Message | My kids gave me a banjo for Christmas of 2008, to replace my first one that I lost when our home burned. I wanted to learn Irish banjo. I bought the Enda Schahill Banjo Tutor, Volume 1 immediately after and started learning right away. I was most blessed that Enda was the Irish banjo teacher at the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat the following October. Enda is a supurb teacher, and I of course learned a lot from him! Volume 1 had already given me an excellent start, but he added so much nore to my learning and future development as a banjo player.
I was most impressed when during one lesson Enda demonstrated playing in many different genres, including bluegrass, old time (Appalachian), Dixieland, ragtime and classical (Willian Tell Overture, I believe).
One very special thing that Enda taught was a class on relaxed playing. Also every evening the guest instructors gave a mini concert. Enda was obviouly quite relaxed during his set. A lady sitting behind me said during the set that Enda was just "showing off." After the concert I told her that is not true, but that he always plays that way. Hi simply is one of the world's finest banjo players and does not play below his abilities!
An extra special treat was that Brock and McGuire were in the States for a tour. They joined Enda for an extended set at the end, much to everyone's delight! A most wonderful evening it was!
I have the great fortune to have all the CD's by Enda, the Brock McGuire Band, and The Banjos. |