The Victoria Banjo Club was originally formed in 1932 by Charles Bowden and was later run by his son Ian. During the height of its popularity from the 1930s to the late 1950s, the Club had a headquarters and music store in central Melbourne and boasted a membership numbering in the hundreds. It’s motto was “to create music is the greatest thrill”.
Ian Bowden c. 1950
The Victoria Banjo Club was originally named Melbourne Banjo Club, which was established in the 1920’s by Conan E. (‘Bill’) Andrews.
Thanks to its innovative “hands on” teaching methods, the VBC brought out the musical skills of adults and children alike and many leading banjo players featuring in today’s jazz bands learnt to play though the VBC. The Club gave concert performances in venues such as the Melbourne Town Hall , made regular appearances on several of the most popular Melbourne radio stations and provided spectacular floats featuring massed banjo players for Melbourne’s famous Moomba parades.
The “new” Victoria Banjo Club aims to continue the tradition and carries with it the blessings of The Bowden Family. Many current members, still playing in their 60s and even their 80s, originally learned their craft from the Bowdens and are ready to pass on a lifetime’s experience to younger players.
Introducing Paul Scudds -Tuition
Paul Scudds is a professional banjoist with approximately 40 years’ experience and has been teaching the 4-string banjo for some 29 years. He started learning the banjo with the original Victoria Banjo Club in 1965.
As well as featuring as a soloist, Paul has participated as a member of numerous traditional jazz bands and in musical stage productions in Melbourne and Sydney. He says his most valuable experience was playing with the Red Garter Banjo Band in Sydney at the age of 19. “That’s where I learned all the tricks of the trade” he says “Performing nightly in an underground jazz night club right in the heart of a city bursting with American troops on R&R leave was a real eye – opener for me, not just musically!”
Paul has also had extensive experience in Music Hall and old-time sing-a-long music which features the banjo and invokes audience participation.
Paul loves teaching pupils of all ages and stages of proficiency, from beginners through to advanced, as well as professionals who make their living from playing.
For enquiries regarding teaching contact us on Ph. 9592 2222, Fax 9592 9156