workshop Schedule 2026
workshops!
From beginning mandolin to advanced fiddle, from songwriting to vocal harmony,
and everything in-between, there’s a workshop for everyone.
We offer two basic types of workshops: Hands-on (bring your instruments, voices, feet!)
and Lecture/Demo/Q&A (bring your ears, curiosity and questions!).
Please check descriptions for each class.
We thank Amazon.com for supporting all our education programs,
and Ear Trumpet Labs and Peghead Nation for supporting our workshops.
Thursday February 19Â – Intensives (separate registration required) and Two-chord jam
Two-Chord Jam
Tom Petersen & Cliff Perry
Yes, you "2" can play! The workshop to embolden beginners kicks off the festival teaching all songs with only two chords. Taught in slow-jam fashion by veteran educators. Go from zero to hitting the Hyatt's halls in one friendly lesson. Experienced players also welcome to join the fun and set a warm, welcoming example.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
friday February 20
How to Mic a Bluegrass Band
Ear Trumpet Labs with Fog Holler
An in-depth workshop on live performance with condenser microphones. Learn the art of "gather-round" mic technique, perfect for acoustic bands aiming for a dynamic and cohesive sound on stage. Gain insights into the design of Ear Trumpet Labs’ handcrafted microphones and practical tips for getting started.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill level: Open to all
Singer-Songwriters in the Round
Melissa Carper, Reeb Willms, Madeleine Roger, Devin Champlain
Four singer-songwriters will share their songs and individual approach to songwriting.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill level: Open to all
Harmony Vocals
Never Come Down Band
The nuts and bolts of three part harmony! Learn how to find notes, blend with others, and not go crazy trying.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill level: Open to all
There Are People Here
Ken Workman & Penn Brave
Preserve the past, develop characters and expand perspective. Workshop helps to enrich narrative through character development and authentic language.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill level: Open to all
Bluegrass Rhythm
Joe Suskind (Never Come Down)
The center of the jam.. the center of the band. Explore bluegrass rhythm basics and more advanced rhythm techniques to bolster your back up! We will learn about the “pocket” and explore pushing chords, G runs, and voice leading using bass lines. How to make room for soloists, without getting in the way or getting bored! We often overlook the best part of guitar is GROOVE.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill level: Open to all
Playing with Vocal Awareness
Crystal Lariza (Never Come Down)
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.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill level: Open to all
Vintage Instrument Museum
Open to all
Vintage Instrument Museum
Open to all
9:00am-12:00pm
JAMz1
9:00am-4:00pm
JAMz2
9:00am-12:00pm
JAMz1
9:00am-4:00pm
JAMz2
9:00am-4:00pm
JAMz2
Your Fiddle and You
Brandon Godman (Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms Country Band)
Our instruments and bows often seem mysterious regarding upkeep, adjustment, mood/tone swings, and playability. As a fiddler and luthier, I spend a lot of time helping folks get comfortable with their setup. In this workshop we will tackle these topics and discuss ways to make sure your instrument is serving you and your playing style best.
Workshop Type: Hand-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Banjo for Song Accompaniment
Charlie Beck (Squirrel Butter)
Through playing some easy, fun songs we'll look at the banjo's many plucky possibilities for rhythm and melody. With an emphasis on providing solid grooves, we'll delve into the interplay between the banjoist and the singer and the other potential instrumentalists. We will cover banjo techniques and I'll give some ideas for playing up the neck. All experience levels welcome including clawhammerists and fingerstylists. Bring your banjo, any banjo questions you may have and your voice!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Walking Bass Lines: Music Theory for Bassists
Nelson Williams (New Dangerfield)
What is a walking bass line but a bassist putting music theory into practice. In this class we'll de-mystify and simplify music theory so that we can start creating one of the most quintessential bass techniques.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Deconstructing Fiddle Tunes So You Can Start Jamming Sooner
Clare Armenante (Fog Holler)
In this workshop we'll learn a fiddle tune together as it might be played regularly, then I will demonstrate how to break down the tune into a simpler version to play together. Then we can start adding some notes back in to bring some originality and creative fun! If there's time at the end of the class, we may be able to take some other volunteer tunes that you know and practice breaking them down as well. Bring your fiddle and a recording device.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Two Folk Singers Walk Into a Bluegrass Festival
Mollie O'Brien & Chris Webster
Chris Webster and Mollie O’Brien are not really known to be bluegrass singers, as their career paths have taken them down the road of simply finding good songs to sing and writing some of their own when they think of them. They refuse to be hemmed in by musical boundaries, and their voices (along with their superb guitarists Nina Gerber and Rich Moore), bring life to many varied styles of almost any kind of music. Come hear how they found themselves here at a bluegrass festival. There will be lots of Q&A and examples of how these old friends have chosen songs over their long careers.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill Level: Open to all
Fun-damentals of Old-Time Fiddling
Lillian Sawyer (Never Come Down)
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.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Arranging Fiddle Tunes for a String Quartet
The Fretless
Come explore some of the arranging techniques used by The Fretless. Build your bag of tricks for string accompaniment and modern fiddle techniques.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill Level: Open to all
Driving Lessons: Elements of Drive on the 5-String Banjo
Casey Holmberg (Fog Holler))
In this course, we’ll take a deep dive into Banjo Drive: exploring what it is, how it sounds over different rhythms, and, most importantly, how you can get it into your playing. This will be a hands-on banjo workshop where we will be discussing focus areas and doing exercises.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Playing as a Unit - What Separates Musicians from Players
Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
Whether you are a touring performer or a jamming enthusiast, there is one principle that you must know to be a formidable musician - how to play as a unit. You can be the best player in the world, with lightning fingers and stirring solos, but to be successful in a band, it is essential tounderstand and be able to play off one another. This workshop will teach you how to think like a musician, whether you're sitting down to jam with a group of people you've just met or stepping out onto a stage with the same group of people for the 1000th time. You'll learn not only to listen to yourself but to those around you, anticipate what others will do, blend in, and most of all, change your mindset from trying to make yourself look good to making the unit look good. You will come away from this seminar as a much better and more insightful musician and with the knowledge of how to take a jam or your band to the next level.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill Level: Open to all
friday February 20 (continued)
There's Always Room for Cello
Mike Block, Eric Wright, Renata Bratt, Tristan Clarridge
Do you already know that the cello is the greatest instrument in the world? If so, then THIS is the workshop for you - come chat up-close-and-personal with four legends, Tristan Clarridge, Renata Bratt, Eric Wright and Mike Block, who will converse, play, and answer your endless questions. If you DON'T already know that cello is the best, then THIS is also the conversion workshop for you!
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill Level: Open to all
Contemporary Scottish Fiddle!
Hanneke Cassel & Yann Falquet
Come learn a tune of Hanneke’s called “Dmitri’s Jig”. We’ll explore the balance between trad and contemporary in the Scottish fiddle world. Hanneke will be joined by Yann Falquet on guitar, so students will have a chance to learn both melody and chords, while exploring bowings and grace notes common in the style!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Fingerpicking Bootcamp
Barry Southern (Horsenecks)
Learn about things from picking patterns, rhythm and timing, alternate tunings and practice strategies..
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Intermediate
Bass Fiddling Basics
Noa Laniakea/Eve (Fog Holler)
This will be an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a foundation in bass bow technique. Ergonomics, sound production, style, and transcription philosophy will all be discussed so bring your instruments and bows! Both French and German bow grips welcomed.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Flatpick Lick Stringing 101
Roger Ferguson
One approach to improvising and jamming.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
How to Play More Notes on the Mandolin
Kaden Hurst (Never Come Down)
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.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Blues Mandolin
Ricky Gene Powell (Hillman City Sway)
In 1903 W.C. handy, the “Father of the Blues” discovered the blues in a performance by a trio in Cleveland, Mississippi; guitar, fiddle and… mandolin! The mandolin has been integral to the blues since the beginning. Let’s play the blues on mandolin! Written materials will be available & recording the workshop is encouraged.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Fiddle Tunes on Banjo
Tray Wellington (New Dangerfield)
Come to this workshop to not only learn melodies to fiddle tunes but also learn techniques for improvisation and taking these tunes to the next level!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
The Yodel! A Versatile Technique for Full-Bodied Bluegrass Singing
Tommy Schultz (Fog Holler)
I plan to teach attendees what the physical mechanics of the yodel are and how these mechanics necessarily create a strong utility for potentially improving many aspects of bluegrass singing including, but not limited to; a volume increase, a greater sense of vocal power, safe singing technique and personal vocal character. The workshop will be mostly educational in nature with practical demonstrations and limited audience participation.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill Level: Open to all
Adding Jazz Elements to Your Bluegrass Solos
Cory Briar (Briarfinch)
This workshop is intended for intermediate bluegrass players who are comfortable taking solos at a moderate tempo and are interested in spicing up their solos with jazz-influenced licks and concepts. Mandolinist Cory Briar of the Olympia, WA based band Briarfinch condenses the frameworks, tips, and tricks he wished someone had shown him 15 years ago into a one hour vocabulary building work session. Knowing rudimentary music theory and the names of the notes in the first position of your instrument are the only prerequisites for this workshop. Topics covered include the blues scale, the whole tone scale, diminished 7th licks, and more as time allows.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Intermediate
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
Everything Fiddle!
Greg Spatz (John Reischman & The Jaybirds)
In this class we'll try to demystify everything you've wondered about from strings to rosin to cases, types of violins, wood vs. carbon fiber bows, styles of backup, how to get better tone and shift into the upper positions....whatever you're wondering about, bring your questions..
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Morning Yoga Practice
Amanda Mack
Clear your mind and tune your instruments - the breath and the body. Enjoy guided breathwork and accessible yoga with a 500-hour certified professional yoga teacher
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Open to all
Fretboard Journal Vintage Instrument Tasting
John Reischman, Patrick Sauber, Nina Gerber, Caleb Klauder
John, Patrick, Nina and Caleb will be playing as many vintage guitars and mandolins as they can squeeze into one workshop. Hosted by Mark Demaray.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Open to all
Fretboard Journal Vintage Instrument Tasting
John Reischman, Patrick Sauber, Nina Gerber, Caleb Klauder
John, Patrick, Nina and Caleb will be playing as many vintage guitars and mandolins as they can squeeze into one workshop. Hosted by Mark Demaray.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Open to all
Saturday February 21
Polishing Your Act: A Live Performance Master Class
Vicki Green (Performing Artist Coach)
Several acts will be chosen in class to perform a song and receive on-the-spot coaching. Bring your instruments and song, or come to observe.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
History of the Blues
The Hillman City Sway
Informative, interactive, and engaging workshop blending storytelling, music appreciation, and participatory elements to bring the history of the blues to life. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the origins and evolution of blues music, key artists and songs that shaped the genre, the social and cultural context of the blues and how the blues influenced modern music.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Open to all
Griots and Guitar
Jourdan Keith & Jim Page
Seasoned artists capture the poetry, song and significance of our times.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Skill level: Open to all
Diary of a Fiddler2
Darol Anger & Friends
This is a fiddle workshop led by the curiously persistent Darol Anger, celebrating the release of his valedictory sequel to 1999’s Diary of a Fiddler. That release is –you guessed it— DIARY of a FIDDLER 2: the Sequel, consisting of fantastical duets with former students, now all fiddle stars in their own right. We’ll find ways to improvise further on some of those pieces from the recording and rip along as a larger ensemble as well. We’ll also attempt to answer questions about the Art of The Fiddle Duet. Fun will be the goal of the moment.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Open to all
Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them
Joe Craven, Casey Driessen, Eric Wright, Mike Block, Sam Gelband
Discover your rhythm, groove, chops, paradiddles, and fantastic beats! Open to all string & percussion instruments, feet, hands, voices, and bundt pans!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Open to all
Blending Styles: Melodic, Single String, and Scruggs
Bennett Sullivan (Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen)
Learn how you can craft your own solos in multiple bluegrass banjo styles. We’ll be taking a close look at ways to approach the tunes Cripple Creek and Old Joe Clark. There will be tab provided!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Intermediate
Vocal Harmony
Ellie Hakanson (Missy Raines & Allegheny)
We will learn the basic rules of 3-part bluegrass harmony, and then put them into practice by singing together! By the end of the workshop everyone will sing each part, and learn tips on how to blend, breathe, and follow phrasing.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Open to all
Old-Time Mandolin (for the Bluegrass Mandolin Player)
Tristan Scroggins (Missy Raines & Allegheny)
Learn the difference between bluegrass and old time mandolin styles! Learn what to do and what not to do in a jam, skills to focus on, sources to listen to, and how they can help your bluegrass playing as well.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill level: Intermediate
Introduction to Bluesy Banjo
Dale Adkins
Get your blues on! Be sure to be unhappy when you arrive. Nothing will cheer you up like the happy sounds of a banjo workshop, even a bluesy one! We will work through what makes a song “happy” or “bluesy,” and then apply those concepts to adjust your backup rolls and soloing towards a bluesy sound. Let's get bluesy!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar
Don Share
Learn to play basic bluegrass rhythm guitar out of the G, C, and D shapes. We'll focus on rhythm technique, bass runs, and bluegrass rhythm "punctuation."
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Mandolin Duets
Joe K Walsh (Mr Sun) & John Reischman
These two masters of the mandolin will team up to play some mandolin tunes together, and will offer their thoughts on how to approach playing music in a duo setting.
Workshop Type: Lec/Dem/Q&A
Open to all
How to Play Songs on the Fiddle
Patrick McGonigle (Jordan Tice Trio)
In this class we will discuss how to effectively support the singer and song on your fiddle; where, when and how to play fills; how to take a break with melody vs improvisation. I will also open the class up to questions about anything fiddle!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Open to all
What Does a Bass Player Think About and Why it Matters
Missy Raines
You've got the notes, you've worked with a metronome but don't feel like it's coming together? We'll explore important aspects you may be overlooking to help you support a singer, find the groove, and become the bassist you want to be.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Beyond Beginner Bluegrass Jam: Advance Your Jam Skills
Linda Leavitt
For advanced-beginners and intermediate players who have experience with bluegrass jamming and want to improve their jam skills. We’ll review the Nashville Numbering System, work on intros, outros, taking breaks, singing and listening. Participants should know the I, IV, V & vi of major keys and how to play in time. Bring one song you know by heart to call in the jam. Traditional acoustic bluegrass instruments only.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill level: Advanced beginner-Intermediate
How to Take Better Solos
Grant Gordy (Mr Sun)
We'll learn about how to break out of the confines of tired licks and endless noodling, and discover some of the crucial components in creating improvised solos that feel intentional, coherent and melodic. Though I'll be playing guitar and talking about things from a guitar-based perspective, all instruments are welcome. Attendees should have at least a little experience with taking solos in a jam session or gig context, but it's open to all who are curious.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Open to all
All Things Guitar
Jordan Tice
Right hand technique, left hand technique, playing up the neck, playing down the neck. You name it, I’ll cover it!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Foundations of Classic Bluegrass Fiddle Style
Mary Simpkin-Maass
In this workshop we’ll deconstruct a classic fiddle break, highlighting and practicing the elements (like syncopation and blue notes) that give it that classic bluegrass sound and feel.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
SATURday February 21 (CONTINUED)
Introduction to the Dobro
Bob Evoniuk
By addressing the essential fundamentals of playing the Dobro, Bob will focus on the versatility of this unique instrument with an emphasis on “finding the melody” and developing one’s own style of playing. Discussion will also include the importance of each player finding a comfort zone with their gear – picks, bars, capos, strings, etc., Care and feeding of your Dobro and where to find educational resources will be discussed as well.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Beginner
Navigating the Fretboard (clawhammer banjo)
Allison de Groot
This will be for players who are comfortable playing tunes and wanting to work on tools for adapting melodies up the neck, shapes for soloing, and chord voicings beyond the 5th fret. We will make a roadmap of the fretboard, with keeping emphasis on how to do it with a grounded groove. Skill level: Intermediate
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Intermediate
Creative Confidence for All
Dave Hill, Jr (Author, Songwriter, Performing Musician)
Helps musicians and creators create with more compassion and less fear. Learn practical tools for working with self-doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome.
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
10:00am-2:00pm
JAMz3
Morning Yoga Practice
Amanda Mack
Clear your mind and tune your instruments - the breath and the body. Enjoy guided breathwork and accessible yoga with a 500-hour certified professional yoga teacher
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Open to all
Intro to Flatfooting
Charmaine Slavin (Squirrel Butter)
tba
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Circle Sorcery: Hula Hoop Magic for Beginners
Arlene Smith
Looking for something fun to do on the dance floor? Learn how to hula hoop! This class will cover techniques for basic waist hooping, and a collection of simple but snazzy tricks that we will combine into a short routine. All hoops are provided by the instructor. Please wear clothes that are comfortable to move in, and get ready to have lots of fun!
Workshop Type: Hands-on
Skill Level: Open to all
Never-Too-Late Adult Academy
Cliff Perry and Emmett Pritchard
All day program for beginning musicians. Separate registration required. Skyvue is on the 23rd floor in the Cascade Tower.
Never-Too-Late Adult Academy
Cliff Perry and Emmett Pritchard
All day program for beginning musicians. Separate registration required. Skyvue is on the 23rd floor in the Cascade Tower.
Never-Too-Late Adult Academy
Cliff Perry and Emmett Pritchard
All day program for beginning musicians. Separate registration required. Skyvue is on the 23rd floor in the Cascade Tower.
Never-Too-Late Adult Academy
Cliff Perry and Emmett Pritchard
All day program for beginning musicians. Separate registration required. Skyvue is on the 23rd floor in the Cascade Tower.
Wintergrass is a production of Acoustic Sound, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. EIN: 91-2103544
all photos copyright Maria Camillo