2026 FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS

"Fun-damentals of Old-Time Fiddling”

with Lillian Sawyer (Fiddle)

Old-time music is a fun, approachable, and deeply communal style that doesn’t require a high level of virtuosity. In this workshop, we’ll step out of our “improv brains” and back into our bodies by connecting to rhythm and groove. Together, we’ll learn a tune and explore bowing techniques unique to old-time music that bring out its distinctive swing and drive."


“How to Play More Notes”

with Kaden Hurst (Mandolin)

Ornamenting a melody is a core skill of playing bluegrass and old time music. But, what does that mean? How do we do that? How do people play so many notes while still sounding like they're playing the melody? How do we even move our hands that fast? I don't have all the answers, but I do want to explore all those questions with you.


“Playing with Vocal Awareness”

with Crystal Lariza (Voice)

Get out of your head and into your body! Explore the strength and dynamics of your voice through creative vocal play! Focusing on simple techniques that can be applied for individual or harmony singing- this workshop is for anyone searching for more awareness and presence in their voice. Appropriate for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels.


“Beginning/intermediate Flatpicking”

with Joe Suskind (Guitar)

Unlock ideas, identify resistance in your playing and remove blocks through exploration of right hand techniques. By combining rhythm techniques, cross picking and single note lines we’ll bridge the gap between rhythm and lead playing. Appropriate for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels.


Whose Note is it Anyway?: Three-part Vocal Harmony 

with Joe Suskind, Crystal Lariza, & Kaden Hurst of Never Come Down

The nuts and bolts of three part harmony! Learn how to find notes, blend with others, and not go crazy trying. Appropriate for all levels.


Ideas in Melodic 3 Finger Banjo

with Tom Nechville

Both new and experienced players will be able to take home something useful from Tom’s sharing of melodic banjo ideas.  This beginner/ intermediate class will concentrate on multiple fun and melodic phrases to integrate into your playing. 


Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Bluegrass Jamming But Were Afraid to Ask

with Linda Leavitt

Learn to feel at home in a bluegrass jam! Bring a bluegrass standard song to share and we’ll show you how to lead your song around the jam circle. We’ll go over basic jam skills: how to lead a song, kick-off and end a song, and how to take a break. We’ll also learn the basics of jam etiquette: how to respectfully work with each other to make music together. 

Participants should know how to play basic chords and how to play in time.

We’ll discuss jam methods like how to hear chord changes, how to listen to others, and how to use the Nashville Numbering System. Open to acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle & dobro. Guitarists, dobro and banjo players, please bring a capo.