Demonstrations take place at MBC on Thursday evening. “Demos” are round-robin presentations or mini-performances featuring members of our faculty that address a theme, combined with explication and Q&A sessions. Following are a few examples of the kinds of demos we might offer.

• Progressive Approaches to Bluegrass Banjo
• Playing in a Band: Concepts & Techniques
• Banjo-Fiddle Duets
• Singing with the Banjo
• Black Banjo Styles & Influences
• Old-time (Banjo) Fingerpicking
• Blues on the Banjo
• Tunes you Don't Expect to Hear on Banjo
• Fiddle Tunes with a Ragtime Flavor
• Waltzes and Other Tunes in 3/4 Time
• All "Earl" all the time
• Cool & Unusual Fiddle Tunes
• Modal Fiddle Tunes
• Classic and "Cool" Jazz on Banjo
• Vocal Harmony Workshop
• Bill Monroe Tunes on Banjo
• Composing for 5-Sting Banjo

What’s so Special about Demos?

Although demonstrations do not feature hands on instruction, they do offer a valuable learning experience. By watching instructors play and listening to their explanatory remarks and verbal interchanges, you get a strong sense not only of the state of the field, but also of the history of bluegrass and old-time music. What’s more, observing the instructors in action is a great way to discover whose styles you are most attracted to, and whose methods of presentation suit you best.