”There is something extremely important about what Dwight strives to teach, which many students can't or don't want to see. We live in a culture that is fixated on the foreground (notes, technique, tunes, etc.), and yet Dwight struggles to reveal the background (silence, rhythm, cultural context, etc.). This background is the source of the power and drama of the music. It gives life and makes the music breathe. It provokes rather than distracts, confronts rather than pacifies. This is why the old music can be offensive. It doesn't sit nicely within or beside our contemporary culture. Most people only teach the foreground and most people only ever "get" the foreground, because it is the easiest part of music to acquire. It is easy to point to; it's tangible, but it is also superficial. The foreground is important only to the degree that it points to the background, to make the background leap out. This is what it means to for the music to "get" you--to be seized by the power of the old music. What Dwight seeks to teach isn't mere metaphor; it isn't just talk. It is precisely what is deepest, most poignant, and most real about the music." Dr. Bradley Park

About Dwight: Dwight Diller has been teaching banjo and fiddle or almost four decades. He plays and teaches the music he grew up with and is considered one of the pre-eminent West Virginia musicians of his generation. More...

Interested in learning to play the Banjo or Fiddle?

Dwight has been teaching “African down stroke” [ thumpin, frailin, rappin, clawhammer] banjo style since 1971, and offers students banjo and fiddle retreats throughout the year. These retreats are a wonderful way to learn about the music and the culture the context in a quiet setting in the high Allegheny mountains of West Virginia. You can find links to more information about these retreats here on this website

Dwight's itinerary

Dwight travels to and performs at a few local festivals, and also teaches several classes per year at Brown's Creek. Check his itinerary for more information.

The Music
Now you can purchase music and videos directly from Morning Star Folk Music . To quote Elaine Diller, the shop owner, "Among the many things in my gift shop, I have available Dwight's CDs, instructional DVDs,videos, and the new updated tab book. We also have the movie, “The 5th String” which is a feature length film starring Dwight, welknown Clay County WVa fiddler John Morris, a West Virginia cast and filmed in rural West Virginia.'' Dwight's new fiddle album should be available in mid-September 2007.

You can also find selected tab for some of Dwight's tunes and songs on this web site, and the new tab book is available directly from Morning Star Folk Music.

Questions about Banjos?
Often times people email Dwight with banjo questions. Make sure you check out the Banjo FAQs page before sending an email as many times you will find what you are looking for here. If not, check out the rest of the website then feel free to email him

Can't find what you are looking for?

If you still can't find what you are looking for, check the index page. If that isn't helpful, you can contact Dwight at his Brown's Creek [Knave’s Run] home. Email is usually quicker; telephone is usually slower.

Instructional Videos
If you have ever thought about learning old time banjo or fiddle, make sure you check out Dwight's Banjo Retreat. If you can not attend a retreat, Dwight has made some great video lessons available on DVD and VHS. With these Clawhammer Banjo Instructional Videos, you have a great opportunity to learn at home, at your own pace.

Other useful info
There is a great amount of other helpful info on the website. Here are a few links to some of the areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about banjos
About Dwight and the music he plays
An article about Dwight from June '96 Banjo Newsletter
About Dwight's ministry
Contact Dwight