FAQ

+ Who should apply?

We are looking for players in the upper-intermediate, advanced, and professional levels.

What exact level of player that ends up at the camp depends on the pool of applicants that we have to choose from. Since there is no application fee there isn't much of a risk in applying whether someone thinks they are at the "right" level or not. We are looking for engaged learners who are eager to listen and learn from some of the best, we want students who are just excited about the banjo as we are and that are banjo nerds to the core! While the camp will be working on skill-building, we are putting together programming that will build up banjo players with a holistic approach, an approach that will hopefully have a long-lasting effect on each players' ability to improve even after the camp is over.  

+ What do you want to see in the application video?

We are looking for two pieces in total. At least one of the tunes should be by yourself without backing tracks, metronome, or backup musicians. The goal of the videos is to get an idea of your playing style and skill level. We need to be able to see both of your hands. One piece should be a tune that you feel is easy and comfortable for you, one piece should be one that you find more challenging. Please know that we watch each and every video with great care and kindness!

+ If I don’t get in this year does it mean I’ll never get in?

No way! If you didn’t get in this year please focus on your playing and practice and try again next year.

+ If I got in last year or a previous year do I need to apply?

Yes.

+ Do you have a scholarship application?

Yes, we have a very limited number of need-based scholarships. The scholarship application is an option within the overall camp application. 

+ When will I know if I’m in? All application decisions are sent at the same time, whether you applied first or last.

How are applications processed? While we do watch and look at applications as they come in, decisions are NOT processed on a rolling basis. Rather, application decisions are made once all applications have been received. Who gets in depends on who applies, for this reason we cannot make decisions until we see the entire application pool.

+ I don’t play 3-finger banjo, should I apply?

Totally. We love the banjo in it’s entirety and love the variety found on this instrument. We are looking for players in the upper-intermediate to advanced levels. While most of the “physical” instruction will be geared toward 3-finger style banjo, there will be plenty of instruction that can be applied to a variety of styles, though we only admit a few of very advance “non-traditional” musicians each year.

+ I got in last year, why didn’t I get in this year?

While we do LOVE our alumni, our ultimate goal is to create camp that pushes the limits of the banjo. If you didn't get in please don’t see this as discouragement, but take the time to work on your playing and apply again next year! We want to create an experience that cannot be found anywhere else, and to do that we are, unfortunately, limited by numbers.

+ Will I need to buy a ticket to Saturday’s concert?

No, every student & observer will have a ticket to the Saturday concert included with the camp tuition. If you want to buy additional tickets for visiting family or friends they can be found here on the Brevard Music Center website: brevardmusic.org

+ Where can I find a camp schedule?

We do not release the camp schedule in its entirety until campers arrive on campus. Check in will be on Wednesday from 4-6p. Unfortunately, early arrivals will not be accommodated. If you are arriving late please let us know so that we can make arrangements for you.

Checkout is Sunday around 1pm, there will be a morning session and morning class on Sunday.

+ When is check in and when should I arrive?

4-6pm on the Wednesday of camp.

We do however recommend arriving to the area early to enjoy all the Western North Carolina has to offer, there are TONS of beautiful AirBnb & hotel options in the area, hiking, great food, beer, and music.

Check out https://explorebrevard.com/ for some great suggestions.

+ When is check-out?

Sunday we will have a final morning session & class and do checkout at lunch-time, sending campers off with a hardy lunch.

+ Can I bring a guitar (fiddle, mandolin, bass, etc)?

YES! While the days will be dedicated to banjo, the evenings will be for jamming! And while we do LOVE banjos, it’s nice to have little variety in a jam…