Grammy Award winner Bla Fleck spoke to students in the bluegrass music department Friday afternoon in the basement of Reece Museum.
Fleck is best known as the banjo-playing leader of the jazz band Bla Fleck and the Flecktones. Fleck was in the Tri-Cities area as part of his current tour with classical double-bassist Edgar Meyer.
They performed at the Paramount Center in Bristol later that evening.
Fleck answered students’ questions about his life, his practice routines and the music business.
“You really can’t be set as a musician. It is really better if you’re flexible and have some options,” Fleck said.
Fleck has been considered a pioneer, taking the banjo from bluegrass to jazz and with his latest album to classical music.
Playing classical music on an instrument it was not intended for was the hardest thing he had ever tried to do, he said.
Fleck began his career as a banjo player after his grandfather gave him his first banjo when Fleck was 15.
“That is when I feel like my life started,” he said. “I couldn’t put it down, it was impossible.”
The students questions largely focused around bluegrass.
“I don’t feel that I have much to offer it (bluegrass),” said Fleck in response to a question regarding why he has moved away from playing bluegrass music.
There are already so many great banjo players in the field, he said.
“I get a lot out of playing different types of music.”
Fleck played a few songs for the students, including a selection of Bach.
Fleck’s tour with Meyer ended on Saturday in Knoxville. Bla Fleck and the Flecktones will go back on tour later this year.

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