Levels and Tracks for Bluegrass & Old-time Banjo
All students at MBC are free to take any class at any time. You can move among levels, move freely between old-time and bluegrass, take classes in different instruments, and generally create a program that works best for you. 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:
The Novice Track
The Novice Tracks in old-time and bluegrass banjo are for students who are just starting out on the instrument, and have well under one year’s playing experience. Recognizing that students just getting underway have unique learning requirements, we offer a course of instruction designed to impart both needed skills and effective practice-attitudes.
Note: 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.
Want to Get Started at Clawhammer? If you could use an introduction to clawhammer, or a refresher on the very basics before coming to camp, check out these two videos prepared by MBC director Ken Perlman: Ken Perlman's Intro to Clawhammer #1 and Ken Perlman's Intro to Clawhammer #2.
Want to Get Started at Bluegrass Banjo? If you could use an introduction to bluegrass banjo, or a refresher on the very basics before coming to camp, check out this video prepared by Greg Cahill.
Lower Intermediate Track
The lower intermediate level is for those players who are above the novice level but are still in the process of mastering basic techniques. The focus here is overwhelmingly on acquiring the skills you’ll need to grow as a player. This track is for students who have been playing between nine months and two years.
Upper Intermediate Track
This level is for students who have been playing for at least two years. Classes in this track are not necessarily technically demanding, but they generally require that students have considerable familiarity with the instrument.
Advanced Track
These challenging classes give our instructors the opportunity to offer students the full depth of their expertise and experience.
Do I Need to Sign Up for Classes or Levels in Advance?
You do NOT have to sign up in advance or make any special arrangements to attend any particular instruction level. At MBC you are completely free to make class selections as you please.
