | | | | are not fooling anyone. An experienced |
| already gained experience in timing, rhythm | | | | teacher can usually tell when someone has |
| and reading musical notation.2. Psychomotor | | | | really been practicing.4. Desire. Ask |
| skills, aural discrimination and natural | | | | yourself: "How much do I really want to play |
| rhythm. The first is just a fancy way of | | | | this instrument?" It doesn't matter what your |
| describing the ability of getting your body | | | | abilities are. If you want to play the banjo, |
| to do what your brain wants to do. The second | | | | you will. You may not become an Earl Scruggs |
| means that you can hear and tell the | | | | or Alan Munde but you will learn to play it. |
| differences between the notes and lengths of | | | | If the desire is there, you will find time to |
| notes. The third refers to getting the feel | | | | practice. If if is not there, you will find a |
| of timing and rhythm of a song. Everybody has | | | | hundred excuses for not practicing. |
| these skills to a different degree. Playing | | | | |