50 Tunes Volume 1 for Banjo is one book in a 5-book series. The 50 Tunes series is a collection of Bluegrass, Old Time and Celtic tunes for ensembles, families and individuals. This book contains the same 50 tunes as those found in the other 4 books of the series, but carefully designed for the banjo. The parts in this book range from beginner to advanced. Though many parts are arranged in standard "Scruggs" style, some are arranged in frailing or "clawhammer" style, and many are arranged in "melodic" style. Where "Scruggs" style is considered, "less melody/more finger roll pattern," melodic style, as the name implies, is "more melody/less finger roll pattern." Clawhammer style uses no finger roll patterns; instead, it is made up of a melody within a strumming rhythm pattern. Clawhammer is considered a "self-accompaniment" style. Companion CD’s included. Mark Geslison, the author and coordinator of this series, is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the mandolin, guitar, bass, percussion, banjo and dulcimer. He has performed traditional music for most of his life and has been an instrumental champion several times since the mid-1980’s including: Western Regional Guitar Champion 1988, 1989; Western Regional Mandolin Champion 1988, 1989, 1992; Utah State Mandolin Champion 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994 and 2002; and Utah State Banjo Champion 2001 (4-string). Mark has been the director of the Folk Music Ensemble program at Brigham Young University since 1992. The Folk Music Ensemble program includes performing groups that focus on Bluegrass, Appalachian, Early American and Celtic music styles. His students perform approximately one hundred times per year in all parts of the world including South Pacific, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Mark is also the founder and director of the Institute of American Music (IAM). IAM is a non-profit, private school of music designed to teach traditional music in an ensemble setting to young people and families. This series originated within IAM where Mark noticed a need for ensemble arrangements. Used Book in Good Condition