The people involved in creating the very first Earl Experience Banjo Camp at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, NC believe that they learned a great deal in their inaugural year, and will be back this March with an extra half day, more sessions, and a guided tour of the museum during the camp.
The Earl Scruggs Center is currently closed for renovations, and to install new exhibits, but is set to reopen on Tuesday, February 3.
The faculty again boasts of three of the top banjo instructors in the country, Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson, and Bill Evans, all with particular experience in the music of the great and powerful Earl Scruggs, and each a highly-recognized player and teacher.
This year the Earl Experience will begin a day earlier, on Thursday March 5, with extra time for jamming and socializing, plus a welcome dinner with the instructors that evening. Breakout sessions have been added based on feedback from 2025, and guided jams will also be included for those less experienced in that skill. Campers will also enjoy a tour of Earl’s homeplace not far from the Center. Bluegrass writer Penny Parsons will offer a presentation as well.
All levels of skill and experience are welcome to attend, though it is suggested that those just getting started may find a lot going over their heads.
Each of the faculty members have shared a few words about what they think sets this camp apart, starting with Tony.
“Earl Scruggs is the bedrock of all bluegrass and related banjo playing. Bill, Kristin and myself have spent the better parts of our lives devoted to his music in different ways, and holding the workshop at the Scruggs Center means so much. We’ll each bring our own perspectives, with fresh material, varied from last year. Part of my contribution will be new transcriptions taken from Earl’s jams with John Hartford in the ’80s and ’90s. Every one of these solos features rolls, licks, and syncopations that don’t exist in his official recordings. He was constantly reinventing himself, right up until the end. I’m so excited to share this music with the students!”
Kristin agrees that being at the Scruggs Center is important.
“The most special thing about the Scruggs camp is that it’s at the Scruggs Center. Some people learn Earl through a trickle-down effect. For instance, they love Jim Mills or Ron Stewart, or even progressive players like Béla or Noam, but they’re still primarily influenced by Earl because he is the foundation that supports us all. There is no other camp that offers the opportunity to explore his legacy more than an event in his hometown, staged at the Center devoted to him.”
Bill feels the same way.
‘What makes the Earl Experience unique? At the Center, we’re at Ground Zero for the creation of Earl’s banjo style. Standing inside of Earl’s childhood home, at the hearth where three-finger banjo was born, is something that you will never forget. And hearing stories of Earl’s life from nephew J. T. Scruggs, getting an insider’s look at the Center’s collection, picking in evening jams, and hands-on learning of Earl’s techniques from the world’s best teachers makes this the most unique camp for banjo fans in the world!”
Bill tells us that the guided tour is quite special, allowing campers to hold Earl’s picks, and even wear his string tie! Last year, during the visit to Earl’s homeplace, he and Kristin separated the campers into two groups, and attempted the legendary exercise Scruggs had described where he and his brother started playing a tune together at the back of the house, then separated still playing, to see if they could hold time until they met again at the front. What a treat!
Mary Beth Martin, Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center says that the whole staff is excited to see the camp return.
“After a wonderful first year, we’re excited to bring the Earl Experience Banjo Camp back and make it even better. This camp gives participants the rare chance to learn Earl Scruggs’ style in his home community, guided by incredible instructors, and surrounded by the history that shaped his music. We listened to last year’s campers and have added more instruction time, guided tours of the museum and collection, and opportunities to see the ongoing work at the Earl Scruggs Homeplace. It’s a special way to honor Earl’s legacy, and we invite anyone who’s interested to be part of it.”
Registration is now open online, but space is limited, so don’t delay if you would like to attend the Earl Experience Banjo Camp. The tuition fee is $650, and includes all instruction, printed materials, a membership to the Earl Scruggs Center, the Thursday dinner, and a light breakfast in the mornings.
Full details, including nearby accommodations, can be found at the Camp web site.
