vp home banner


nc map-banjo-star-small metrobanjologosmall
flatpick & bow small mountain song small

Coming in 2011: Flatpick & Bow & Mountain Song Clinics

See The North Carolina Banjo Clinic Instructor Jam on YouTube:
"Shenandoah Breakdown"

Return to Top


Our Sponsors

Thank you to the following sponsors for generously supporting our work at Village Productions. Please remember them when purchasing music-related accessories, instruments, books, and recordings.

daddario

D'Addario is the "The First Choice" worldwide in music accessories and cable solutions. D'Addario offers recording professionals and players the highest quality, and innovation, in products supported by cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer service. Visit the D'Addario website to view their full catalog of premium strings and accessories as well as their library of media-loaded resources that include lessons, playing tips, instrument setup information, forums, and history.

gregboydlogo

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments carries new and used stringed instruments including banjos, guitars, mandolins, violins, resophonics, lap steels, and amplifiers. In addition to their Pro line of accessories and parts, they deal in professional-level banjos manufactured by Prucha, Williams, and Huber. Greg and Chad also carry Bourgeois, Collings, Kevin Kopp, Roy Noble, John Walker, and Martin guitars. Call them if you are looking to purchase, sell, or trade a vintage banjo or other stringed instrument.

stellinglogo

Often referred to as the standard in bluegrass banjo construction, simply put, Stelling makes an awesome instrument. Their site offers information on ordering a custom-made banjo, Geoff's tips on setup, as well as other pertinent banjo information. With many models to choose from - those that seek the best value in sound, aesthetics, fit, and playabilty choose a Stelling.

musicshedlogo

Looking for a complete selection of Bluegrass and Acoustic CDs, DVDs, and books? Look no further than the Music Shed. Located off of I-26, south of Hendersonville, NC, visit them and browse their extensive stock of recorded and printed resources, or order what you need online. "If it's bluegrass...it's in the shed."

mandolinbroslogo

Mandolin Brothers, Ltd. is known for carrying a large inventory of new, used, and vintage guitars, banjos, and mandolins. Dealers for Deering, Stelling, Huber, and Gibson banjos, they also carry Martin, Taylor, Guild, Collings, Santa Cruz, Huss & Dalton, Lowden, Goodall, Bourgeois, McPherson, Fender, Gibson, National and Dobro guitars. Famous for the vintage pieces they find (1833 to 1969), call them to answer questions about any American fretted instrument including any that you would like to sell or purchase.

musicshedlogo

If you have been searching for a banjo that screams Pre-war tone without the Pre-war price, your search is over. Built in Hickory, North Carolina, professional musicians and demanding pickers know Yates Banjos for their impeccable design, performance, and playability. But its the deep rich tone of Yates Banjos that sets them apart, and yes above, the sound of vintage Pre-war banjos. Play one and you'll see why the pros play Yates.


Return to Top


About Village Productions

Village Productions is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Since 1993, our mission at Village Productions has been to advance the positive power of music by providing affordable and high-quality music education through instructional clinics, special events, and concerts.

Contact Information:
Village Productions
P.O. Box 816,
Burnsville, NC 28714
828-682-2402
e-mail us.

Return to Top

Follow these tips for a more rewarding Banjo Clinic and music-learning experience:


Return to Top


vp radio city

Here's how to be the best banjo player you can be:

  1. Come to terms with what you expect from your playing. How far do you want to go with your instrument? How good do you want to sound?
  2. Hunger to improve. Don't define your playing according to your current abilities. Invest the time, energy, and passion required to excel at playing your instrument.
  3. Reject comfort. Growth comes through sacrifice and sometimes, pain. Some examples include spending extra time practicing, purchasing a better instrument, and seeking quality instruction.
  4. Be honest with your yourself. Recognize where you need improvement and focus there. That may require seeking better musicians to play with.
  5. Master the fundamentals. Play the "little things" right including slides, hammer ons, pull offs, and how and where you finger notes.
  6. Stay true to the melody. Learn how to find a song's melody and then express it accurately with solid picking.
  7. Be willing to fail. Tackle self-doubt. Take on harder tab, learn more advanced licks, explore other banjo styles, and play out of position. Mistakes can be your best teachers.
  8. Slow down. Don't increase your playing speed until you can play what you're playing clearly, with tone, and in time.
  9. Accept incremental progress. Leaps of improvement don't happen overnight. Quality playing develops slowly over time which is determined by how much time you invest in improving.
  10. Abandon instant gratification. Playing something wrong continually will degrade your playing.
  11. Don't settle for mediocrity. If it doesn't sound right, it probably isn't right. Work with a tape recorder and metronome. Compare your sound with the pros.
  12. Be positive. Positive thinking leads to a stronger mind. Mental strength leads to production which is the basis for accomplishing something. Accomplishments lead to achievement.
  13. Play music. Learn how to support and make other musicians sound better. Know when to throttle back and when to go for it. Play for yourself within the context of playing for others. Jam correctly.
  14. Edify others. Share what you know with those that want to learn. Be generous, gracious, and understanding. Be remembered as a person first and a banjo player second.

Return to Top