How to play the banjo...not what to play?

I have learned how to play the banjo and have very much enjoyed it, but one road block that I have run into is that I am always having to start over when it comes to learning a new song.

Is there a way to get better, not at learning songs, but at learning how to play songs better and not having to start over every time? Is there a way to learn how to play the banjo and not what to play?

Thanks

btbutler