Bluegrass Day Camps 2025
Bluegrass Day Camp is a five-day immersive educational music experience designed to introduce youth (ages 12 to 18, *see Little Pickers session for younger ages) to the rich traditions of bluegrass music.
This program will provide hands-on instruction in guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, and bluegrass vocals. Our goal is to foster a love for folk and roots music and share its unique communal history. This camp will serve students of all skill levels, from beginners to intermediate players.
Students will receive daily exposure to bluegrass music and instrumentation!
Highlights that are sure to please:
- Ensemble play and group jamming
- Exploring bluegrass as an American genre; Tracing its roots while listening to a variety of players.
- Guest artist demonstrations. Local talent will be sharing their expertise and skills.
- Harmony Singing; developing the skill and a musical ear
Our goal is to showcase songs by the end of the week — where students will perform for family and friends, celebrating their progress and newfound confidence.
By participating in Bluegrass Camp, students will gain not only musical proficiency but also a deeper understanding of cultural heritage, historical music influences, and the importance of community in folk music traditions. The Folk School of Fayetteville hopes to empower the next generation of musicians, ensuring that music continues to thrive in our community for years to come.
DAILY OUTLINE
1:30-2pm drop off, gather, and settle in
2pm Listen, Watch, Learn:
introduction of Bluegrass Greats and their influence. This will include instrument identification, song structure, fiddle tunes, instrument demos, instrument care & how-to
2:45pm Pick & Play: hands-on instrument time
3:45pm Snack, Special Guest & Discussion time
4:30-5:30p Group Music/Jamming/Exploring
5:30 PM DISMISSAL
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CAMP FAQ'S
Camp Location
Folk School of Fayetteville (in Arkansas)
207 West Center Street
Pick Up & Drop Off
- We require that you sign your child in & out daily with a staff member.
- We are not able to provide care outside of camp hours.
Food
Please pack a snack each day
Final Performance
The campers will perform in a showcase on the last day of camp (Friday).
$ FINANCIAL AID $
If your child wishes to attend this day-camp, but you are in need of financial assistance to pay for registration, please email bernice@fayettevilleroots.org. Subject line: Summer Programs Financial Aid
Refund Policy
If you wish to alter or cancel registration, please notify FSF (email) us within two weeks of the camp start date.
Refund is 75% of the camp fee upon receipt of a written cancellation, within 2 weeks of the start date.
Refund is 50% of the camp fee upon receipt of a written cancellation, if 1 week prior to the start date.
There will be no refunds for last minute cancellations or no-shows.
FOLK SCHOOL OF FAYETTEVILLE is a 501(c)3 non-profit music organization popularly known as Fayetteville Roots.
Since 2010, we have carried out our mission to connect community through music and food. Over that time we have fostered concerts & community/educational events in Northwest Arkansas.
The Folk School of Fayetteville, located in the historic Walker Stone House near the Fayetteville Square, offers space and connection for our music community: lessons, classes, workshops, jams, and concerts.
What is a Folk School and why do you need to know about it?
FOLK MEANS PEOPLE
Folk Schools originated as a way for communities to learn from each other, especially vital to communities that didn’t have access to “formal education”.
Folk Schools create an environment that encourages People teaching People, rather than a classical education approach of Professor and Student.
Folk School of Fayetteville is continuing this model by providing space for musicians to learn from each other, for new players to learn, and for long time musicians to develop new technique and skills — and this is available to ALL the FOLKS (people). Folk School is open to all genres, identities, and cultures, and is excited to host music that is as dynamic and varied as our community.
Folk School of Fayetteville guiding principles:
Create opportunities for our music community
Support and present multivaried music genres, identities, & cultures
Commitment to free & low-cost community learning
Creative re-use of existing urban spaces
Collaboration with the community & music/arts organizations
Low waste & low impact sustainable events
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