Mando & Banjo Week, June 29-July 5 2025
Mando/Banjo Week 2025 Catalog Section
The annual pairing of Fiddle Week with Mando & Banjo Week is always a match made in heaven! We’re thrilled to have Joe K. Walsh as the new coordinator for this innovative program, whose staff for 2025 comprises top national and international artists representing a variety of styles. Our mandolin instructors will include David Benedict (also teaching octave mandolin), Alan Bibey, Sharon Gilchrist, Hayes Griffin (also teaching bluegrass guitar), Caterina Lichtenberg (classical), Mike Marshall, John Reischman, and Don Stiernberg (jazz and swing). Tabitha Agnew Benedict and Bill Evans will teach bluegrass banjo, while Laura Boosinger and Bruce Molsky will offer classes in old-time banjo. In addition, on-site repairs will be available once again from expert luthier Lynn Dudenbostel.
Mando & Banjo Week features two instruments that are fundamental to acoustic music, taught by a world-class faculty. Mandolin students can study bluegrass, old-time, improvisation, swing/jazz, classical, and more, while banjo students can study both three-finger bluegrass and clawhammer styles. There is also instruction in guitar and bass, and the program runs simultaneously with Fiddle Week, allowing students in both programs to learn and play together. (See Fiddle Week for additional guitar and bass class info.) Evening concerts throughout the week feature our inspiring staff, and a student showcase on Friday is an optional performance opportunity. Classes—capped at 15 students—are mostly taught at the intermediate or advanced level, but we also offer introductory classes. For intermediate classes, students should have solid beginning skills, feel comfortable playing in time, and be able to play some common jam tunes with confidence. This level is also appropriate for advanced players exploring a new style. Advanced classes build on previous experience in the style. Advanced students should feel comfortable learning by ear, have some repertoire in the style, and be familiar with more challenging keys. Additional activities include a Daily Bluegrass Jam, a Luthiers Exhibit with expert on-site repair, special-topic jams led by instructors, and informal picking all over the place!