Mel Bay Releases New Bill Monroe Mandolin Book !

Commemorating his 100th birthday in 2011, Mel Bay Publications announces the release of a new instruction manual on the unique mandolin style of bluegrass music innovator Bill Monroe. Play Like a Legend: Bill Monroe Tunes and Songs for the Mandolin was written by South Plains College (Levelland, Texas) music professor Joe Carr.

Here, for the first time, is an in depth study of the mandolin style of father of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe. Twenty Monroe style fiddle tunes and instrumentals, nineteen song solos and a special section on Monroe's approach to gospel turnarounds are presented here. Several of Monroe's characteristic approaches are broken down and detailed including using the chop position for soloing.

Two New Steve Kaufman Books Now Available

My First Banjo Picking Songs
Level: Beginner
This fun and easy bluegrass banjo book and CD takes you from the very beginning. Beginning with an introduction to the instrument, the book teaches you basic banjo technique such as three-finger rolls, how to read banjo chord charts, playing back up, and hand placement, setting the foundation for the repertoire found in the book. Featuring classics such as "Boil Them Cabbage Down", Cripple Creek" and "Tom Dooley", this book will get you playing in no time! Music presented in tablature.

Award Winning Fiddler Stuart Duncan Joins The Violin Shop!

The Violin Shop in Nashville, Tenn. is proud to announce that ACM Fiddle Player of the Year (1996), Stuart Duncan will be joining their staff.  


Duncan has been a member of the Nashville Bluegrass Band since 1985, and is a much-in-demand session musician working with such stars as George Strait, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Barbra Streisand, to name a few.


Duncan “has been working on fiddles at home for many years, and we will obviously be taking advantage of his ‘sound’ advice in our set-up work,” says owner Fred Carpenter. “Plus, Dieta is delighted to get her dining room table back!  Stuart will also be playing a concert or two here at the Violin Shop in the near future, with special guests to be announced. Stay tuned for the dates.”


Whether folks know him by name or not, Stuart Duncan could easily be called America's favorite fiddler. His tasteful touch has been enjoyed by millions of Country, Americana and Bluegrass music fans for over 40 years via the recording studio and on tour. His popularity continues to grow as does his cache of music industry awards.

Stuart Duncan is an "A" list Nashville session fiddler and member of The Nashville Bluegrass Band. 

This is his Mel Bay Artist Interview with Erica Cantrell, recorded at the world famous Station Inn. ____

READ MORE ABOUT STUART DUNCAN