Redwood Music Camp

Friday, October 16th – Sunday, October 18th, 2026

Monte Toyon Conference Center, Aptos, California

a group of 11 fiddle players during an indoor workshop — Small group fiddle workshops

Ten lever harp players during an indoor workshop — Harp workshops

Six people at an outdoor bodhran workshop

This three-day camp for adult musicians offers workshops for players of Irish fiddle, Scottish fiddle, guitar, harp, mandolin, other plectrum instruments, and voice. We also offer workshops on harp, dulcimer, and pennywhistle for absolute beginners (instruments provided).

There are a variety of sessions (fast, slow, genre-specific), instrument- or voice-specific workshops, and an ensemble class, where all musicians can learn a tune or two together.

Saturday night will feature Scottish dance lessons (and the option to play for the dancers), followed by facilitated sessions. Wine and beer are allowed in the dining hall, and there are two venues with no curfew. There will be ample opportunity for playing music with others throughout the weekend outside of workshops or sessions.

2026 Schedule & Workshop Descriptions

Featured instructors for 2026: (click link for bios)

John Weed: Irish fiddle
Rebecca Lomnicky: Scottish fiddle
William Coulter: guitar
Marla Fibish: mandolin
Portia Diwa: harp
Rachel Goodman: voice

Cost:

$475 for full weekend (includes all meals and two nights lodging)
$400 for full weekend (includes all meals but no lodging)
$300 discounted rate for K-12 teachers
$200 discounted rate for college students under 26
$180 for Saturday only (lunch and dinner included)
$80 for Sunday only (lunch included)

Registration now open!

Playing abilities: Participants in the fiddle workshops should have at least two years of playing experience; one year is sufficient for other instrument beginning-level classes. (The “absolute beginner” workshops require no prior experience.) All of the voice workshops require the ability to carry a tune.

Lodging: We have two indoor lodging options, both of which offer twin-size bunk beds. Cary Lodge has four-person rooms, while the Miller and Morris Dormitories house between six and ten people in each of their large rooms. (See photos below.) There are also a number of spaces for tents or campers/very small RVs.

a dozen fiddle players in a classroom — Fiddle workshop