Study Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, & 4-String (Tenor & Plectrum) Banjo Full Time at MBC

For 2024, we have full-time “tracks” in several instruments other than 5-string banjo. Take all the classes offered for one instrument, take a few, or just dip in and out as the spirit moves you.

Levels: Please be aware that all instruction in tenor banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin is likely to be at an intermediate level. Note that we DO NOT offer novice-level classes for any of these instruments (we only offer novice level classes for bluegrass banjo and old-time banjo).

Fiddle Class

The MBC Old-Time Fiddle Track

We offer a full program in fiddle with one option during each class session. You can study fiddle full-time, part-time, or just take an occasional fiddle class. This track is recommended for fiddlers of any kind with at least one year’s experience, and for violinists with classical or jazz training who are interested in expanding their horizons. Our principal fiddle instructor for 2024 is Erynn Marshall. Fiddle classes will also be taught by Adam Hurt and others.

Note: We DO NOT offer novice-level classes for fiddle (we only offer novice level classes for bluegrass banjo and old-time banjo).


guitar class

The MBC Guitar Track

MBC offers a full program in flatpicking guitar, with one option during each class session. You can study flatpicking guitar full or part time, or just take the occasional class. Our principal flatpick guitar instructor for 2024 is Jake Eddy. Other guitar classes will also be taught by Alan Munde & Michael Miles.

What you need for this track. To be comfortable in our flatpick guitar track, you should already be able to strum in rhythm and change comfortably among the most basic “open position” guitar chords (C, G, D, A, E, etc.).

Note: We do NOT offer novice level classes for flatpick guitar (we only offer novice level classes for bluegrass banjo and old-time banjo).


The MBC Mandolin Track

MBC offers a full program in mandolin, with one option during each class session. You can study “mando” full-time, part- time, or simply take an occasional class. Our principal mandolin instructor for 2024 is jazz and newgrass virtuoso Don Stiernberg. Other mandolin classes will be taught by Keith Baumann.

What you need for this track. To be comfortable in our mandolin track you should already be able to strum in rhythm and change comfortably among the most basic mandolin chords.

Note: We do NOT offer novice-level classes for mandolin (we only offer novice level classes for bluegrass banjo and old-time banjo).


The MBC 4-String (Tenor & Plectrum) Banjo Track

MBC offers a full program in 4-string banjo, with one option during each class session. You can study tenor banjo (tuned CGDA) or plectrum banjo full-time, part-time, or simply take an occasional class. Our principal instructor for 2024 is Johnny Baier. Other 4-String banjo classes will be taught by Keith Baumann.

What you need for this track. To be comfortable in our tenor banjo track, you should already be able to strum in rhythm using a pick and change comfortably among a few basic tenor banjo chord shapes.

Can I attend the MBC Tenor Banjo Program if I mostly play plectrum banjo? Our principal instructor, Johnny Baier tells us he is completely comfortable gearing his classes to work for both tenor and plectrum players.

What is the difference between tenor and plectrum banjo? There are two very different kinds of 4-string banjos: tenor banjo and plectrum banjo. Tenor banjo has a much shorter scale-length than plectrum banjo, and is tuned differently. A couple of quick questions on a net search engine will give you all the information you need to know about both.

Note: We do NOT offer novice-level classes for 4-string banjo (we only offer novice level classes for bluegrass banjo and old-time banjo).

Also Note: Our tenor program is based on jazz-tenor tuning (CGDA), and NOT Irish style tenor tuning. Irish-style tenor banjo not only uses a different tuning but is based on a different picking approach.