MBC offers nine class sessions over the course of the weekend -- two on Friday, four on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each session is one hour and fifteen minutes long. There are staff concerts on both Friday and Saturday evenings; over the course of the weekend you'll have the opportunity to hear our entire staff in concert. Rounding out each evening program are staff-led bluegrass and old time jams at a variety of skill levels.
Levels
We now offer four levels or "tracks" for both bluegrass and old-time banjo: Novice, lower intermediate, upper intermediate, and advanced. Here is how we define our levels:
Novice track: The novice program is designed primarily for true beginners: banjoists who have been playing a few months or less, or who have not yet learned even the most basic mechanics of either fingerpicking or the clawhammer stroke. If you already know these basics, we recommend diving into either the lower intermediate or even the upper intermediate programs. Even if they are a little over your head, you'll still be taking home vital advice and mental images that will guide your growth on banjo for years to come.
Lower Intermediate Track: Our lower intermediate track is for students who are beyond the novice stage but still need a lot of technical help on a variety of fronts -- such as efficient left hand and right hand techniques, building up speed and power, achieving good timing, basic song and tune arranging, and so on. Estimated minimum playing experience required: 6 months to 2 years.
Upper Intermediate Track:The upper intermediate track is for students who can play pretty well at a basic level, but are looking to increase their repertoires and playing efficiency, and expand their horizons. It is also designed to help your playing sound more "authentic" and professional. Estimated minimum playing experience required: 18 months to 3 years.
Advanced Track: The advanced track is for those who can already play up to (or close to) speed, but who are looking to grow further as musicians through learning from some of the world's best players. Estimated minimum playing experience required: 3-4 years and up.
The MBC Fiddle Track: We now offer a full program in fiddle, with one option in old-time or bluegrass fiddle during each class session. Full-time fiddle players can now study their instrument throughout, while those banjoists who also play fiddle can enrich their experience by taking an occasional fiddle class. Over the course of Camp, we will offer six classes in old-time fiddle, and two in bluegrass fiddle. This year our camp fiddlers are Alan Jabbour (old-time) and Peter Knupfer (bluegrass). Last year's program can be viewed on our 2009 schedule.
Special Events: For those so inclined, we offer special classes guitar and bass, taught by our support staff. We also offer old-time and bluegrass jams as class options.
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