The Banjo Economy

One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year is More “not afraid to ask for things/assistance,” less “afraid to impose.” So why don’t I start out the banjo convention season by asking you for assistance? As you know, Capitalism works because folks buy lots of stuff they don’t need; this is what a “strong economy” means.

Having spent my entire lifetime on a limited budget (three years of saving to get my new banjo), I realize that I am a terrible consumer; if everyone was as necessarily frugal as me, our economy would tank overnight! We thrive as a country (or not) because people are confidant in the economy and are willing to freely spend money (or not).

Let me ask an honest question: Is the “four-string banjo economy” thriving at the moment, or is it tanking? Have you noticed—as I have, over the last 40+ years—the steadily-dwindling number of players and attendees at our once-popular conventions? Let me ask a related question: If you were at the All Frets convention last year in Branson MO, do you remember me in the foyer after the Friday and Saturday night shows, brazenly hawking CDs (“CDs! Step right up Ladies and Gentlemen, and get your CDs! Help us get home!”)? I got lots of laughs and smiles, but little selling results. I of course wanted to sell my own CDs/books (how do you think I—on my limited budget—pay for my attendance at these shows? I’d like to think that artists like me are a big part of the reason you go—they’re certainly one of the reasons I go!), but I was also trying to create a “feeding-frenzy” for the sake of my fellow limited-budget artists—especially the young, up-and-coming artists (they are only the future of our instrument. . .).

Do you believe as I once did that “there is nothing I can do to help ensure the banjo outlives me?” Trust me, there is something you can do: As a “starving artist”—playing an important American historical instrument (but what seems to be becoming nothing more than a museum relic)—I humbly ask you for assistance; I ask you to loosen up your purse strings and spend some money! Buy our CDs and/or books, help us “preserve and promote,” and literally “help us get home.” Or maybe contribute some cash to our ambitious future CD/book projects? I have a few in the works that I hope to be able to sell after my hard work—a level of sincere work that would bring reward in many other endeavors. I would be more than happy to credit you as one of the “moving forces” behind my work, proving that “yes, there is something you can do!” Many of us are still young and idealistic enough to think we can make a difference; we can’t do anything if we can’t afford to continue trying!

Already have my/anyone else’s CD/book? Well, first of all, thank you! But, maybe you could buy one for a friend or family member, and promote the four-string banjo in the process; tell them you are a close, personal friend of this particular artist (that is a surprisingly effective way to impress friends and spread the banjo gospel—“Wow, I never knew that kind of music could be played on the banjo!” If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard that one. . .)!

Already have a pirated copy of that CD/book? Well, what can I say? I used to do it too (being on a limited budget, and hungry for inspiration); now I simply trade one of my own CDs for one I don’t yet have. At least I get to hear what everybody else is up to—without the guilt feelings of illegally copying/ripping-off the artist—but it doesn’t pay the bills for either of us. If you are in the habit of this—and can well-afford to buy one. . .well, I really don’t know what to say.

I can say the same thing regarding those of us who teach for a living; why not take some lessons from a pro? You’ll improve—becoming a better banjo promoter yourself in the process—and your teacher will pay some bills and be encouraged to do even more for the future of the banjo. I’ve often had students ask me “why didn’t I do this before (proving they hadn’t)?” Excellent question.

I am beginning to take on young students, a couple of whom have been the beneficiary of generous donors. If you have made this sort of contribution before, thank you; if you are considering it, please do! The young players are the future of our instrument! Many have financial difficulties that prevent them from maximizing their potential; this breaks my heart, and it’s swiftly becoming my major driving force as a banjo teacher and promoter. I cannot personally afford to sponsor a student or work for free, but I am certainly willing to give a deep, needs-based discount for my time and expertise, in the sincere belief that I am making a real difference. I believe we need to put financial value on being a banjo player; remember the “banjo economy?”

Have a favorite professional banjoist that you “just never seem to see” at shows anymore? Maybe it’s because he/she can no-longer afford to attend; he/she has to play the banjo on weekends to make money—not spend it to come to a convention—or worse yet, had to get a “real” job because the banjo doesn’t pay anymore! Why don’t you consider being a “patron” of that favorite artist, and sponsor him/her for a show or two? You can proudly take credit for his/her being there!

I have often dreamed that I would somehow come upon a personal fortune; I would not hesitate to use a good portion of it to promote the banjo and banjo players! Maybe I’d fund a concert tour with the few remaining banjo “greats,” or create a college scholarship for young banjo players! I have often said to myself “oh what I could do with a bunch of someone else’s money!”

Again in the spirit of “not being afraid to impose”: Is there anyone out there willing to take a chance on this banjo-dreamer (or any other)—willing to help me achieve my life’s-work dream of re-establishing the banjo as a popular, well-regarded instrument?

This is how it works with instruments/music styles that are thriving. You know why we are so inundated with pop “music” crap? Because people are willing to spend lots of money on it! People do things because there’s money in it; people don’t do things because there’s no money in it and/or they can’t afford it. I’m lucky; I have a military retirement that makes it possible for me to play the banjo without too much worry, but at some point, I’ll have to ask the honest question; “is it worth my time?”

Some instruments are so popular (as the banjo once was) that my proposed “propping-up” is unnecessary; wouldn’t it be amazing if the banjo could return to those glory-days again? Maybe—just maybe—your money-spending could help spark that renaissance that we all long for? Hey, as they say; “it doesn’t hurt to ask!” And I now feel a heck of a lot better, mustering up the courage to do so!