Greetings! I’m a long-time lurker of the hangout, focusing mostly on clawhammer for the past couple of years. I appreciate all the discussion and advice, and it’s really helped me get better on the instrument. Just got a 2009 Mike Ramsey Woody that has been a joy to play.
I am writing a book currently titled “Being Good at Being New” that focuses on how to be more comfortable, productive, and satisfied in new situations. I’m interviewing people with a variety of newcomer experiences (e.g., new job, joining new organizations, moving to new neighborhoods, etc.)
I think it would be fun to include the experiences of people who are relative newcomers to clawhammer and bluegrass banjo. More specifically, what have been your experiences with learning to play the banjo, taking banjo lessons and workshops, joining your first jam, attending your first festival? How has it felt to be the “new person” on banjo, and how have you dealt with it?
If you’ve got some interesting stories and experiences, I’d love to interview you. In return I’ll send you a copy of the book once it’s published.
Contact me off-line at krollag@babson.edu.
Thanks!
Keith Rollag
Associate Professor
Babson College
Boston, MA