The Monroe Mandolin Camp (MMC) preserves and promotes the music, stories, and cultural heritage of authentic, first-generation Bluegrass. We are a premier global gathering place for musicians and music lovers of all ages, inspiring lifelong appreciation of this uniquely American art form founded by Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys.

Our mission is to preserve Monroe’s recorded legacy, educate the world about the fundamental building blocks and stylistic elements of Bluegrass, and celebrate the players, culture, and creative evolution that shaped this music. Through a wide range of immersive programs, events, and learning opportunities, we build global community, provide platforms for emerging musicians, and strengthen the cross-generational connections that keep Bluegrass vibrant and alive.

We believe in the transformative power of music to bring people together and enrich lives. Our curriculum and programs cultivate:

• Creativity through collaboration and hands-on music-making.

• Self-compassion, resilience, and personal growth by encouraging participants to let go of perfectionism and embrace learning “one note, one tune, one song at a time.”

• Cognitive development through critical thinking, fine motor skills, non-verbal processing, and the mathematical logic inherent in rhythm, chord progressions, and melodic structure.

• Cultural continuity by preserving and passing forward the oral traditions, stories, and folklore of the Bluegrass community.

• Connection across generations through shared music-making, laughter, joy, and the passing down of traditions from one player to the next.

• A deeper sense of unity by exploring the rich history, narratives of hardship and triumph, and the universal human experiences embedded in Bluegrass music.

Music is the universal language of mankind—and at MMC, it is our shared pathway to heritage, creativity, community, and connection.