In the old days, Old-Time music was passed down person to person by direct contact. That is the nature of folk music. However, the Internet is changing that. True isolation is becoming rare in the United States, as an increasing percentage of the population has access to computer networks. Now, Old-Time music is passed down avatar to avatar by broadband connection.
As a beginning banjo player, the Internet is an invaluable resource for learning tunes and accessing information on anything from buying an instrument to researching musicians. Of course, you have to be wary of some sources that might be misleading, but the Internet is for the most part a great tool for any banjoist.
My top five banjo and Old-Time websites are:
I'll go into more depth about these sites later, but take some time to peruse their offerings. You'll find a number of other like-minded sites on the right side of this blog, and I'll be linking you to many more as we go along. There is a healthy community of Old-Time enthusiasts and banjo players online, but you might have to hunt a little. I hope to make that search a bit easier.
However, a word of caution: While cyber communities can be helpful, you'll find a few people who are empowered by the anonymity that these online forums afford them. My advice is to avoid confrontation and ignore the nastiness. Furthermore, while these online sources are helpful, nothing beats true one-on-one interaction. This music is meant to be played with others. Go find your local Old-Time community and join in the fun.
As a beginning banjo player, the Internet is an invaluable resource for learning tunes and accessing information on anything from buying an instrument to researching musicians. Of course, you have to be wary of some sources that might be misleading, but the Internet is for the most part a great tool for any banjoist.
My top five banjo and Old-Time websites are:
- Banjo Hangout -- a forum for all types of banjoists
- Digital Library of Appalachia -- free sound files
- Zepp Country Music -- for all your banjo needs
- FolkJam.org -- find other musicians to play with
- Northeast Ohio Old-Time Music Group (via Facebook)
I'll go into more depth about these sites later, but take some time to peruse their offerings. You'll find a number of other like-minded sites on the right side of this blog, and I'll be linking you to many more as we go along. There is a healthy community of Old-Time enthusiasts and banjo players online, but you might have to hunt a little. I hope to make that search a bit easier.
However, a word of caution: While cyber communities can be helpful, you'll find a few people who are empowered by the anonymity that these online forums afford them. My advice is to avoid confrontation and ignore the nastiness. Furthermore, while these online sources are helpful, nothing beats true one-on-one interaction. This music is meant to be played with others. Go find your local Old-Time community and join in the fun.
Nice. As a wanna-be guitarist, the internet has really proven useful. Wish I had this resource when I was a kid starting out. Kids today have it so easy - thanks to us.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about that. I've been teaching myself banjo through a variety of books and online sources. Had these been as accessible when I was in high school, I probably would have kept on playing guitar instead of giving it up. It's amazing what's out there now.
ReplyDelete