I played guitar a little in high school and even joined a band for a few weeks, but I didn’t know enough songs and was asked to leave.
I took my guitar to college and played occasionally with dormitory friends, but I never expanded my ability.
After getting married, I decided in my mid-20s to learn to play the banjo.
My dad once mentioned that if he had learned an instrument, he would have chosen the banjo, which may have influenced my choice.
I took a few lessons, bought my first banjo, and practiced 10 to 15 minutes daily after work.
It became a therapeutic way to relax after work and then later engage more with my family.
I rarely played with others, thinking I wasn’t good enough.
I was a closet player.
One of my first teachers, an accomplished banjo player and teacher, gave me Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” during my third lesson.
That song is not good starter material.
It has several distinct parts, all different and challenging to play.
I always kept it in the background of my practice routine but never mastered it.
