Hi, I'm Ross Nickerson the founder of Banjo Teacher.com. I humbly started BanjoTeacher.com in 2001 on my very first computer. I've worked hard to make my website a top banjo resource for banjo instruction, customer service and by offering a selection of banjos and banjo accessories I can recommend.
I've been performing and teaching banjo since the 1970's. Along with many years of private teaching I have traveled performing with bands and teaching workshops in the US, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Africa. Below is some bio and personal information if you would like to know more me.
Ross Nickerson
Click to hear a sample of my banjo playing:
Hear a sample of my banjo playing:
Roundhouse - Ross Nickerson
Wheel Hoss - Ross Nickerson
Train 45 Live - Ross Nickerson
Ground Speed - Ross Nickerson
Ross Nickerson has recorded with some of the top names in Bluegrass music. He was recently released on a compilation CD called Ultimate Banjo that included banjo legends, Earl Scruggs and Sonny Osborne. Ross recently appeared on stage with The Riders in the Sky and The Oak Ridge Boys and has picked with and appeared with many of the best banjo players in the world including Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck and Ralph Stanley. Ross’s CD Blazing the West has won many awards including being named by Country Music Television as one of the top ten CDs to pick up. Ross's newest CD is called Let's Kick It that features hard driving traditional Bluegrass Banjo with Ross’s own personal touch. Accompanying Ross on the CD are members of the well known Bluegrass Band
"Blue Highway" Ross Nickerson is the author of the top selling banjo book, The Banjo Encyclopedia “Bluegrass Banjo from A to Z” He has also written and recorded over 20 other Books and DVDs designed to help banjo students save time and learn the fun of playing 5-string banjo easier.
Ross Nickerson has always enjoyed sharing his knowledge and helping others to learn to play the banjo. His many years of experience teaching privately and traveling the world to hold group workshops has helped him gain many unique insights into the common obstacles facing banjo students today. He has listened to his students, seen the challenges they face, understands what students are craving for and always delivers his practical, focused instruction in a personable and easy to follow manner.
Ross has been selected as a faculty member for many prestigious bluegrass and banjo camps and is the founder and coordinator of the Nova Scotia Banjo Camp and the annual BanjoTeacher.com Banjo Cruise.
Newest workshops with Ross Nickerson concerts and workshops
Ross Nickerson Bluegrass Banjo CD
now on Renowned Bluegrass Record Label Pinecastle Records
more info
Free Ross Nickerson MP3 recordings you can download
Ross Nickerson MP3s
Ross Nickerson Podcast Interview with Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine
Ross Nickerson playing Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Treasure Island, FL
Ross Nickerson Featured Videos Playlist
.....I was at the Midwest Banjo Camp - Lansing, MI, last June and watched you play banjo on Saturday evening.You play amazingly well. My daughter and I had never seen anyone play a banjo so cleanly and with such speed before. You are really a gifted artist. concert and workshop reviews
Ross Nickerson with Band - X-Train
Nickerson Schedule
Pictures from Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Ireland
The Resnick Ross Nickerson Signature Model Resonator Banjos at BanjoTeacher.com.
Check out the videos
Picture of Ross and his two children, Theo and Jackson Nickerson
Theo is an attorney for the US Dept Of Justice, Office of Immigration and Jackson is an Air traffic Controller in the US Air Force
Ross Nickerson with Bill Keith and Ian Perry at the Nova Scotia Banjo Camp -2006
Ross N in Tucson, AZ - 2005
I performed at the Athy Bluegrass Festival in Ireland. Clem O'Brien Guitar. (update, Clem just joined the band The Chieftans") Niall Toner Mandolin. Going to see those guys at the 3rd Annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival in Ireland. September 23rd-25th, they are on the bill too.
Jackson with his new car in Germany, he likes the autobahn...too much. My daughter Theo, Bones and me.
Come to a workshop and meet my dog "Bones"
Bones is the greatest dog! Great traveling buddy! Smart little bugger he is! Very polite to the banjo students too.
This was a "few" years ago.
Group Picture from the Banjo Cruise I put on every year. It took some courage to get this event started but it was a success! It can only get better from here. Check out the Banjo Cruise and itinerary we have for this year.
The Banjo School In Catonsville, MD is where I used to give private lessons. I've since moved to Florida and am traveling more holding workshops. The number in the picture on the sign is not current, call 866-322-6567
My Daughter Theo and I went to Niagara Falls. Bones too!
With banjo legend Butch Robbins of Bill Monroe fame.
From Nova Scotia Banjo Camp
Ian Perry, Bill Keith, Ross Nickerson
Picking with Danny Barnes at Calgary Folk Festival.
Picking with Bill Keith, Butch Robbins, James McKinney, Larry McNeely, Doug Dillard and camp director Jack Hatfield.
THE BANJO GAZETTE
Interview with Ross Nickerson
by Phil Morley
As I was so impressed with Ross's CD I had to get an interview with him. So I wrote and sent him a copy of BG with his CD review in it. Ross kindly sent back this interview plus a tab for San Antonio Rose. This tune is one taken from Ross's CD and if you haven't gotten it yet. I suggest you do it's fantastic.
BG. When did you start to get interested in the banjo?
RN. My best friend in High School played the guitar and he encouraged me to buy a used one. I really got interested after I went to the Union Grove Fiddlers' Convention in North Carolina.
BG. At what age did you start playing?
RN. I was 16 or 17 when I began playing.
BG. Who were your main influences?
RN. I was influenced and inspired early on by the Will The Circle Be Unbroken album which included Earl Scruggs and John MCuen. I thank all the great players and publications that have made tab available to learn from.
BG. What was your first banjo and what is now your current banjo?
RN. The first banjo I had was a Kay. I've had a variety of other banjos including Mastertones, and a Stelling. I now play a Goldstar. I call it the Masterclone. I also have a Deering Crossfire that Derring made custom for me.
BG. Did you play in bands as you were developing your style?
RN. I was in a band after only playing the banjo for nine months. Playing with others helped me progress more than anything. Also I practiced a lot in the first year.
BG. What style would you say mostly ( Scruggs, melodic, etc..?
RN. I play a mixture of Scruggs, melodic, and single string. I use whatever technique best fits the material I'm playing.
BG. What gauge strings do you use?
RN. I use 11,12,13,20,11.
BG. What height bridge do you use and type of action?
RN. 11/16 or 3/4.
BG. What gauge finger picks do you use?
RN. I use shelor picks with the cobalt coating from Bob Perry and a variety of thumbpicks. I cut down the blade and cut the lip that wraps around the thumb back so it won't catch in the strings.
BG. How many hours of practice do you do?
RN. When I first started, I practiced about four hours a day. Now I practice on an as need basis. For instance, if I have an upcoming gig or recording session I practice specifically for that.
BG. What advice would you give someone who is starting out?
RN. Practice a lot. The banjo masters credited with developing a style named after them such as Keith, Crowe Adcock, Fleck etc. are all quoted as practicing 8 or more hours a day.
BG. Do you listen to other forms of music other than bluegrass?
RN. I grew up on a normal diet of Rock and Roll. I got drawn into a love of bluegrass through my interest in the banjo. I've been able to use the many influences I have in different band situations I've been in.
BG. Do you play any other instruments?
RN. I play electric guitar and some Dobro but banjo is my main instrument.
BG. Do you read music notation or do you play from feel.
RN. I started with a little tab, by tape and sharing licks. Then I learned a lot from tab. Now I play mostly by ear.You can also check out some instruction articles that he wrote for the Ibluegrass web magazine or check out the story on the adventure of picking with Earl Scruggs.
The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise Workshop is held in a large private conference room that is essentially sound proof and separate from all other passengers. The workshop takes place during the days we are at sea so you can visit all ports and still have plenty of time for fun with your spouse, family or friends while on the cruise. The class sizes are small ensuring that each student receives the assistance and encouragement they need.
Annual Banjo Workshop weekend in Sunny St Pete Beach Florida!
The Academy of Performance Arts with Ross Nickerson
Banjo camp seminar and group banjo lesson workshop in the USA for bluegrass 5-string banjo in Florida at sunny St Pete Beach. This is an annual Florida banjo event and held during the winter months for locals,winter residents and students who want to escape the cold while improving their banjo playing, and having fun doing it.
The Banjo Safari
Join me for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling to Africa for an African Photo Safari. I am to be teaming up with our professional Safari guides Kevin and Tricia Dooley on an adventure that none of us will forget. We'll spend our mornings and late afternoons exploring the wildlife of South Africa, and the mid day will be filled with a banjo workshop that should be fun and rewarding.
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Banjo Demo Videos for Goldtone Banjos, Recording King, Goldstar, Nechville, Deering. Savannah and Morgan Monroe. See the banjos closeup and hear different models so you can compare better. Most videos include descriptions too. We are adding new videos all the time.
Banjo Reviews for Goldtone Banjos, Recording King Banjos, Morgan Monroe, Electric banjos, six string banjos, bluegrass banjos, clawhammer banjos, travel banjos banjo ukes, 4-string banjos and the many banjos we service and carry. Read reviews from banjo sales in the US, Europe, Canada and Australia.
Questions and answers to student questions and emails. While reading these you should be able to see many questions you have had as well. The answers should be helpful and the questions you read will remind you that you are not alone out there! Email Ross with a question. Contact-us
Testimonials, reviews and comments from customers. Read reviews about our Banjo Books, DVDs, Banjo CDs, Banjo Lessons Online The Banjo Encyclopedia, Banjo Camps and Workshops Banjos on Sale , Banjo Accessories Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction.
Free Banjo Videos and Banjo Lessons from Banjo Master and Teacher, Ross Nickerson. Performance videos including El Cumbanchero, I'll Fly Away, Cherokee Shuffle, Cluck Old Hen, Little Martha and Ross Nickerson with X-Train.
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