Traditional Bluegrass. Rooted in Monroe. Made to Be Played.
Bluegrass is a living musical language. At Monroe Mandolin Camp, we come together to listen closely, understand its foundations, and learn how to speak it through our instruments and voices.
Bill Monroe did not create this music in a vacuum. His musical vision, mandolin playing, singing, and leadership were central to its development. Alongside him, the musicians of the Blue Grass Boys brought their own voices, techniques, ideas, and musical instincts. Together, they shaped a sound whose power came from the relationships among them.
That shared creation is part of what we study—and practice—at MMC. Understanding Monroe’s music means listening to the whole band: how the instruments establish rhythm, how a phrase answers a singer, how harmony changes the feeling of a melody, and how musicians make room for one another while keeping the music moving.
Every Instrument Has a Voice. Every Voice Helps Shape the Sound.
Mandolin • Fiddle • Banjo • Guitar • Upright Bass • Voice
Our name carries our roots, but Monroe Mandolin Camp is a place to study the whole musical conversation. Each instrument and voice has a distinct role, and each contributes to the character of the music.
The bass and guitar establish pulse and rhythmic movement. Mandolin, banjo, and fiddle contribute drive, melody, texture, and answering phrases. Singers shape the story through lead and harmony. Those roles overlap and shift as musicians listen and respond to one another.
At MMC, every instrument is part of the musical foundation. We give attention to individual technique and to the ensemble understanding that turns separate parts into a shared sound.
Through individual instrument and vocal classes, participants explore the details of their own playing and singing. Through collaborative classes and shared music-making, they put those details into conversation: learning when to lead, when to support, when to answer, and when to leave room.
We study the recordings, stories, techniques, and contributions of Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys to understand how this musical language works—and how to carry it into our own playing with knowledge, intention, and feeling.
Come to deepen your playing. Find your place in the music. Help carry it forward.
Our Roots
Co-founded by Heidi Herzog and Mike Compton, Monroe Mandolin Camp began in 2013, with its first camp held in 2014. Founded with the blessing of James Monroe, Bill Monroe’s son, MMC grew from a shared commitment to creating a place where musicians could study Monroe’s music in depth and learn from those who know its language firsthand.
Our purpose remains clear: preserve and promote the music and cultural heritage of first-generation bluegrass, rooted in the musical language shaped by Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys, through teaching, listening, mentorship, and shared music-making.
That includes the tunes and songs, the stories behind them, and the musical details that recordings alone cannot always explain. It also means helping each generation develop the understanding to carry this tradition into its own musical life.
Learning That Becomes Part of Your Playing
MMC’s five-day immersive camp brings participants together for instrument and vocal classes, special presentations, individual tutorials, instructor-led jams, a student showcase, and an instructor concert.
You might spend a class working on the timing of a mandolin phrase, finding a harmony part, or understanding how a bass line supports the band. Later, in a jam, those ideas become something you can hear, feel, and put into practice.
Learning happens in the classroom—and continues through the tunes, questions, and conversations we share throughout camp.
Our community includes younger musicians finding their footing, adults returning to an instrument, experienced players exploring greater depth, and teachers gathering ideas to share at home. You do not need professional ambitions to take this music seriously or to find a place here.
What connects us is curiosity, a willingness to listen, and a love of making music together.
Community Begins Before the First Tune
Our MMC Ambassador Program connects first-time participants and players new to bluegrass with a returning camper who can help them feel at home.
An ambassador offers someone to contact with questions before arrival, help finding your way through the first day, and a familiar face as you settle into camp. Sometimes, a simple conversation makes all the difference.
Interested in connecting with an ambassador? Let us know when you register or email monroemandolincamp@gmail.com.
Passing along what we know—and welcoming the next person into the circle—is part of how this community grows.
Why Study Monroe?
Studying Monroe’s music asks us to listen beyond the notes: to the placement of a phrase, the pull of the rhythm, the spaces between sounds, and the way one musician responds to another.
Mike Compton describes the commitment behind that work:
“Those folks who want Monroe and traditional bluegrass are very particular, and that’s what we the staff have been trying to preserve for them. Monroephiles are no different than members of any other group in that their energy, attention, and emotions are heavily invested in this vein; they know what they like and don’t spend a lot of time noodling around elsewhere. It is a different style of playing and is not easily understood, adapted to, or mastered. For those of us who love it, it is of no concern that some look upon this ‘old style’ as outdated and simple-minded–Monroephiles like the brand pure to the bone and MMC allows us to practice and play with others of like-mind and commitment.” —Mike Compton
Where Legends Pass the Torch
The People Who Have Shaped MMC
Over the years, MMC has welcomed former members of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, instructors, special presenters, online guest artists, and luthiers whose knowledge and generosity have helped shape our community.
Their contributions connect us to the music’s history while helping participants develop the skills and understanding to carry it forward—in their homes, local jams, bands, classrooms, and communities.
Former Members of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys:
Roland White, Tom Ewing, Blake Williams, Mark Hembree, Glen Duncan, Byron Berline, Bob Black, Butch Robins, Robert Bowlin, Bobby Hicks, Mark Kuykendall, Buddy Spicher, and James Monroe.
Instructors, Presenters, Online Guest Artists & Luthiers:
Mike Compton, Norman & Nancy Blake, David Davis, Skip Gorman, Butch Robins, John Keith, Tim Stafford, Mark Royal, Casey Campbell, Chris Henry, Jesse Brock, Paul Duff, Will Kimble, Raymond Huffmaster, Mississippi Chris Sharp, Kathy Kallick, Tammy King, Charlie Cushman, Todd Phillips, Aynsley Porchak, Frank Solivan, Tony Williamson, Richie Brown, Jen Larson, Lauren Price, Sharon Gilchrist, Alan O’Bryant, Jeff Burke, Vickie Vaughn, Kimber Ludiker, Adam Tanner, Walter Carter, Martin Fisher, Ron Block, Scott Napier, Lynn Dudenbostel, Katelyn Buckley, Brian Christianson, Doyle Lawson, Lincoln Hensley, Corrina Rose Logston, Daniel Patrick (Mandolins & Beer), Jeremy Stephens, Rich del Grosso, Jim Watson, Tom Ellis, Caleb Klauder, Jody Stecher, Alan Munde, Matt Flinner, Matt Combs, Robert Montgomery, Beth Lawrence, Richard Bailey, Laura Orshaw, Cary Black, Alan Bibey, Chris Jones, Carl Jones, Laurelyn Dossett, Silas Powell, Jeremy Wanless, Grace van’t Hof, Jack Lawrence, Trey Hensley, Dan Miller, Reed Stutz, Don MacRostie, Jane Henderson, Jim Richter, and Mike Bub.
This roster reflects contributions across MMC’s history. Visit this year’s camp information for the current instructor lineup.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion
A shared love of this music can bring people together across generations, backgrounds, and life experiences.
Monroe Mandolin Camp is committed to a welcoming learning environment where participants are treated with respect and have opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect.
We work to reduce barriers to participation through tuition assistance and learning support. We welcome conversations about access needs, accommodations, and the practical details that can make attending camp possible.
Questions about accessibility or participation? Contact monroemandolincamp@gmail.com so we can discuss your needs and the support available.
Our goal is for every participant to feel welcomed, supported, and part of the musical community we build together.
Find Your Place in the Music
Explore this year’s camp, meet the instructors, and discover what you would like to learn next.
We Speak Monroe. We Speak Bluegrass.
#BuildingCommunityThroughMusic
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of music, learning, and connection.
For a birthday, holiday, or simply because someone would love the experience, contact monroemandolincamp@gmail.com about a Monroe Mandolin Camp gift certificate.