Eddie Collins

Eddie Collins is considered one of today’s foremost instructors in the acoustic music field, specifically for 5-string banjo, flatpick and Travis style guitar and mandolin. He has authored more than 25 books and DVD courses designed to help all levels of players. Collins founded the highly regarded 5-String Quarterly and currently authors the “Beginner's Corner” column for Banjo NewsLetter. He gives instructional workshops throughout the U.S. (see workshops page) and has written features for Bluegrass Unlimited, Bluegrass Now and Acoustic Musician.


As a performer, Eddie presents his original music in house concerts with a great guitarist/singer, Tim Towell. He also regularly plays banjo with the Piney Grove Ramblers (see Live Performances page). For 17 years he performed monthly at the legendary venue of Artz Rib House in Austin, TX. Collins’ sideman credits are as diverse as having played with the super-oldies group, The Drifters, and country music legend Wynn Stewart. He has performed for two Presidents and won an Academy of Country Music Award as part of the “Best House Band in the USA“ (1981). He won the Southern California Banjo Championship in 1985 and placed 2nd in the 1999 Texas State Banjo Contest.


Collins has appeared on 25+ recordings, including five solo CDs (see CDs page) and has produced albums for several other artists. His latest all-instrumental solo project is Out By Sundown (2009). Beyond music, Collins holds a Master’s degree in education and formerly taught teacher education courses at California Lutheran University. He gives back to the community by as President of the Central Texas Bluegrass Association and as a former disc jockey for KOOP’s (91.7 FM) “Strictly Bluegrass” program. Eddie’s career and original music have been documented in several publications and were highlighted on the nationally-syndicated television show, Texas Music Café.