Adam Sea - Posted - 03/04/2026:  15:47:52

Has anyone gone to the Nashville Acoustic Clawhammer camp? I'm wondering what it's like as compared to say Midwest Banjo Camp. I'd be flying there so it would be a commitment. I'm wondering if the smaller more intimate setting provides for a better learning experience. Anyone care to share any experiences with this camp?

jbalch - Posted - 03/04/2026:  18:11:21

I have participated in all 12 of these Nashville Clawhammer Banjo camps - since the very beginning. I am biased...but think that Meagan & Adam Chowning host an amazing experience.



Participation is VERY limited (only 15 campers). As a testament to the satisfaction of campers, there is always a good bit of repeat attendance. So only a few spots open up each year. Those often sell -out fast. But because this camp is so small, you might not get a lot of responses on here. I'm not sure how many folks around the BHO have attended. 



This year's music instructors are: Adam Hurt, Riley Baugus, and Tyler Andal.  Adam & Riley are incredible players & teachers (no introduction needed).  If you don't know Tyler, you're in for a treat.  He is a former National Old Time Banjo Champion, a truly great fiddler (and multi-instrumentalist), and a maker of superb custom fiddle bows.  Tyler is cornerstone of the awesome Nashville Old Time music scene!    

Dave Dillard (Nashville Banjo Co.) will probably host an evening tour and jam session at his workshop.  Dave is a GREAT player too. 

At my workshop, we will install a hide head from scratch to show that process from beginning to end.

As you said, it is small and very intimate.  I think that likely makes the Nashville camp experience completely unique.  There is PLENTY of one-on-one interaction with the instructors, and the other campers.  The setting is awesome in Ridgetop too.  It is secluded and beautiful ... but close enough to Nashville to allow visits to our music shops (Gruhns, Carter Vintage, Music City Vintage ... more) and a night or two on the town if you desire. 

I can't offer a comparison to the other camps you mention because I have not attended Those.  But I will say that the now legendary Tennessee Banjo Institute was extremely important in my early development as a player.  I was blessed to attend all three (3) years of that camp.  It completely changed my life!. I am a BIG proponent of the camp experience.  

 Best Wishes. 

 

Edited by - jbalch on 03/04/2026 18:25:56

Camp posters

 

mirwin - Posted - 03/04/2026:  18:30:28

I would agree whole heartedly with @jbalch. Megan and Adam do a great job with their camps. I have attended several mandolin camps and the last BG banjo camp. The instructors are always great regardless of the camp you attend. It is very small and intimate and you will have quality time with instructors and other students that is not possible at Midwest Banjo Camp (or any other camp with 100+ students). MBC is a great camp but it is a completely different experience.

A word to the wise. If you decide to go, be ready to register when the registration opens. Many of their camps sellout in a matter of minutes!

Good luck! Mike

MRichaud - Posted - 03/05/2026:  03:24:51

I'm not biased, and all I can say to both of the above posts is AMEN! Attended several years ago.