Is it possible I could start adding some arrangements?

[Austin]

I'm not a great player, but I'm starting to understand what's idiomatic to the banjo as I've almost gotten through the first book of Bradbury. I don't know the whole bag of tricks, but I think I know enough to start arranging pieces at a beginner's level. The first one I've set my sights on is Reuben Reel by Maxwell Goldman. It's more of a rag than a reel honestly.

[Austin]

I would also be completely fine with them being quality checked before being added to the site. I just want easy to read arrangements and the system that seems to be used is completely different from Bradbury.

[Austin]

I should also add I need to work on my engraving so this would be a good avenue for me to do that

[Steve Harrison]

Hi Austin, arranging 'new' music for the banjo is a good start, over the years I've arranged over 800 pieces of music for classic banjo in a variety of genres but my favourite and most prolific is ragtime music. Many of my arrangements have not been arranged for banjo before and are new to the banjo repertoire. Have you had a look at some the recent ones that I've posted recently? Many of my arrangements can be found in the library. I always take my arrangements directly from piano scores....Steve.

[Austin]

Yes I have. I think the work you've done is great! Just one thing, I don't like the way it's notated. It can get a bit confusing coming from Bradbury.

[Adam Tracksler]

I read through the other post that kind of veered off of how many classic banjoists there are. 

Couple of comments, take it for what it is worth. 

Classic banjo is a small niche inside of another small niche. When you talk to anyone about Banjo, they instantly think of Bluegrass Banjo. Personally I just roll with it. 

It is also an established idiom within the larger banjo idiom. It’s (mostly) a period style, like Gypsy Jazz. (Another of my weird passions) There is a standard repertoire, and people make new tunes within the framework of the genre. It can be a little bit like Teva sandals. They started adding more and more straps, and all of a sudden they had a shoe again. 

Another thing I love is pedal steel guitar. Again a fairly established idiom. There are a lot of traditionalists playing Buddy Edmonds style, but some amazing outliers (Like Susan Alcorn - who you may really dig, Austin)

There are some bands that are making new music in old idioms, like the Two Man Gentleman Band, and it’s awesome. I think some styles really lend themselves to that. (Who wouldn’t love a hot jazz duo song about chocolate milk?)

I say go for it, the worst thing that happens is that it sucks. And being sucky is the first step to being sorta good at something. 

[Steve Harrison]

Hi Austin, yes, it may seem confusing at first but the addition of fret numbers on the notes and position makers on the score is my compromise to tab (which I've never liked). The scores not only notate the music but with my annotation show my suggested way of playing it and is part and parcel of the whole arrangement. Due to the large number of  my arrangements, it's impossible to memorize all of them consequently I sight read most of them and my annotation helps me as an aide memoir for tunes I don't regularly play...Steve.
Austin said:

Yes I have. I think the work you've done is great! Just one thing, I don't like the way it's notated. It can get a bit confusing coming from Bradbury.

[Austin]

The thing is Bradbury's notation addresses all of that

[Joel Hooks]

Bradbury’s notation….

[Austin]

That's true, but I have notation software that can engrave a lot better

[Austin]

Mind you I need to figure out how to use it