Testimonials

2023 Camp

Everything I expected: great time, fantastic instructors, the camp helped me to advance my skills with both banjo and guitar, and a cordial group of fellow students.

Robert Dievendorf, Empire MN

incredible.  Gave me the tools to take both my bass and banjo playing to the next level.  As a bassist, I did not mind the lack of a bass curriculum, as I was able to work on my banjo during the day in classes, and my bass at night in jams. . . The tremendous accessibility of the instructors.  I was able to take classes from my favorite performers, then continue discussing what was taught and my overall music abilities/goals/interests over meals and between classes, apply what I was learning in jams with those same instructors - during which and after they provided additional tips, and then apply everything in informal late night jams.  Then I’d wake up next morning and do it all over again.

Ed Studzinski, Elmhurst IL

Very good instructor choices. With so many choices of classes, it was hard to decide which classes to do, and having the schedule posted before camp, I was able to decide before arriving. Have been at other camps where I didn't like the mix or the schedule, and didn't attend all the time blocks. At MBC, I was very pleased with all the classes I participated in.

Len Lieberman

It's a great camp with something for every banjo player out there whether they're just starting out or have been playing for a long time. It's the place to gather with other banjo players and talk about banjo stuff.

Heidi Hess-Bynum Radcliff KY

Met some amazing musicians and I got to learn from and even jam a bit with some of my banjo heroes and some great faculty and student musicians that I didn't know about before attending the camp. I liked the variety of topics covered in the classes. . . Overall, I had a really great time at MBC! It was fun to meet so many great musicians! I only wish I had a little more time to meet with and jam with more folks...I couldn't meet/jam with everyone I wanted to with so many classes in session through the day and then evening jams becoming 'busy' and some jams ending at a relatively early time. But, there were some late-night jammers that I did get to hang out with on some nights, and that was so much fun! I think a camp like this can always be continually improved, but the way it is now in my opinion as a first time attendee is a very positive and enriching experience overall. In addition, the tuition for the camp, I thought, was pretty reasonable. Expensive, yes, but I felt like I did get my money's worth with the meals/lodging included, and the several days of banjo immersion with great faculty and students!

Josh Sandstrom Duluth

The range of classes was superb. Organization was first class, with the exception of a few insignificant hiccups. I always felt the directors and staff had a plan. . .  The friendly sense of community. Even though we all had different specific interests, there was always a sense that "we're all in this together."

Mike Gibson, Irving TX

Staff was terrific! What an incredible few days with world-class musicians. . . Everyone was very easy-going. Zero criticism or ego. Everyone just there to learn and have a good time.

Mike Currier, Brighton ON

The impressive lineup of skilled workshop instructors made for an incredible experience at the MBC 2023.  After playing and recording bluegrass for 45 years, I still learned so much from these wonderful artists.  Each of them were so generous in sharing their deep knowledge and experience!

Dave Sladek DePere WI

Every banjo camp renews my interest and enthusiasm to improve. The teachers, masters of their craft and instruments, are excellent. Great setting, campus is beautiful, clean and the Manchester staff were gracious hosts.

John Hutchcroft, Holt, MI

This camp has been a yearly event for me since 2006.  I've had the opportunity to study with outstanding, world class Instructors in banjo, guitar, and mandolin.  The classes are interesting and informative.  The camp staff is friendly and willing to go the extra mile to make it an enjoyable experience.  Over the years I've made friends from all over  the country and reconnecting with them is one of the highlights of the camp.  I look forward to attending again next year and into the future. Other than the high quality instruction, my favorite part of MBC is the opportunity to meet and play with musicians, of many different skill levels,  from all the country.  I always come away exhausted but happy.  All the jams both those built into the schedule and the spontaneous ones that go on after hours provide many chances to learn new songs & tunes . . . As it has been in previous years, Camp this time was a blast for me.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself pretty much every minute of my time there.  The new facility , quality of instruction, and smooth logistics make this something to remember and something to look forward too.

Mike Giffin Saginaw

As it has been in previous years, Camp this time was a blast for me.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself pretty much every minute of my time there.  The new facility , quality of instruction, and smooth logistics make this something to remember and something to look forward too.

Qui Yang, Chicago

Excellent instruction, presentations and concerts. Total banjo immersion, as advertised . . . Packed schedule and something interesting to do each period. Opportunity to learn from some great teachers.

Randy Wiggins Madison.

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know what a great time I had at MBC this weekend. Holy smokes. The experience exceeded my hopes and expectations. I've been playing banjo (clawhammer) less than a year, and the exposure to different players, their techniques, their online and print resources and their practical guidance have made a significant difference already. Since I've been home (<48 hrs), I've already put (a fraction of) what I've learned into practice, and I can see, hear and feel the difference already. So gratifying. This I credit not only to the fantastic instructors, but to the overall planning and execution of the camp program -- in other words, to you. Well done. Thank you.

Jared Bates.

Thank you for a great camp.  This was my first camp—didn’t know what to expect and was frankly a bit nervous about playing with so many great players.  The instruction was terrific—I learned a ton.

Jim Heath, Richland MI

Everyone was supportive and nonjudgmental regarding those of lower skill level than themselves.  There was a distinct lack of cliquishness nor snobbery. The camp is neither too long nor too short.  The instructors were AMAZING: both in musical skill and ability to support students of the banjo.  The instructors were very approachable.  Having a luthier around for long hours was GREAT.  I had a minor problem with my nut and had 5th string spikes installed on my banjo--he was skilled and reasonably priced.  The camp store was very well run.  I suspect the change in venue caused increased stress on the store employees (increased distance/more disorganization) but they were totally cool about it!  I liked the classes being physically close together.

Chris Pinney, Carlisle PA.

Fabulous. Very helpful and fun. Great environment and atmosphere for learning and enjoying playing. Very well organized, great teachers. Not a wasted moment! Very full and diverse schedule, tho not rushed. Great teachers.I just wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks for everything you did to make this past weekend a magical one. Your event brought together three old college roommates who haven’t hung out all together since graduation, twenty-four years ago (and one of whom I haven’t even seen in person in about that long).

George Bohfalk, Charlotte NC.

I picked up old time banjo in 2020, but never had an opportunity to play with others (due to the pandemic, and not having found people to jam with here in Ann Arbor). So I was personally looking forward to MBC as a first chance for me to wade a bit further into the deep end. On a whim, I jokingly suggested that my old college roommates join me. Given that neither plays old time music, and both live on the west coast, I wasn’t expecting anything to come of it—but both said yes! Graham (from Los Angeles), who plays guitar but has never really tried old time or bluegrass, decided to borrow my guitar and jump into the flatpicking track. Stewart (from Vancouver, BC), went so far as to buy his first banjo and braved the “novice” old time classes. Both felt fully welcomed, despite the lack of background, and learned a ton about the fascinating world of old time music. And I, for my part, learned more in three days than I have in the past three years of playing on my own (including how to at least fake my way through an intermediate-level jam!). Music was always at the core of our friendship—we played in multiple bands together back in the day—and the environment at MBC dropped us right back into that groove. I can’t think of a better way to have reconnected with them, or a more perfect setting in which to have done it. So please accept my sincere appreciation for all of your hard work in making this wonderful experience possible, for us and so many others!

Rob Jansen Ann Arbor, MI

I had a blast and learned so much. Thank you, thank you. I really enjoy being a student in general, so I was in my element. But I loved learning from such illustrious - yet down to earth - musicians. It was also great meeting other banjo players. One of the highlights for me was the faculty concerts. Getting to hear musicians I didn't have a class with was great. . . As a newbie, I was really nervous about attending banjo camp. This was really out of my comfort zone. But, wow, it didn't take long for me to forget about feeling nervous. Everyone was welcoming and friendly from the very start—teachers and other students alike. I can't wait to come back next year! I'm hoping to bring my guitar-playing daughter too. 🙂

Bekah Cotton, Cleveland Hts OH .

I LOVE BANJO CAMP!!!  It’s the highlight of my year.  Because of the total emergence aspect, I feel like I learn as much in the long weekend as would otherwise take me many months to learn.

Cher Leaton. St. Charles IL.

Had a great time!  The faculty were incredibly friendly and helpful.  Tons of information that I will be able to work on for the next several months.

Garrett Wms, Eureka MO.

2019 Camp

Banjo Camp was outstanding! It keeps getting better each year. Thank you so much for organizing such an amazing event. It makes us sad to leave each year as we head back into the real world. I tell my friends that if they ever feel as though they need therapy, spend the money on banjo camp instead!

Fran Alcantara, Riverside IL

I came back from the camp all fired up as it opened me up to a whole new style and repertoire of songs. I've been diligently practicing the songs I learned, finding new songs and digging into all the lore of the music. I'm having a ball and it wouldn't have happened without the kick start from the camp. Got you penciled in for next year and expect to be there.

Paul Jossman, Castleton NY

Midwest Banjo Camp was absolutely amazing! To be able to hang out with the greatest pickers on the planet is truly an incredible experience.   The jams were amazing, very interesting classes that were not necessarily just learning songs/licks. All of my banjo dreams came true!

Jeff Schrems, Hemlock MI

My experience was the best of any camp I have attended thus far in the 3 years I have been playing. Thank you!

Paul Shealy, Guyton GA

An excellent experience; highlight of my summer.

Jerry Shelato, Mundelein, IL

This was a very well run event. I am involved with organizing events for large groups so I understand something about logistics. You did a fantastic job with this.

Mark Tolstrup, Saratoga Springs NY

An outstanding experience! I was pleasantly surprised on many fronts. For example, the accessibility, versatility and adaptability of the teachers. It’s one thing to be able to take a class from one of your banjo heroes, it’s another to get their assistance in a specific area you need help in. Thinking about it afterward, if I added up the years of experience from the instructors I had access to, it would easily be 1,000 years or so. Their willingness to dump all of that into my head was wonderful. Can’t wait to do it again! A great experience, affordably priced, and a ton of fun hanging out with kindred spirits and getting instruction from your idols.

Patrick Albanese, Clive IA

This is a great camp. I love the format, being able to switch tracks and hop around, and all the instructors are so supportive inside and outside of the classroom. I’ve made great friends at this camp and look forward to it every year. Midwest Banjo Camp has the absolute best instructors and performers. I play old time, but once I looked at the bluegrass instructors I was even more excited about the concerts because, what a line up! Now that I’ve been attending several years, it’s great to see friends and make new ones. This is a camp that’s great for a true beginner to someone who has been playing their whole life.

Heidi Hess-Bynum, Radcliff, KY

I thoroughly enjoyed it! Really appreciated the instructors and how patient and enthusiastic they were. I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the organization, the up to date emails as the event approached, and the breadth and quality of the classes. The instructors I had were excellent. I was also impressed by how kind, approachable and humble the instructors were. I definitely plan to return next year. Such a large camp allows for the varied skill levels of the classes, which I appreciated, offering the opportunity to feel very comfortable in some and a little challenged in others. Thank you!

Deborah Wilson, Arbor Vitae WI

Well-run program with top-notch teachers; I loved the great concerts and musical opportunities: fun teachers who are knowledgeable, passionate about their craft, patient and willing to help.

Mark Skipworth, Carol Stream IL

The 2019 Midwest Banjo Camp had much to offer banjo players of diverse experience/skill levels and stylistic interests. This banjo-centered camp also provided instruction in other instruments including, Bass, Old Time Fiddle, Mandolin, Flat-Picked Guitar, and Finger-Style Guitar. The campus is beautiful and easy to navigate. The program was well organized and well managed. The staff was welcoming, cheerful, friendly and helpful. I hope to attend again.

Jack Osburn, Vienna VA

Your camp was the first one I have attended, and found it appropriately challenging. MBC was really well balanced in terms of duration of the camp, and the challenge levels that were provided. As far as fitting the appropriate level of challenge to the labeled level of skill for each class, that was well done.  I was a teacher for 39 years, and that is something that I always notice in a “camp” event.  I knew upon reading class descriptions, what techniques I already knew, and which would further my abilities. Always, I found that they reached the end of my comprehension just a few minutes before the end of class.  I always felt I was stretched just beyond my skill set… making me a better player as a result.

Chuck Lauritsen, Urbandale IA

I would recommend this camp to anyone, any level. All the people were extremely nice. The instructors were approachable.

John McHugh, Southbridge MA

Well organized and operated, with staff attentive to students’ needs and levels. Good food!

Geoff Tillotson, Brookfield, IL

Great setting; super Master-Level instructors. I will definitely make it a must do!

John Hutchcroft, Holt, MI

I‘ve been to three camps so far (including Bela Fleck’s) and this one has been the most enjoyable to attend. I loved how many great teachers there were; everyone was very nice and approachable.

Peter Burds, Vermont

Great, Friendly, informative. Inspiring to study and practice more. The teaching was excellent. The experience helped me formulate a plan for the next several months.

Mark Fisher, Evanston, I

You guys did a thorough and thoughtful job organizing this event.  No disappointments for me, and an overall wonderful experience.  Can’t wait ‘til next year!

Jim Ries Los Angeles, CA

Great experience - great value - convenient for the Chicago area. I found it very interesting how both students and teachers assessed their skill level and the difficulty of material covered. But the range was broad enough that there was plenty to learn in each class

Ed Studzinski, Elmhurst, IL

At the end of the day, the greatest experiences are all thanks to good people. I could not have asked for better, every step of the way at banjo camp.

Shari Ballard Krishnan, Portage, MI

MBC absolutely fulfilled my expectations.  I’d come with hopes to immerse myself in a banjo style that I knew of but didn’t yet play, and I was able to focus on multiple classes with multiple teachers to accomplish just that. Those of you on the staff who live full time with the music don’t necessarily have a sense of how difficult it is to carve out time for the music for those of us who combine a love of the music with non-music careers and family responsibilities.  The immersive experience of banjo camp is a wonderful opportunity to delve more deeply into the music than we normally would.

Fred Winter, Arlington VA

The teachers were down to earth and still remember what it is like to be a beginner. The demo sessions, jams and concerts were very entertaining and inspiring. It was nice to meet and be around so many people with the same interest. It was vacation time well spent and I plan to attend again next year.

Bill Naylor, Monroeville PA

Fantastic, I sound better, I enjoy banjo more;  I learned more than I thought I would and learned things I did not expect to learn. I gained a deeper appreciation for old time music and banjo and also the importance of the fiddle player!

John Leary, Rockville MD

Fantastic, well run, I learned a boatload. As I am mostly self-taught, I appreciated the opportunity to learn from professionals how to hone my right and left hand techniques/skills and learn new skills and tunes. Also, of course, meeting and playing with fun people with similar interests.

Teresa  Lipus, Boise ID

Incredible instruction! I learned so much and was encouraged and inspired by the playing staff.

Margaret Black, Duanesburg NY

This was the best MBC I’ve attended; the time went by too quickly!

Neil Donovan, Chicago

Outstanding! Well-organized, run and the curriculaum was so diverse I could find a place to learn at my level. Perfect! Thank you for such a well-planned and executed camp!

Craig Effinger,  Harrison Township MI

It was a wonderful experience. I will be back and will bring musical friends!

Colin Field, London Ontario

Wonderful experience, again! Great instructional opportunities, superb teachers.

Ed Kickham, Royal Oak MI

Good value, even for guitar players!

Jeff Quint, Brookfield WI

Great! Keeps getting better. I always come away from MBC inspired. Could have done a full week easily!

Steve Romanowski, Lake Zurich IN

I have attended a few camps around the country but this is the best. [I liked] the teachers and top performers plus the variety of styles. Loved the Demos!

Andrea Stader, Carbondale IL

It was perfect for me!

Renata Stark, Brazil

Always a great time, seeing old friends, learning new things and jamming.

Mike Thomas, Harsens Island MI

Oustanding! Every aspect of the planning and execution by the staff made the camp worthwhile and productive. I’ve been to MBC four times and each time it gets better.

Doug Wild, Gauley AL

I can quickly tell you my experience at Midwest Banjo Camp was excellent: well worth the money! The only thing that disappointed me was the lack of dark, sweet Southern-style ice tea in the dining room. Thank you for putting on this wonderful event. I'll be back!

Linda Janca, Fernandina Beach FL

2018 Camp

MBC was absolutely fantastic. I can't believe how much I learned in just a few days. I feel like I have enough material to practice for the whole year! The teachers were all phenomenal, and I really liked how each one had a different teaching style and different material to share. I'll definitely be back next year. (Elizabeth Allen: Toronto) Absolutely amazing; I loved it! It was like being dropped into a foreign country where everybody spoke banjo. I loved getting to learn from all my banjos heroes. Bravo Ken and Stan! You put your hearts into making this camp run so smoothly . It was life-changing. I can’t thank you enough. (Cynthia Seputis: Arlington Heights, IL) My expectations were far exceeded. I learned, I got better, and I made so many new and talented friends. I love my family but I don’t want to go home. (Scott Campbell: Ann Arbor, MI) I’ll soon have ten camps in. I’ve discovered that above and beyond the positive musical and entertainment experience what makes the camp so special is the approachability and dedication of the staff and instructors. Class people providing a class experience. See you next year! (John Letscher: Hollidaysburg, PA). Freaking amazing!! (Shirley Rayner: Winnipeg) Fantastic experience. I wish I had attended earlier in my life so I’d have improved faster. I would attend every year if I could. (Peter Blais: St. Louis) Everything banjo. MBC is like a trip into the wilderness, escape day-to-day routines to experience familiar and unexpected music ( Dennis Davidson: Minneapolis) Fantastic! Best instruction I’ve ever had! I learned a ridiculous amount in three days and can’t wait to get home and woodshed (Amy Coffman: Amarillo, TX) Outstanding! Camp this year did not disappoint. High quality, well organized experience. This was my 12th camp. I’ll be back next year. (Mike Giffin: Saganaw, MI) I love this camp! Probably my ideal old-time lineup and it’s the only place I can get 19th century and minstrel instruction. The 19th-century track has changed my life; I approach music differently because of all these classes. (Heidi Hess Bynum: Radcliff, KY) Nice people, rich experience, life-changing. The friendliness of staff, volunteers and participants. The professional attitude of instructors: They took their teaching seriously, but with humor. Well organized. Thanks to all for such competence and heart!!!! (Celia Dunnington: Iowa City, IA) Awesome as always! The instructors are outstanding and the concert is just jaw-dropping. (Amy Derosier: Lansing, MI) The camp was very well thought out and organized. It was a privilege to be instructed by some of the best talent in the bluegrass world. (Keith Ellison Williams: Rockford IL) I just wanted to thank you for organizing a great event. I work in the event industry - for the nonprofit that organizes the Twin Cities Marathon and a bunch of other running events - so I know just how much work goes into "sweating the details." So, thanks again for all the great planning and execution. (Charlie Mahler: Northfield, MN) So much variety to choose from; it is definitely a fantasy camp for banjo players of all abilities. Carol Rehak (So. Milwaukee, WI) As in past years, I was thrilled by the whole experience. I appreciate how much work goes into making everything work well. All teachers are fine players and, for every teacher who has been at previous camps, I can be assured that they are also good teachers - Fine players who aren't fine teachers don't get invited back. (Ruth Ann Weinberg : Highland Park IL) Outstanding! Great instructors; everyone was welcoming and friendly. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. I loved being part of the banjo community. The classes helped me understand things that I already partially knew, and helped me think about things in a different way. (Duncan Manley: Birmingham, AL) It opened my eyes to all the different things I could explore with the banjo; first time here and loved it! (Gary Leach: New Castle, MI) An amazing number of choices! So easy to pick a class that fits in any time slot. (Paul Gowling: Ontario) Wonderful event. High standard! Well run. (Anne Gowling: Guleph, Ontario) I love the camp Everyone is warm and friendly; and high quality instruction; non-stop fun! (Ed Kickham: Bloomfield MI) Wonderful. Awesome combination of classes , jam opportunities, amazing concerts, enthusiastic people. (Parker Buckley: Yellow Springs, Ontario) Great positive, friendly, learning atmosphere. (Kathy Sutton: Lake Orion, MI) Second time here; value is so great I will continue to come. (Peter Brooks: Sister Bay, WI) This is my seventh camp. I can’t say enough about the quality and value. (Don Rahelich: Hinesburg, VT) I learned some things about the blues I’ve been after for years. I guess I’ll have to come back again next year. (Loren Hicks: Toronto) Awesome! A very enriching and motivating experience. (Mark Krauss: State College, PA) Fantastic! Incredible! Exciting! Inspiring! (David McFarland:L Blooming ton,IN) An excellent experience. I found something interesting in every time slot. (Darryl Bush: Erie PA) Things run very smoothly with no obvious issues at all that I could see. Peter Jackson, (Nunica, MI) Excellent instructors and organization. I always appreciate the variety of courses. (Josh Leven: Alto MI) I was delighted with the instruction and sheer weight of learning opportunities. (David Zub: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) I had a great time! Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The programs were great. (M’lou Brubaker: Goodland, MN) Another great year! (Mike Thomas: Harsens Island, MI) As a first timer I was impressed with the format, organization and value of the weekend (Dan Degasperis: Ortonville, MI) Outstanding! Very well organized. Many thanks for the precious memories. It was a great weekend. (Shari Ballard: Waterford, MI) Fabulous! Excellent! Well done. Thanks for all you do! (Mac Bellingrath: Pine Bluff, AR) Another great year! Excellent camp. Hugely enjoyable. Stellar instructional staff. (Chuck Beck: Dearborn, MI) Fantastic! Loved it! Very efficient use of time! The classes were great: informative, business like and made good use of time. (Eileen Sugars: Duluth, MN) Very well organized, well run, impressively talented of teachers. (Mark Skipworth: Carol Stream, IL) Outstanding. Been here five years in a row; hope to be back in 2019 (Al Piskorski: Arlington Heights, IL) Nobody could be better! I love the Midwest again.(Rob Kunkel, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands)