BBFF FAQs:

  • Who is welcome to apply?

    • Self-identified Black string musicians 18 and up who possess an interest in learning and teaching African American old-time banjo and fiddle music.

  • What’s the age range for this fellowship?

    • 18 +

  • What are the requirements for being considered for this fellowship?

    • Please see the fellowship description for details.

  • How much is the stipend/compensation for the BBFF?

    • The BBFF is a paid fellowship. Awards will be up to $15,000 over the period of two years (2023-2025).

    • Fellows receive $1000 upon completion of the first six months.

    • The final amount will be determined after a teaching schedule is established in year two of this fellowship.

  • Do I have to be in the Bay Area to be considered for this fellowship?

    • Yes. Fellows are expected to be able to teach in-person starting in October 2023 at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music.

  • How frequently will fellows be expected to be in town while they are taking lessons and teaching?

    • Fellows are expected to be in Oakland October - mid-December, 2023 and January -mid-March. 2024.

  • What types of teaching will the fellows be doing at the conservatory?

    • Fellows will teach group classes for adults and youth, depending on experience, and will lead jam sessions. There may also be an opportunity to teach private lessons.

  • Is this fellowship intended to be offered again in the future?

    • Currently, it is a 2-year program from 2023-2025. Our desire is to continue the program beyond 2025.

  • What is the total time commitment?

    • This fellowship will take place over the course of two years, April 2023 - April 2025. The first year will focus on learning with mentor musicians. In the second half of year one, Fellows will teach a weekly 1.5-hour class at OPC. (October 2022 - April, 2023-Schedule to be determined).

    • For the first year, fellows will attend ONLINE banjo or fiddle class with the mentor Teaching Artists for two hours weekly and 1.5 hrs in an Old Time Music history class. 

    • In the second year, fellows will pilot an old-time music program. In addition to teaching group classes, fellows will lead jam sessions at OPC and/or other Black spaces in Oakland.

  • What is the Class Schedule?

    Year One: April 2023 - April 2024

    • Weekly ONLINE banjo or fiddle class-2 hrs (Time/Day: TBD)
      Weekly ONLINE history class-1.5 hrs (Time/Day: TBD)
      (Classes may be held in person at OPC, when possible.)

Didn’t find your answer? No problem. Email your question to blackbanjo@opcmusic.org.