How Long Does It Take?

By far the most common question my students ask me is "How long does it take to learn to play the banjo." And I never have an answer for them because I don't know. First off you have to define the point at which you've "learned to play the banjo". Have you learned to play the banjo when you can play one recognizable song? Or do you need a repertoire of songs? Or is it only when you can hang in there in a jam and take breaks and play back up?

Then there's the question of how fast you learn. I've had students who could pick it up as fast as I could show it to them. Natural talent you could say. Then I have students who struggle with every new concept, who have finger dexterity and coordination problems and who don't or can't practice and whose only time with their instrument is during lessons. In other words the learning curve is different for everyone.

So, frustrated in my non-answer, the follow up question is usually, "Well, how long did it take you to learn?" I have an answer for this one: "I'll let you know when it happens"

j