2019-11-15 00:31
Group Photo of the Down 2 The Crossroads Blues Workshop
I recently attended a guitar and bass workshop at the Crossroads, the cradle of the Delta Blues in Clarksdale Mississippi. I have nev… Read More
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fretmentor's blog is for the banjo, guitar and mandolin enthusiast, from both the teacher and the student’s point of view. here you will find something of interest to complement your personal desires as a musician or fan of fretted instruments.
2019-09-03 18:36
Is the Ukulele gaining popularity?
I have taught many individual lessons and classes throughout my life. As I have posted in previous Blog articles here at Fretmentor’s Blog, the… Read More
2019-01-03 16:26
Givens-Style Glamping Via the Airstream
What is “glamping” you might ask? Well, “glamping” is a term used for glamorous camping and what better way to do that t… Read More
2018-12-17 19:06
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
from www.Fretmentor.com
Each and every year, I hold a holiday party where students learn to play Christmas tunes. They are assigned a song and together, work for weeks… Read More
2018-11-26 23:02
August 18, 1965 at 8:15 I was sitting in the Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta Georgia waiting to see The Beatles. That’s right, The Beatles. The story I recount below is pulled from th… Read More
2018-11-14 21:46
SIRSY’s Melanie Krahmer & Richard Libutti
The other night I met some friends at a local gathering spot in Jupiter, Florida, known for its music. Every so often, should the ur… Read More
2018-11-09 16:57
Memphis is the home of the delta blues sound and here I was, walking with my ten feet off of Beale. Walking in Memphis, but do I really feel the way I feel?
Memphis, Tennessee
While on a rec… Read More
2018-10-28 19:26
This morning, I watched a segment called “Blackface” on the Sunday CBS Morning Show. The show accurately portrayed this time in history as “Unmasking the racist histo… Read More
2018-10-25 18:40
Ricky Skaggs and the Kentucky Thunder
Approximately one year ago, we had a hurricane named Irma but there was no thunder in that storm, Kentucky Thunder that is. On September 7, 2017… Read More
2018-10-21 21:38
Since I started playing the banjo, I followed the career of Alan Munde. I fist purchased his tabs and learned his arrangements some 45 years ago. I also had the honor of hosting… Read More
2018-10-10 17:56
Throughout my many years of studying, playing and listening to music, I always searched out new artists to add to my album or CD collection. After listening to some of the original com… Read More
2018-09-23 00:12
Martin Guitar Display
A trip to Arizona for spring training baseball offered my buddy Jim and I the opportunity to visit the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix last week. It was our first… Read More
2018-09-06 16:35
To Pedal of Not To Pedal – Part II
A Pedal Board
This is part 2 of our article on purchasing and setting up a pedal board (See Fretmentor’s Blog entitled “To Pedal or Not T… Read More
2018-01-12 00:12
Fretmentor Group Classes
Class Instruction for students.
Its that time of year again. A new year, new year resolutions, and proud new owners of musical instruments acquired from the ho… Read More
2017-12-19 01:41
Avett Brothers
Best time of my life! The Avett Brothers show at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids was like a dream come true. With seats in the middle orchestra sec… Read More
2017-09-25 20:32
A Memory-Filled Journey Into The Life Of Guitar Legend Leo Fender
On November 1, 2017, a new book entitled “Leo Fender: The Quiet Giant Heard Around the World” will be released… Read More
2017-08-23 19:45
The Country Music Hall of Fame
Hank Williams Martin D-28 Guitar
A Visit Down Memory Lane
My wife and I spent the weekend in Nashville for our anniversary. We live an hour and a half south an… Read More
2017-04-19 19:07
An Interview With Banjo Legend
Alan Munde
Alan Munde & Dave Jakubiak
On the weekend of January 28th, 2012, I had the honor of hosting banjo legend Alan Munde at my Fretmentor workshop f… Read More
2016-07-09 15:31
What is a drum dial and how can you use it to set up your banjo head correctly?
A Drum Dial
Fretmentor student, Justin Lambert, explains the process of tuning your banjo head with a Drum Dia… Read More
2016-07-05 00:57
Experimenting with Pedal Boards
Part I
By Andrew Bauman
Andrew’s guitar rig with pedal board
After years of playing the acoustic guitar, I finally branched out a few years ago and boug… Read More
2016-03-26 17:47
Sierra Hull’s Trio at the Lyric Theatre.
Sierra Hull introduced her newest music project “Weighted Mind” Thursday night at the newly renovated Lyric Theater in Downtown Stu… Read More
2015-05-19 15:56
KT Tunstall Concert
& A Romantic Cruise To The Bahamas
Talk about going to see a concert in style. On the weekend of May 16-17, 2015, a very special woman in my life and I t… Read More
2015-05-19 15:56
KT Tunstall Concert
& A Romantic Cruise To The Bahamas
Talk about going to see a concert in style. On the weekend of May 16-17, 2015, a very special woman in my life and I t… Read More
2015-05-15 17:18
The Night I Met
the King of the Blues
April 2, 1992 BB King Autographs
I remember it as though it was yesterday. On April 2, 1992, an old friend and I attended the BB King concert at… Read More
2014-02-04 18:28
Raise Your Hand
If You Are A Serious Music Student
I regularly teach community education music classes through the Palm Beach County School system. The classes at Palm Beach Gardens Hi… Read More
2013-10-22 17:46
It’s Not Too Early …
To Learn Holiday Tunes
That time of year is right around the corner. The Christmas holidays are fast approaching and while you may be asking why I am… Read More
2013-09-13 04:24
Matchcovers & Music
A Matchbox from the infamous Cavern Club, where the Beatles (formerly the Quarrymen) first became popular
What is the Connection?
Over the past number of months, I ha… Read More
2013-04-03 19:03
Eric Clapton – “50 Years Further Down The Road” Tour
The latest feature for Fretmentor’s Blog is to hear about the experience of other music lovers, students and perf… Read More
2013-04-03 15:06
Live Performance at the Carousel Concert-A-Thon in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
A recent feature for Fretmentor’s Blog is to hear about the experience of other music lovers, students an… Read More
2013-02-25 19:07
A new feature for Fretmentor’s Blog is to hear about the experience of other music lovers, students and performers . Today, I have invited a guest (Chick Veenstra) to contr… Read More
2013-02-23 01:25
Have you ever been to Nechville?
I bet you didn’t know it’s located in Minnesota. Nechville, however, is not a Town but a wonderful toy store for the banjo enthusiast like… Read More
2012-11-30 01:46
Fretmentor Bluegrass Class Members Performing At A Rehabilitation Center in West Palm Beach, Florida
A new feature for Fretmentor’s Blog is to hear about the experience of other musi… Read More
2012-05-30 04:39
Guitar Legend Doc Watson Passes Away
Not everyone gets to claim the title of being a living national treasure. Yet, Doc Watson was a true American artist who made significant contribu… Read More
2012-05-21 17:36
Within a couple of months, we said goodbye to two of the great banjo players in the world. Earl Scruggs, the father of three finger picking, and Doug Dillard, one of the great melodic… Read More
2012-05-21 17:36
Within a couple of months, we said goodbye to two of the great banjo players in the world. Earl Scruggs, the father of three finger picking, and Doug Dillard, one of the great melodic… Read More
2012-05-10 17:52
Keb Mo performing with his National resonator guitar
Some recording artists know how to give you your money’s worth. I think it cliche’ to say that the concert I just atte… Read More
2012-01-29 04:22
Jim Hurst, Dave Jakubiak, Byron Berline & Alan Munde
The first day of Fretmentor’s 3rd Annual Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar and Mandolin Workshop, featuring Alan Munde, Jim Hurst and Byro… Read More
2012-01-28 02:49
Alan Munde & David Jakubiak
You know life is good when you get the chance to play music with one of the all-time great banjo players in the world. That is what we did today not fa… Read More
2012-01-25 18:48
Alan Munde, Byron Berline & Jim Hurst
Fretmentor’s Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, & Mandolin Workshop
Lake Worth, Florida
Alan Munde
Almost everyone has a bucket list and I gue… Read More
2011-12-11 05:31
Bela Fleck .. An Innovator on the Banjo
Bela Fleck
I had the pleasure of seeing Bela Fleck and the Flecktones perform on October 13, 2011 at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart, Florida. Joi… Read More
2011-11-29 00:23
Are You a Fan of Music Festivals?
If so, I have something for you. Keep reading to learn more.
Fretmentor's Festival Locator Feature
In Southeast Florida, each summer there is a po… Read More
2011-08-22 15:29
August 20, 2011 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida
If your talking about getting your money’s worth, the show I saw last night speaks volumes. Alison Krauss and Union Station performed on… Read More
2011-08-22 15:29
August 20, 2011 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida
If your talking about getting your money’s worth, the show I saw last night speaks volumes. Alison Krauss and Union Station performed on… Read More
2011-08-17 17:54
Videotaped Recitals - Good or a Necessary Evil?
Does A Videotaped Music Recital Assist A Student?
I remember when I was in high school and had to give a demonstration speech. It was… Read More
2011-08-17 17:54
Videotaped Recitals - Good or a Necessary Evil?
Does A Videotaped Music Recital Assist A Student?
I remember when I was in high school and had to give a demonstration speech. It was… Read More
2011-07-19 17:52
Frets Magazine (1979-1989)
Doc Watson On Frets' Premier Issue
In 1979, I had just finished my first year at college and returned home for a summer break. Of course, my banjo, guitar a… Read More
2011-03-01 22:49
Jens & Uwe Kruger … They’re Back for a Second Time.
Jens & Uwe Performing For The Crowd
Two of the great performers, instructors and entertainers of the banjo and gui… Read More
2011-03-01 22:49
Jens & Uwe Kruger … They’re Back for a Second Time.
Jens & Uwe Performing For The Crowd
Two of the great performers, instructors and entertainers of the banjo and gui… Read More
2010-11-22 17:13
Yes, its that time a year again. The time we go into the attic and pull down the Christmas lights and ornaments. It is the time we go to our local retail store and hear Christmas… Read More
2010-07-03 22:03
Gretzky With One Of His Favorite Students
On June 26th, 2010, I had the sad misfortune to have to put my best friend to sleep. Gretzky is my pet weimaraner and my best friend for 11 a… Read More
2010-03-28 00:24
JD Crowe and the New South Perform at the Lyric Theatre
JD Crowe Performing, March 20, 2010, in Stuart Florida
On Saturday, March 20, 2010, I had the pleasure of seeing JD Crowe, one of… Read More
2010-01-09 20:42
Jens Kruger on the 5-String Banjo
April 9-10, 2010
Jens & Uwe Kruger’s
Banjo & Guitar Workshop
For months now, I have been working out the details for Fretmentor’s Fi… Read More
2010-01-09 20:42
Jens Kruger on the 5-String Banjo
April 9-10, 2010
Jens & Uwe Kruger’s
Banjo & Guitar Workshop
For months now, I have been working out the details for Fretmentor’s Fi… Read More
2009-11-14 18:03
Knowledge of Theory Helps to Build Chords
When an aspiring musician buys their first banjo, guitar or mandolin, they also usually are talked into buying a pictionary chord book. Suc… Read More
2009-10-19 13:57
Use Your Practice Time Wisely
While most students of the banjo, guitar or mandolin recognize that learning an instrument will take both time and patience, there are a few who feel that they… Read More
2009-09-21 20:25
Recording 101
Should you throw away that cassette recorder? What is a hand held digital recorder? How does a portable recorder differ from a computer’s music digital interface? … Read More
2009-09-14 17:08
“I played this much better on my own at home than in front of you.”
Music Theory 101
I often hear this comment from my music students. It is their perception that they are… Read More
2009-09-03 05:14
Are Your Excuses For Not Practicing Justified?
As a teacher of the banjo, guitar and mandolin, I often hear the various reasons why someone is not able to practice.
After earning my BA degr… Read More
2009-08-24 16:52
Music Theory 101
In one of my guitar classes, I had a student mentioned that she never thought she’d have to learn algebra to learn music. Algebra you ask? No .. we weren&rsquo&helli…Read More
2009-08-24 16:52
Music Theory 101
In one of my guitar classes, I had a student mentioned that she never thought she’d have to learn algebra to learn music. Algebra you ask? No .. we weren&rsquo&helli…Read More
2009-08-14 00:55
Les Paul 1915-2009
Today the Music World Lost
a Legend & Pioneer
Earlier today, August 13, 2009, I received news that my friend Les Paul died at age 94. When I say my friend, I … Read More
2009-08-10 19:18
Does The Banjo Get A “Bad Rap” At Times?
Hog on the Banjo - NYPL (Used with Permission)
Is the banjo and instrument that sometimes receives undeserved or critical judgment from… Read More
2009-08-10 06:10
Each and every one of us experience stress in our daily life activities. Whether you have lost a love one, lost a job, are having financial difficulties, broke up with you significant other… Read More
2009-08-01 17:20
In 1969, I got this toy for Christmas called “Frustration Ball”. The toy consisted of a clear globe with eight cups and one ball. The object was to toss the ball fro… Read More
2009-07-31 23:22
Music Theory 101
When I start teaching a new banjo, guitar or mandolin class, I first ask my students whether or not they know their alphabet. These students, many whom are adults, look at m… Read More
2009-07-24 14:12
When you are practicing or playing your instrument, are you patient enough to play slowly? In order to learn a piece of music correctly, you need to develop your timing and rhythm and… Read More
2009-07-19 05:32
Recording 101
Musicians of all types can benefit from recording their music. The beginning banjo, guitar or mandolin student may cringe at the idea of listening to themselves on tape. It… Read More
2009-07-10 04:36
A Music Student Can Learn To Reach Their Potential
I have been studying music for a year now and I feel like I am not getting anywhere.
I think I have hit a plateau with my mandolin.
Ho… Read More
2009-07-03 03:53
I remember that first festival as though it was yesterday. Of all places, it was held outside of the Motor City. That is right, just outside of Detroit, Michigan. The home of… Read More
2009-06-26 06:10
Today when you go to a music store specializing in stringed instruments, you will see a variety mandolins by different instrument makers. They may come in different wood finishes and c… Read More
2009-06-19 04:11
Over the course of a year or so, I added polls to my website www.fretmentor.com, for readers to vote on who they believe is the best banjo, guitar or mandolin player of all-time. Of co… Read More
2009-06-16 03:46
Geoff & Jimmy After Delivering a Custom Banjo to a Customer in France
What does the Virginian, Old Woody, Sunflower, Staghorn, Crusader, Bellflower and Master Cross have in common? &hell…Read More
2009-06-09 21:13
2009 BB King & Buddy Guy Ticket
It was back on April 2, 1992, when I first had the great pleasure to see BB King perform live, as well as meet the great blues legend. Looking back… Read More
2009-06-08 18:34
Music Theory 101
You may have heard of a basic musical concept referenced as “Playing by Ear” or “Ear Training”. What does it mean and is it possible for you t… Read More
2009-06-03 18:43
When I first started to learn a fretted instrument, my choices for instruction were limited. While there were plenty of guitar instructors, it was very difficult for me to find a quali… Read More
2009-06-03 18:43
When I first started to learn a fretted instrument, my choices for instruction were limited. While there were plenty of guitar instructors, it was very difficult for me to find a quali… Read More
2009-05-30 17:06
I recall a student I had many years ago when I lived in Michigan. She was a young, slim, attractive lady. Anyway, she showed up for her first guitar lesson and after our initial introductio… Read More
2009-05-25 20:34
Whether I am performing on stage or teaching in the classroom, I frequently get the following question “Which instrument is the easiest to play; the Banjo, Guitar, or Mandolin?”… Read More
2009-05-18 18:14
I often have parents asking me what is a nice starter guitar for a child. My answer, of course, is dependent on the budget the parent has allocated towards an instrument purchase.
Baby Taylo… Read More
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