This ebook, An Alexander Technique Approach to Banjo Technique, is published on this website in a PDF format. It is very detailed and practical, and it will give you the physical tools you need to take the limits off of your ability to create an extraordinarily accurate and kind banjo performance.
This ebook is also for sale on all AMAZON websites in a KINDLE format.
Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. (MOVEMENT THERAPY)
The kindest way to replace a banjo technique that doesn’t work for you anymore, is to accept that you did the best you could. You chose the best banjo teacher and technique that you could handle at the time you began. You may have even moved through more than one major technique change and banjo teacher. But now you’re ready, if you’re able to replace or enhance the technique you have with one that takes the artificial limits off of your potential as a fine banjo player.
I did this so many times as a classical guitarist. Finally, I found an extraordinary guitar teacher and an extraordinary Alexander Technique teacher at the same time. Between the two of them I gained the ability to trouble shoot on the guitar. This meant I could objectively see what worked and didn’t work for me on the guitar and choose what did work. But I hadn’t forgiven myself my past choices and ultimately stopped playing.
What has to happen for you to replace a banjo technique that doesn’t serve you anymore with one that does? The better question is, how do you let go of completely what doesn’t work anymore, so that it doesn’t compromise what you want to do now?
It has to do with how you talk to yourself about the years doing a banjo technique that doesn’t serve you anymore. If you get caught up in anger and regret and aren’t able to move on without anger and regret, then you are punishing yourself for what you did and can’t change.
It doesn’t matter that you can’t change what you did, but what does matter is that you can heal a flawed banjo technique. If you are willing to forgive yourself your choices, and accept that what doesn’t work can only override what does work, then you can let go of believing you’ve spent too much unforgivable time doing what doesn’t work.
What do I mean? I believe there is a difference between years spent doing what doesn’t work and what does work. I believe, at least unconsciously, you knew that you’re technique wasn’t the best way to play the banjo, because you were struggling and straining much of the time to realize the interpretation you want. Because you knew what you did wasn’t the best solution to banjo technique, it never became a part of you. ONLY WHAT IS BEST IS PERMANENT.
You can only handle an effortless banjo technique when you’re ready. This means, when you’re ready, even if you don’t know you’re ready, you’ll find the right teacher and technique, because you can handle a banjo technique that is effortless. You are ready, if you are able to forgive yourself for having chosen a technique and interpretation path of resistance.
This is what I mean by the title of this article on accepting what you did on the banjo, so that you can move on. I know many, if not most banjo players, believe who they began the banjo with was by chance, but I don’t believe in chance. I believe you find the teacher you could accept and handle at the moment you started the banjo.
So, right here right now, if you can accept and embrace a banjo technique that makes all of the worthwhile literature easily playable, then you have accepted your musical choices of the past and forgiven yourself, your past banjo teacher(s), your past technique, and your past interpretation choices.
