About the Black Banjo & Fiddle Fellowship

The Black Banjo & Fiddle Fellowship (BBFF) aims to repatriate old-time music in African American communities and illuminate the Black experience in creating old-time music. The BBFF engages Black musicians in the rich history of the banjo and fiddle, repairing the historical and cultural ruptures that erased their Black origins. Fellows engage with the ever-evolving influence of the traditions and their place in them through classes with expert practitioners, giving presentations and performances, and teaching apprenticeships that equip them with the knowledge and skills to pass on the traditions in Black communities.

Objectives
Through the guidance and support of Teaching Artist mentors, fellows will become proficient in old-time banjo and fiddle playing and deepen their knowledge of African American banjo and fiddle playing in the evolution of old-time music. They will cultivate skills in teaching, performing old-time banjo and fiddle music, and leading jam sessions.

Goals
Fellows will:
· Learn to play banjo & fiddle tunes and styles in the old-time music tradition
· Cultivate a critical historical context of the Black banjo and fiddle origins and their contributions to old-time music.
· Develop cultural sensibility regarding these instruments' African and African American origins.
· Create educational content for teaching banjo and fiddle music.
· Teach at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
· Curate and lead old-time jam sessions

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the 2026 black banjo & fiddle fellows

the 2026 cohort faculty

the 2023 Inaugural Black Banjo & Fiddle Fellows

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2023 Inaugural Cohort Faculty

Thank you to our funding partners!