Dominic McHale is an adult learner studying our Guitar Making & Repair - Intermediate & Advanced course.
Dominic said: "I am a self-employed drama facilitator and actor and with more time of my hands during the pandemic, I started to learn how to play the banjo, using online resources. I continue to practise at home and play clawhammer banjo.
I have done some easy woodwork and DIY at home in the past but when colleges started to reopen, I decided I wanted to take a course to make my own banjo!
My first three months on the course were quite a shock to the system but with support from my tutor Mike, I have steadily improved my skills. I can’t believe I have actually made my own very special banjo from scratch in my first year! I have also learned a lot of new skills such as wood properties and the maths of wood. I've gained a real appreciation of this specialised craft.
I have personalised my own banjo by inscribing a quote from Samuel Beckett, famous in the world of theatre. My quote is 'Fail better', it comes from 'It’s no matter, try again, fail again, fail better'. So basically, don’t give up and that is what I would recommend to all aspiring instrument makers.
I plan to continue on the course next year and my next big project is to make a gourd banjo."
