Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Instruments for Peace Project

There is a Tom Paxton song that I love called "Peace Will Come."  The lyrics go like this:

My own life is all I can hope to control
Oh, let my life be lived for the good, good of my soul
Let it bring peace, sweet peace
Peace will come and let it begin with me.
Music is one way that we can help spread peace in the world.  I am starting Instruments for Peace Project as a way to share my love of music and am hoping it will catch on as many others make instruments to play and share.  Please join me.  Make a string on a box and teach someone else to play a song.  Or better yet...make two strings on a box and play a duet!  I guarantee it will make you smile.

If you want to buy a kit, click on the link at the right for String on a Box kits.  The cost is $5.00 which will get you the instructions, strings, hardware, frets, a template to show you where to place the frets and a songsheet with duets.  If you can't afford that, just let me know and I will send you one for free.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

20 years of one string banjos

I've been making one-string banjos for over 20 years.  My husband Pat and I used to travel around to schools in Charlotte and make them with classes of kids. We've probably made thousands of them.  I always enjoyed watching the fun that happened once they had their banjos in hand.  Jack and Oliver taught themselves how to play "Smoke on the Water."  Click here for instuctions on making a one string banjo like the one in this video.



When you play a song with someone you make a connection.  Connections can lead to understanding and friendship and a more peaceful world.


Here is a smaller version of the banjo that I have been making recently. Adults love them too! I will be making these and giving them away as a way to promote peace and goodwill.  More to come!