BBFF FAQs:

  • Who is welcome to apply?

    • Self-identified Black string (plucked or bowed) 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.

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

    • No, but fellows must travel to Oakland to perform in the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music’s (OPC) Annual Spring Concert in May of 2026. OPC will provide travel, lodging, and a performance fee. Classes the fellows teach will take place via Zoom. If fellows and enrolled students live in the Bay Area, Classes will be hybrid and take place at OPC.

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

    • Fellows are expected to be in Oakland for OPC’s Annual Spring Concert in May of 2026. Other opportunities for presentations and/or performances may arise and will be discussed with the fellows and determined on a case-by-case basis

  • What is the total time commitment?

    • This fellowship will take place over one year, possibly extending into a second year. This 12-month fellowship includes:

    • Monthly seminars with mentor musicians and scholars- 1.5 hours of banjo or fiddle instruction, and 1 hour of Black banjo and fiddle history;

    • Additional curriculum and pedagogy seminars, beginning in the seventh month, to prepare fellows to teach at OPC at the end of the fellowship. Fellows who are ready to begin teaching before the end of the fellowship year will have the option to do so. Start dates TBD';

  • What is the Class Schedule?

    Class schedule TBD.

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