• The 2018 Monroe Mandolin Camp

    The 2018 Monroe Mandolin CampLake Junaluska, N.C. — Registration for the 2018 Monroe Mandolin Camp opens January 1. The camp will be held Sept. 19-23, 2018 at the historic Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, just outside of Asheville.

    Now in its fifth year, this exclusive one-of-a-kind experience offers instruction in mandolin, fiddle, banjo, guitar, upright bass, and vocals for traditional Bluegrass players of all levels, beginner to expert, led by an internationally renowned staff.

    Classes focus on technique and theory, history of Bill Monroe's musical journeys, melodies and structures, and stories as told by Original Blue Grass Boys, who are part of the staff.

    The Camp will be held the week immediately prior to IBMA's 2018 World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, thus streamlining plans for participants who wish to attend both.

    On-site catered meals, a variety of lodging options, and classes all in one centralized building (Shackford Hall), allow participants to focus on this revolutionary original Bluegrass music, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains scenic setting.

    Organizers are awarding a free official camp t-shirt will be for the first person to sign up for 2018 camp

    Camp Staff

    2018 will showcase not only instruction in mandolin, but all instruments that make up the classic Bluegrass Band: Mandolin, Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, and Bass. The staff includes:

    • Mandolin - Director Mike Compton, Skip Gorman, Caleb Klauder (old-time track), Matt Flinner ("Play It Forward: Using traditional ideas to play contemporary sounds"), John Keith, and Mark Royal.
    • Fiddle - Original Blue Grass Boy Byron Berline.
    • Banjo - Original Blue Grass Boy Bob Black and Alan Munde.
    • Guitar/Vocal Style - Jody Stecher
    • Bass: Mike Bub
    • Luthiers: Camp will also provide a duo of world-class luthiers with Paul Duff and Will Kimble, who will be available for repair, set-up, and instrument needs.
    • Rhythm Hoss: Raymond Huffmaster
    • Rhythm Boss: Mississippi Chris Sharp

    2017 Monroe Mandolin Camp attendees

    Video Scholarship Competitions

    The Board of Directors is proud to announce that MonManCamp will be offering three scholarship this year, one each for Mandolin, Fiddle, and Bass. The winner will be decided by an esteemed panel of judges, and details on how to enter follow.

    • Submissions open to candidates of any age.
    • A Bill Monroe tune submission may be on mandolin, fiddle, or banjo. One submission per individual. Participants to write a 500 word essay on their musical pursuits and why they are interested in Monroe’s prolific music.
    • Video must remain under 4 minutes.
    • Please announce your name and song title on the video. You may play solo or with accompaniment.
    • A maximum of 20 submissions accepted (you will receive an email with confirmation if your video is accepted.)
    • Upload video to YouTube and email the link to: monroemandolincamp@gmail.com . In subject line of email, please write "Video Scholarship Competition."
    • Banjo Scholarship Competition : Video Submission between February 1-February 28.
    • Mandolin Scholarship Competition : Video Submission between March 1-March 31.
    • Fiddle Scholarship Competition : Video Submission between April 1-April 30.
    • Winner of each Video Scholarship Competition to be awarded a full scholarship including tuition and camp T-shirt only. (A $516.50 value)
    • Transportation, meals and lodging are separate and the responsibility of the winner.
    • Winner of the each individual Video Scholarship Competition to be announced on Mandolin Cafe: Banjo - March 7, 2018; Mandolin - April 7, 2018; Fiddle - May 7, 2018

    About the Monroe Mandolin Camp

    The MonManCamp is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization with the missions of creating a living musical memorial to Bill Monroe, the Father of Blue Grass Music, preserving and promoting the root source and heritage of this original American art form, and sharing that with the world through this instructional camp.

    Additional Information


    The 2018 Monroe Mandolin Camp
    Comments 2 Comments
    1. Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
      Mandolin Cafe -
      I think this is great they now offer tracks for all instruments. I'd anticipate as the camp continues to mature/age they may start adding additional instructors for all instruments but that's simply speculation on our part. Do think those of you reading should help spread the good news to your fellow musician friends on other instruments.
    1. reddressproductions's Avatar
      reddressproductions -
      Quote Originally Posted by Mandolin Cafe View Post
      I think this is great they now offer tracks for all instruments. I'd anticipate as the camp continues to mature/age they may start adding additional instructors for all instruments but that's simply speculation on our part. Do think those of you reading should help spread the good news to your fellow musician friends on other instruments.
      Thanks for the announcement and Mandolin Cafe's support all these years! Offering all instruments was part of our 5 year Plan from the start. Excited about the growth and the collaborations that will happen within camp!