The banjo is beloved for its unmistakable sound. Perhaps most strongly associated today with rural mountain music such as bluegrass, folk, or Irish ballads, the banjo has a long and complex history with roots in Afro-Caribbean culture. Delving into this fascinating, largely unknown history offers great insight into the American story and provides for stimulating cross-cultural dialogue.
But above all, the history of the banjo is about music—everything from string-band tunes to jazz club standards to activist folk numbers. Explore the sonic breadth of this great instrument in The Banjo: Music, History, and Heritage. Taught by acclaimed musician and MacArthur grant recipient Rhiannon Giddens, the 10 jam-packed episodes take you across time and cultures to uncover the hidden history of the banjo.
In addition to delighting the ears with a powerful music history, one goal of this course is to expand your understanding of the banjo, an instrument that offers powerful episodes about race, social class, and how art forms evolve with the times. Along the way, you will meet some of the figures who shaped the course of this history, including African American fiddle giant Joe Thompson, bluegrass legends Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs, and the banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck.
Featuring a variety of guest musicians across genres to demonstrate sounds and techniques, The Banjo: Music, History, and Heritage is an exciting addition to the story of musicology—and the story of America itself.
