JOHN BULLARD
John Bullard has attracted international attention for his work in developing and transcribing classical repertoire for the five-string banjo. His critically acclaimed CD releases include John Bullard - The Classical Banjo on the Dargason label and Bach on the Banjo on Albany Records. Mel Bay Productions published a book of his classical banjo arrangements in 1998. His virtuoso playing was the focus of a cover story and interview in the May 1993 issue of The Banjo Newsletter. John, along with such luminaries as Pete Seeger and Bela Fleck, has been on the faculty of the world-renowned Tennessee Banjo Institute. He has performed throughout the United States and has been featured on numerous radio and television programs. John's classical banjo playing was highlighted in the June 2005 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine. In 2005, he became the first classical banjoist to graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance. Graduating magna cum laude, John was recently inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the prestigious national music honor society. Two pieces from "Bach on the Banjo" are featured in the new film The Edge of Heaven by Turkish- German filmmaker Fatih Akin released in 2007. John's playing is included on the soundtrack recording of The Edge of Heaven on Essay Recordings. In addition to his classical music, John's involvement with Bluegrass music includes work with New Appalachian Express, Virginia Rail, The Virginia Bluegrass Band, and many others.