There are a number of ways to learn how to play music – lessons, tapes, books, listening to records, natural talent or, my favorite: someone can show you stuff along the way.
Formal (or semi-formal) lessons are a good way to get things started, Learn where your fingers go, learn some proper techniques, and that can serve you a long long time. Some stuff you pick up by a form of osmosis.
But nothing beats just having someone show you. It sticks in the brain better because it’s a social memory. You have to ask, “Hey can you show how that fiddle tune goes?” Most times, the answer is “Sure!” Then, 10 or 5 minutes later, you know something you didn’t know, and chances are pretty good it’ll stick with you, because the lesson has some context.
This applies to specific song instruction and also general technique. Pros are often very helpful with technique, and practice, vocal and arrangement advice. Get a pro to show you how he or she holds a fiddle bow, or tunes for a specific song. These aren’t trade secrets per se, but some of the stuff you can learn isn’t in ANY books or tapes.
The same holds true for most people, I expect. One of the greatest things about bluegrass is the nurturing of musicians that happens at all levels. In most cases, I think musicians are a little flattered to be asked how to do something.
Most musicians are gearheads, too – they’re always glad to chat about instruments, strings, cases, pickups, picks, capos – you name it. It sounds like simple small talk, but you can learn the things you need to know to coax the best sounds out of your instruments, on a consistent basis.
Workshops are a great way to get intimate (if not one-on-one) instruction and tips, too. They don’t dive as a deep as a real class or a music camp, but I’ve never come away from a workshop without some nuggets of information.
To make the most out playing music, you have to constantly be learning. There’s no reason why you can’t have fun and make friends while doing it! And there’s no reason you can’t be helping other musicians along the way either!
