From that day on and for the next several months, young Robert begged and pestered his parents for banjo lessons.  His determination won them over and they presented him with his first instrument – a 5-string banjo from Montgomery Wards. 

After a couple of months, Robert’s first banjo instructor moved away.  Recognizing a budding talent, he referred Robert to another music store and another teacher – Jerry Garcia.  Yes – the Jerry Garcia.  Under Garcia’s tutelage, Robert excelled at bluegrass, practicing licks in his room after school when most kids were out playing baseball.

On the advice of Garcia, Robert’s Montgomery Ward banjo was upgraded – a gift from his big brother, David.  It was the mid 60s and the folk music wave was getting into full swing and so, too, were Robert’s dreams of playing bluegrass. 

Now residing in the greater Sacramento area, Robert’s love of the banjo and bluegrass music have expanded to include mastering other instruments such as the fiddle, guitar, mandolin and even the upright bass.  He has spent his lifetime playing, performing, recording and teaching, adding Clawhammer and Celtic music to his repertoire.

From the gentle manner in which he teaches his students of all ages, to his fiery live performances, Robert Bowden embodies bluegrass music in a way that would make Bill Monroe proud.

Robert@StickToPicking.com