Carolyn Huguenin – Learn to Play – Guitar – 9am-10am

Deanna Wilson – Learn to Play – Mandolin – 9am-10am

Old‑Time Basics: A friendly, hands‑on class for absolute beginners who want to start playing old‑time music. You’ll learn mandolin anatomy and tuning, basic left‑hand fingering, simple chord shapes, and essential right‑hand down‑ and up‑picking patterns for rhythm and melody. We’ll cover a few short, fiddle‑friendly tunes and practice backup grooves so you can confidently join jam circles. Emphasis is on listening, rhythm, and having fun — patient, supportive instruction with lots of repetition and group play. Bring a tuned mandolin, a pick, and a notebook; a tuner and spare strings are recommended.

Carolyn Huguenin – Learn to Play – Fiddle – 10:30am-11:30am

Prerequisites:  Having a basic understanding of how the fiddle works, such as
the bow on the strings, etc.

Materials Needed: SIZE APPROPRIATE fiddle and bow, rosin, tuner, music
stand, and recording device (optional). An extra set of strings has been
helpful in the past. You never know!

Course Objective: This class is designed for beginners who are new to the
fiddle. We will start with the basics: learning about the parts of the instrument,
how to hold it properly, correct bow hand technique, finger placement,
scales, and basic music theory. We’ll cover proper hand and arm positions to
help make learning smoother and faster. By the end of the course, students
will be able to play several easy tunes, preparing them for more advanced
pieces. The class includes both adults and children, and I aim to address the
needs of everyone. For children under 8, it's recommended that a parent
attend as well. If you or your child need additional assistance, I am happy to
offer extra help after class.

I encourage questions and will answer them to the best of my ability, and if I
don’t know, I will find out! Please remember—while Fiddle Camp is definitely
fun, it should also challenge you! So, please, be patient with yourself while
you learn!

Materials Provided: A spiral-bound booklet of all tunes and instruction will be
provided.

Deanna Wilson – Learn to Play – Vocals – 10:30am-11:30am

Round up your voice for songs of the hills! This upbeat vocal class explores old‑time singing traditions—learn classic repertoire from the Appalachian and Southern mountain styles, simple two‑ and three‑part harmonies, and call‑and‑response techniques. We’ll focus on healthy breathing, clear phrasing, and phrasing that sits comfortably with fiddle accompaniment, plus tips for singing in informal settings like jams and around the campfire. Exercises will be accessible to all levels, with guidance on learning tunes by ear, finding your part, and arranging small harmony parts on the fly. Bring your voice, an eagerness to listen and sing with others, and a few favorite songs if you have them.

Jake Wilson – Ukelele – 3:30pm-4:30pm first day then will be assigned 3:30pm-4:30pm or 5pm-6pm

Jacie Sites – Fiddle – Level 4

Sheila Wright – Fiddle – Level 2

We’ll be talking about some basic theory, chords and how they fit the music.  Why intonation is important.  Some techniques to help you practice more effectively (also known as Sheila’s Salads) Tunes you should know already: Arkansas Traveler, Devil’s Dream, Swallow Tail Jig.  Be familiar with the keys of C, G, D, and A.  

Bring your music-related questions and we’ll add them into the plan.  Notation with tab will be handed out on the first day. We’ll record tunes as we learn them, so bring a device.  See you soon! 

Jake Wilson – Back-Up Guitar – Intermediate

Andrew Wilson – Improv (All Instruments)

Jacie Sites – Fiddle – Level 3

This is where your fiddle starts to sing. We move beyond basic tunes into more advanced positions, quick bow changes, and key changes that add confidence and flair to your sound. Expect beautiful waltzes, gypsy and show-style melodies, minor-key Celtic tunes, sea shanties, and a few fun harmony parts.

You’ll learn to:

• Gain confidence playing technical skills (ex. shifting, vibrato, double stops and more)

• Improve tone, flow, and bow control

• Change keys with confidence

• Play simple harmony parts

• Add fun ornaments and emotion and style to your playing

Sheila Wright – Fiddle – Level 4

Please be fairly comfortable with your instrument and playing quickly.  Know upper level tunes with double stops: Tunes like Big John McNeil, Goodnight Waltz, Money Musk.  We’ll talk about positions, fingerings, and we’ll do some fast tunes,  shmaltzy waltzes, and lively choice tunes. And Salads!  Always Salads!  

Bring your recording device and music questions!  

Carolyn Huguenin – Back-up Guitar – Lower Intermediate

Jake Wilson – Bass

Build a dependable, confident bass role in both jam sessions and live gigs — and have a blast doing it. This hands-on class explores the bass’s dual job as a rhythmic engine and harmonic foundation, with emphasis on Western swing, bluegrass, and fiddle-tune repertoire. We’ll feature the music of Bob Wills alongside other classic tunes, focusing on technique, practical music theory, idiomatic bass vocabulary, ear-playing skills, and real-world application using chord charts and recordings. Class recording is encouraged.

Prerequisites No written notation will be provided. Students should already know the fingerboard layout and be comfortable with major and minor triads.

Deanna Wilson – Fiddle – Level 2

Andrew Wilson – Mandolin – Low Intermediate / Intermediate

Sheila Wright – Fiddle – Level 3

Tunes you should know:  Cincinnati Hornpipe, Red Haired Boy, Swinging on a Gate, Tunes with string crossings and a faster tempo.  We’ll talk about more advanced theory, how to construct major and minor scales and arpeggios.  More Salads!! We’ll be exploring keys like F, Bb, Eb (don’t be scared) 

Music-related questions are welcome, and I have notation/tab books on the first day. Bring something to record with.  

Carolyn Huguenin – Fiddle – Level 1

Andrew & Deanna Wilson – Harmony in Performance: Mastering Musical Collaboration – ALL Instruments