Ashokan Archive

The Ashokan Center is proud to present this evening concert to showcase the fabulous 2023 Uke Fest teaching staff. Enjoy a big evening of music and fun from these masters of the ukulele.

A lively concert of Scottish fiddle & cello music with the renowned teaching staff of the 2023 Scottish String Fling at Ashokan. Don't miss the grand finale: a rousing medley performed by the entire camp!

A lively concert of Scottish fiddle & cello music with the renowned teaching staff of the 2022 Scottish String Fling at Ashokan. Don't miss the grand finale: a rousing medley performed by the entire camp!

(Broadcast live from Ashokan Dec 5, 2021) April Beisaw reveals her in-depth data and analysis of regional impact in the NY communities of Kent and Olive following land-takings and reservoir construction by NYC. She shares historic maps, articles, and archaeological discoveries pertaining to these displaced communities, including many woman-owned businesses that once thrived along the Ulster & Delaware Railroad in the Town of Olive before the creation of the Ashokan Reservoir.

(Broadcast live from Ashokan Nov 14, 2021) Explore the life of musician, composer, and community event organizer, Jay Ungar as interviewed by his daughter Ruth Ungar Merenda on his 75th birthday.

(Broadcast live Oct 3, 2021) Permaculture designer and educator Andrew Faust of the Center for Bioregional Living shares a vision for greater food and energy independence in our local region.

(Broadcast live from Ashokan Sept 12, 2021) Musician and educator Alan Palmer shares an interactive history of American Jazz piano as only he can tell it. From early Thelonius Monk, Bud Powell, and Art Tatum to saxophonist/composer/bandleader Jackie McLean (who’s life and music informed Palmer‘s musical upbringing), Palmer traces the evolution as it touched his own life experiences. As he brings to life the living rooms, packed Jazz clubs, and grand international concert stages, Palmer's stories exemplify human connection and creativity, and the value of passing on rich cultural tradition through a very personal form of education.

(Broadcast live Jan 16, 2022) Meet award-winning children’s author and illustrator team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome! Their stunning books explore the impact of the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance, and Jim Crow laws through intimate childhood portraits. Hear this generous couple enliven history through personal stories, discuss parallels between the past and present, and share the ways in which their own backgrounds and culture inform themes of FAMILY and RESILIENCE in their work. They’ll share their process of writing and illustrating, screen share illustrations, and read from their picture book ‘Before She Was Harriet’ and ‘Leaving Lymon,’ a middle-grade novel. Ask your questions in the Q&A!

Sparky and Rhonda will talk about their blues mentors and teach some of their favorite songs.

Using rolls, chords, and simple fingering, Sam will help you bring you finger picking into the logic and groove of old time music. Students will learn a few tunes, all by ear in G tuning.

A chance to play along on classic Cajun standards and more at easy going tempos.

Songs from the rich heritage of Southern Appalachia, including the African American component of this culture and some of the ballads.

Learn accompaniment techniques for old time songs and tunes from the Skillet Lickers to Jimmie Rodgers.

Sparky and Rhonda explore songs & stories for social change and justice, celebrating our past with some of the most inspiring stories from history.

Sparky and Rhonda discuss highlights of the war and sing some of its songs, including perspectives of the North and South, both black and white.

Sam will teach the melody and chords to a few choice tunes. This will be done by ear in small, easy to digest sections.

Further delving into the lost tunes of Creole music, Mitch will teach a French Creole tune from the Lonce Meg, the music of the Ardoin tradition, as played by Canray Fontenot.

Keys of B-flat, E, D, and G class will accommodate beginners, intermediate, and advanced

Using Carter Family-style singing as a jumping off place, we'll find harmony lines that may weave around the melody, cross or create unisons, and develop a better ability to hear and find parts, as well as learn what gives these harmonies their particular old-time country sound, and power.

Beautiful old time tunes played at a slow, accessible tempos. Some will be familiar standards others may be new to you. All instruments are welcome.

Come dance, play along or sit back and enjoy this fabulous band live from Southern Louisiana.

A Cajun dance hall two-step with emphasis on its Caribbean qualities and variation on melody.

Understand syncopation by literally incorporating rhythms on your body. Clap, step, sing with your human instrument.

Some straight-ahead old-time clawhammer banjo tunes in the Round Peak tradition.

A rare opportunity by this amazing old time band in concert—not to be missed!

Something a little jazzier - rags and two-steps

A dance hall waltz with emphasis on melody variations and syncopated phrasing.

For those more lyrical tunes, the thumb-lead two-finger style of Grayson-Carroll Counties, Va.

Enjoy a sampling of what each person will be teaching, then sing, play, and dance along!

Good square dance tunes, with emphasis on propulsive, rhythmic bowing.

Learn how to drive a whole Cajun dance with your right hand.

All tunes will start slow then pickup a bit. All instruments are welcome. Come and join the fun!

Learn to play out of the home position with an old-fashioned Cajun two step.

Playing a waltz with octaves and using the trick finger.

Come dance, play along or sit back and listen to an hour of great Cajun waltzes and two steps with this superlative band.

One last chance to sing, play, and dance along!

Learn the fundamental steps, how to string them together and keep a rhythmic pulse. If you already clog, Abby will challenge you with syncopation and beginning improvisation.

Learn a great tune for dancing, and what makes it tick with lots of work on the bowing of the tune.

We will learn a Swedish polska by ear. We´ll work on bowings, ornaments and other details that is typical for Swedish fiddling.

Learn the stylistic basics of Québécois piano accompaniment.

A Northern Week tradition for all instruments and levels. We'll demo dance steps so you can join in and dance bourree, an dro, hanter dro, rond de st. vincent, and more!

An hour of great New England dance tunes — jam along, dance, or just sit back and listen.

Play along, dance or listen to a wide variety of original and traditional tunes along with interpretive tips and techniques for instruments and all levels.

We'll sing songs with great choruses, rounds, part songs, any anything you want to throw into the pot.

Learn what makes playing for English Country Dancing different than just "playing the notes." Danceability, lift, flow and energy. Material will come from Volumes 1 and 2 of the Barnes books.

Learn tunes from Gotland ("The isle of lime") in the baltic sea. All instrumentalists are welcome to join.

Northern Week's traditional Québécois jam for all instruments and levels. Bring a tune to share!

Continuing the path started on Saturday, we'll learn another great dance tune, working to get life and groove into our playing. It is not neessary to come to Saturday's class to join this one.

Play along, dance or listen to a wide variety of original and traditional tunes along with interpretive tips and techniques for instruments and all levels.

Come join this classic song swap. Bring songs and instruments. Anything goes!

Come join us as we play through some of our favorite English Country Dance tunes from all 3 volumes of the Barnes books. We will do a variety of tunes - slow, fast, minor, major, waltzes, jigs, reels and ones in 3/2. All levels welcome.

We will learn a Swedish polska by ear. We´ll work on bowings, ornaments and other details that is typical for Swedish fiddling.

Nyckelharpa workshop. Tips, trix and tunes for nyckelharpa. All questions allowed.

Learn a Métis tune by ear, and hear about the culture and how Ruby, an Odawa fiddler, learned Métis Fiddling.

You are looking for Quebec repertoire or improving skills, join us in the Québécois accordion workshop

One last chance to sing, play, and dance along!

Enjoy a sampling of what each person will be teaching, then sing, play, and dance along!

Learn a string arrangement of "Through for the Night" for melody and chord players.

A singer's workshop focusing on sound production techniques and emotional connection through storytelling.

Learn fun and accessible solo jazz dances like the Charleston and more!

Matt will take you on a deep dive into the recordings of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Lester Young, to deduce some of the improvisational secrets of these master musicians!

Explore chord shapes, runs, and rhythmic stylings to accompany several classic country songs. This class is for players who know basic open chords on the guitar and desire to up their game in the realm of country music.

Great songwriters often take their inspiration from an existing song to create a new work. We’ll examine how a song can be broken down to its essentials and then rebuilt into a new piece of music.

Repertoire will include romantic country waltzes, classic Western two steps, and slow sultry swing standards.

Come and join the fun during the Singalong Song Swap.

Learn chord voicings, progressions, and explore some classic solos by swing mandolin masters.

Sing-along, play-along, dance-along, and offer a song for others to join in.

Jam, sing, dance, or bring a song to share.

Learn the elements and stylistic nuances of Gypsy Jazz violin improvisation.

Learn swing backup basics through the rhythm guitar style of Freddie Green.

Learn chord voicings and progressions and explore some classic solos by Western swing mandolin masters.

Explore the role of the fiddle in classic country music through melody, fills, and more. This class is for fiddlers who can play tunes up-to-speed on the fiddle, but are new to the country style.

Present a song and Barry and Holly will help you polish your performance.

Peter masterfully demystifies the wonderful world of harmonic progressions.

Learn a string arrangement of "Through for the Night" for melody and chord players.

A singer's workshop focusing on sound production techniques and emotional connection through storytelling.

Learn fun and accessible solo jazz dances like the Charleston and more!

Jay will use this classic American melody to teach his approach to expression, rhythmic inflection, harmony lines and accessible double stops.

Learn chords, voicings, runs, and more for this Western classic.

Great songwriters often take their inspiration from an existing song to create a new work. We’ll examine how a song can be broken down to its essentials and then rebuilt into a new piece of music.

Learn the elements and stylistic nuances of Gypsy Jazz violin improvisation.

Melody and chord players will learn a swinging arrangement of a classic vintage jazz tune.

Matt will take you on a deep dive into the recordings of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Lester Young, to deduce some of the improvisational secrets of these master musicians!

Explore the role of the fiddle in classic country music through melody, fills, and more. This class is for fiddlers who can play tunes up-to-speed on the fiddle, but are new to the country style.

Ten fun songs including Country, Bluegrass, Swing, and beyond. Chords and lyrics provided in the resource folder.

A practical, hands-on exploration of popular chord progressions and how they work.

Nokosee & Ryan will be playing great old time fiddle and guitar music live from Lafayette, Louisiana at the dinner hour. Nokosee won the Clifftop Appalachian Fest fiddle contest in 2019. This will be some superb rockin' Old Time. We are very proud to welcome them for their first time at the OT Rollick!

By the late 90s, Joni Mitchell had composed in 51 different guitar tunings.* Please tune in advance to open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D) low to high, and bring a capo. We will be learning “Both Sides Now”. This song is strummed, so bring a pick if you prefer to play with one. It is also played with a capo on the 4th fret. Please note: strings that are not especially new can break easily when de-tuning or re-tuning, especially the unwound high strings. Be sure to have spares handy! *https://acousticguitar.com/the-guitar-tuning-odyssey-of-joni-mitchell/

Get the low-down on building a solid, pleasing bass line for Old Time tunes and songs. Learn basic techniques for making a good sound and creating a supportive groove for other musicians!

This class for intermediate-advanced percussive dancers will focus on the technical possibilities of Appalachian flatfoot techniques. We'll hone in specifically on North Carolina dancer L.C. King's Shelton Laurel Backstep as a starting place to explore, expand, deconstruct, and develop rhythmically and gesturally.

Come and jam with one big Rollicking staff! Tunes (in G!) will be played slowly a couple of times through to help you pick them up and then up to speed. Listen, play or dance along. FUN!

Sing along with staff and students in this fast-moving, no-teaching song swap featuring old-time and country songs. Sign-ups for slots will happen through the chat while the swap is taking place, but even if you do not lead a song, you'll be able to join in on everything, thanks to the wonder of the mute function on Zoom.

Let's kick off the 2021 Rollick! Each Rollick teacher will play a piece and talk about their classes. Just a great way to settle in and get inspired for this amazing Old Time Rollick weekend!

We'll learn one or two lesser-known songs in the genre, looking at lead and harmony options and challenges as well as strategies for practicing and singing together in these socially distanced times.

Rhythm Explosion: Banjo Uke and Mandolin with and for Fiddle Tunes with Jeff Claus and Debra Clifford. The banjo uke, often called a drum on a stick, can create a compelling groove in Southern stringband music. Jeff will demonstrate briefly how to make a solid, basic rhythm on the banjo uke, then we’ll spend the bulk of our time playing fiddle tunes with his best friend and spouse, Judy Hyman. Debra Clifford will be a partner in all of this, playing and talking about how to use the mandolin in a similar role with Becca on fiddle. Banjo uke, regular uke, and mandolin played in this style require rock steady motor skills, and the best way to develop these is to play a lot at a moderate tempo. This is what we’ll do, with tunes selected to help us feel, create, and maintain a solid groove.

Sing along with some of our favorite gospel songs for a beautiful old fashioned Sunday morning sing. Led by your wonderful Rollick staff with a few extra special guests!

A tune from Marion Thede's The Fiddle Book. We will break apart and learn the tune, and talk a bit about this resource.

A slow jam for all instruments with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason

Learn to use chords, scales, and tools to free up your playing up and down the neck.

Join the Earl White Stringband at their first time at the Rollick! This will be a hot one hour old-time concert live from Floyd, Virginia. The band consists of Earl on fiddle (known for his many great tunes) Adrienne Davis on guitar, Victor Furtado on banjo (Winner of the 2015 Clifftop Banjo Contest and the 2019 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass) and Stephanie Wolf, String Bass. This will be rockin & rollickin, don't miss it!

Nic Gareiss presents a solo hourlong livestream drawing on his deep love of dance and music from across the North Atlantic. From solo a capella percussive dance pieces danced out on the 1935 wooden floor of his home, simultaneous song and flatfoot numbers following the legacy of fellow Midwestern singer and dancer John Hartford, and ballads chosen for their continued relevance for our time, Gareiss projects warmth, finesse, and do-it-yourself folk inventiveness through the screen and into your living rooms.

Learn a modal tune! Basic right hand technique, tuning and practice tips and a simple tune. Beginner friendly!

Banjo III: Learn to play Riley's version of Undone In Sorrow, from Ola Belle Reed. We'll focus on the 'F' Tuning (fDGCD). This tuning is great for old tunes, new tunes and really good if you're a singer. This tuning requires we play out of chord shapes, rather than being tuned in an open tuning like 'G'. Part of our workshop will be learning the 4 chord shapes we'll need, and how to locate the melody within them. We'll also get into some interesting right hand patterns, using lots of drop thumbs, and we'll work on keeping track of where we are in the basic rhythm, within the melody, which helps improve all your playing.

Emily will teach a fiddle tune with bowings in cross tuning AEAE, with emphasis on rhythm in the bow.

Learn a tune in DDAD tuning! This open tuning makes our instruments ring and our heads vibrate. Along the way we’ll explore creating rhythm and time by sweeping and rocking our bows. *Anyone* can participate in the class and get something out of it, though it will be taught at a Fiddle II-III level. Please arrive with your fiddle tuned.

One last chance to sing, play, and dance along with the whole Rollick staff (in the key of A) and a goodbye (in D!)

Debra will teach an Intermediate old time guitar class with Becca on fiddle. There will be bass runs and emphasis on rhythm and playing tunes along with Becca's fiddle. It will help to have basic knowledge of these chords: A, E, D, G, C. All levels are welcome and will learn something new.

We'll look at trio singing in old-time and early country music, learning a couple of good-to-know songs and talking about the ins and outs of hammering out trio harmonies.

Learn a simple tune in standard (GDAE) tuning, with tips for bowing and fingering to improve tone and intonation.

Banjo II: Riley will teach 'Roustabout' from the playing of Surry County, NC's own Fred Cockerham. Through this tune, we'll explore, piece by piece, the essential techniques used in Round Peak style from NC. We'll break down each part of the tune into easy to understand segments, and learn lots of fun techniques that are guaranteed, with practice, to spice up your playing.

Learn more about history, science, tapping trees & boiling sap – plus interesting syrup recipes! Permaculture designer and certified horticulturalist, Adriana Magaña will share her knowledge of syrup, science, and nutrition; local historian and author Evan Pritchard will introduce us to maple sugaring methods and practices of Indigenous people of our region; and Ashokan’s former Director and “Sapman” Tim Neu will share his passion and personal hands-on educational experience from his 35 years at the sugar shack!

Jay & Molly will perform waltzes from their album The Lovers' Waltz and beyond. Play along at home, dance in your living room, or just sit back and listen!

This classic walking tune by David Kaynor is a favorite at Northern Week at Ashokan. Learn the melody and how to construct a harmony part.

A deep dive into the music and nuances of the melody you know and love with excursions into harmony, expression and ornamentation. Taught on fiddle - other instruments welcome!

Learn the melody and variations, along with Jay's techniques and philosophy for tastefully accompanying the melody.

Bring a favorite song or tune to share with hosts Jay & Molly and our zoom community.

Learn this heartfelt melody in two octaves. Jay will also teach expressive techniques like leading and trailing the beat, ornamentation and more.

Jay will teach share approach to melody, harmony and melodic variations for this lilting waltz

Molly will teach her techniques for accompanying this beautiful lilting waltz including chords, bass runs, how to simplify and more.

Jay will a melodic solo and his approach to supporting and accompanying the vocal. He'll also delve into the world of Cajun seconding.

Swing, waltzes, and fiddle tunes ending with Ashokan Farewell. Play along at home, dance in your living room, or just sit back and listen!

Learn Molly's drop-d guitar accompaniment for this classic walking tune by David Kaynor.

Learn the chords, bass runs, dynamics and rhythmic techniques of Molly's accompaniment, first on guitar, then piano.

Learn to sing and play Molly's version of this traditional Appalachian heart song also known as "The Blackest Crow." She'll also guide guitar players into a simple rendition of the melody.

Molly will teach a piano accompaniment for this Scottish style lament. She'll reserve some time for guitarists as well, is some are interested.

Sing and play this Cajun style song by Molly and learn her techniques for accompanying the vocal and fiddle.

4 hours of livestreamed dance music to ring in the New Year, broadcast from the Ashokan Center Performance Hall in Olivebridge, NY and from our special guests' living rooms in Lafayette & Opelousas, LA!

A wintery treat that will warm your hearts! Ring in the solstice with North Carolina-based songwriter, singer, and traditional musician Joe Newberry on Sunday, December 20, at 1 p.m., Eastern, with a special Holiday Sing. Bring a holiday or winter-themed song or poem to share, learn a new song, or just enjoy the show and sing along.

Nathan Bugh teaches a routine based around Truckin', Brian breaks it down in the second hour.

Art creates a kind of time travel, and a kind of medicine. Creating art can be a healing practice when honoring a human life, bearing witness to vulnerability, or commemorating a moment in history. Join visual artists Simi Stone (NY), Robin Kissinger (MI), and Tani Ikeda (WA) for a powerful and inspiring conversation on visual art as a means to honor, heal, and build a story of resilience. The artists will share recent work which transforms pain, challenge, or discarded objects into something of beauty, and discuss their experiences of reaching others thru these creative risks.

Michael Jagger teaches a routine with elements of the Shim Sham and Shorty George, Brian breaks it down in the second hour.

Evita Arce teaches a new Charleston routine and Brian breaks it down in the second hour.

Brian teaches Charleston, Gaze Afar, Shim Sham, Shorty George, Boogie Back and Front, Rusty Dusty

Play-along by ear, follow downloadable sheet music, or just sit back and listen.

Jay & Molly share stories about creating the music and recording the album.

Camper Tune Share! All are invited to share a tune or song via Zoom. Click "OPEN MIC" above to see the sign-up button.

A deep dive into the music and nuances of melody with Jay.

A deep dive into the music and nuances of accompaniment with Molly.

A deep dive into the music and nuances of accompaniment with Molly.

A deep dive into the music and nuances of melody with Jay.

Jay & Molly perform music from their Harvest Home album. Followed by a Waltzes & Airs Jam: play-along by ear, follow downloadable sheet music, or just sit back and listen.

4:30pm Greet your fellow campers in zoom, ask any technical questions you may have. 5:00pm Jam with Jay & Molly.

"Spotted Pony" "Blues Stay Away From Me" "Old Molly Hair" "Keep On The Sunny Side" and more!

"Where the Songs Come From", "Mississippi Breakdown", "You've Been A Friend To Me", "Old Piss" (sic), "My Dixie Darlin", "Sonny's Dream", "Simple & Sober", "Sarah Armstrong's Tune", "Here I Am In Love Again", "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere", "I'll Be Rested When The Roll Is Called", "I've Been All Around This World", "Tear Down The Fences", "Will The Circle Be Unbroken", "The Wandering Boy", "Tombigbee Waltz", "Nashville Blues"

You probably know the banjo’s African roots, but there’s so much more to learn about the profound rhythmic and melodic influence of African musicians in American roots music throughout history and today. Join fiddler and banjoist Jake Blount (RI), percussionist and storyteller Joakim Lartey (NY), and musician and educator Brandi Pace (TX) for a great conversation and maybe a few tunes.

"Cumberland Gap", Spotted Pony", "Blues Stay Away From Me", "Laurel Lee", "Big Rock Candy Mountain", "Old Molly Hare", "If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake", "My Love Come Rolling Down", "Waiting On A Song", "Blues Ain't Such A Bad Thing", "Jenny Jenkins", "It Couldn't Be Done", "I've Endured", "Keep On The Sunny Side"

"I Stand By You", "Home On The Range", "Singing As We Rise", "Adieu False Heart", "Don't This Road Look Rough & Rocky", "Skye Boat Song", "Could You Love Me", "Sing Me A Song", "Little Baby In A Manger", "Gold Watch & Chain", "Welcome Table/This Little Light Of Mine" and more!

Keep 'em dancing!

Shuffles is the theme!

Esteemed Hudson Valley historian and author Susan Stessin-Cohn and educator Albert Cook share a timely and eye-opening presentation and Q & A including primary documents from Stessin-Cohn's book, “In Defiance: Runaways From Slavery in New York’s Hudson River Valley 1735-1831.” Humanizing an otherwise largely silent population, advertisements for fugitives provide an exceptionally valuable window into black life in Early America—from the nature of the slave system and the master-slave relationship to material culture and folk life. Learn an often missing chapter of our local history and its implications for greater awareness and potential reconciliation in today’s world.

Sad Songs is the theme!

Hank Williams is the theme!

An exciting multi-continental conversation on food forests: ecologically designed areas with perennial and annual plants that produce food and herbal medicine, enhance nutrition, promote food literacy, and provide a useful and safe place to gather and work together. By developing these spaces, people are stating that ecologically healthy green spaces and sustainable local food production are valued, especially in the face of global population growth and overconsumption of natural resources. One such food forest project located deep in the Amazon will be featured during this inspiring panel presentation.

Jay Ungar informally shares some stories about the tune "Dixie" and the role of Civil War era music in our history and present.

There’s no time like the present to get hooked on fiddle… CORRECTLY! An impromptu very very beginner course covering what you’ll need to get started from the very basics! All are welcome.

One last chance to sing, play, and dance along!

Sign up to sing, play or tell a story (5 min limit)--all styles and idioms are most welcome!

A chance to kick back and listen to the fantastic Southern Week Online staff!

Explore the connections between Appalachian and Ghanaian foot, body and instrumental percussion with Becky + Joakim

Learn how to use bass notes, bass runs and backbeat to accompany a fiddler with your guitar

Sing traditional Appalachian Sacred songs with Ginny & Tracy

Learn the melody and chords for a classic string band rag

Come play and dance to some of Jay & Mollys' favorite square dance tunes

Play & dance along at home. Campers are encouraged to bring an old time tune to share as well!

Making a solid, steady groove with a good sound and feel, using the basic chords of the keys D, G, A, and C.

We'll be joined by fiddler, Judy Hyman, to play some simple tunes at a moderate tempo for the full hour, with bits of instruction along the way.

Learn a Zydeco accordion tune, plus rhythms and techniques from the master

Left hand fun, plus right hand work to propel tunes where you want them to go.

Tips and techniques, plus famous songs and other songs that ought to be.

Sing, play, dance along at home. Campers are encouraged to bring an old time song to share as well!

All are invited to learn and play along with inspiring music at slow and accessible tempos.

Let’s learn a tune from the ground up in DDAD tuning with the bowing to make it bouncy, rhythmic, fluid and open.

Let’s learn a tune from the ground up in “Calico” tuning (AEAC#) with the bowing to make it bouncy, rhythmic, fluid and open.

Learn to recreate Millie Broussard’s legendary gumbo in your own home

Play & dance along at home. Campers are encouraged to bring an cajun tune to share as well!

A fun, accessible jam filled with classic Cajun two-steps and waltzes

Learn the tunes of the old masters that will tickle your heart, make you smile and stomp your feet

Step into an energetic dance workout based on the spicy beats of contemporary Zydeco.

Learn four basic clogging steps, dance together and hear your own feet this time!

Learn a tune with emphasis on how to express yourself melodically and rhythmically using a few simple yet potent bowing tricks

Enjoy a sampling of what each person will be teaching, then sing, play, and dance along!

Break down classic steps from favorite Appalachian percussive dancers, bring leather or smooth soled shoes and find a clear a space to dance

Collect the basics of square dance calling and leave with the tools needed to start calling four couple set dances in your home

Sing classic Country and Honky-Tonk Songs with Ginny & Tracy

For a sense of community through the singing of spiritual songs, join Ginny, Tracy, Val and her family.

Come play and dance to some of Jay & Mollys' favorite waltzes

Play & dance along at home. Campers are encouraged to bring an old time tune to share as well!

Jeffery share’s insights into Creole music, culture and life in Southern Louisiana

Explore the deep connections between African and Appalachian musical traditions with Joakim & Jake

All are invited to learn and play along with inspiring music at slow and accessible tempos.

Learn tunes and techniques in the tradition of Canray Fontenot and other Creole fiddle greats

Review the basics of clawhammer banjo and learn a memorable tune to take your practice to the next level.

Learn the fundamental differences between Louisiana's two most popular dances, Cajun Two Step versus Zydeco Two Step. Stick around 'til the end to learn a wildly popular hybrid common in both Cajun and Creole circles. See y'all on the dance floor!

Thumb and finger lead and explore the whole neck of the banjo

Sing, play, dance along at home. Campers are encouraged to bring an old time song to share as well!

Learn a tune with emphasis on how to express yourself melodically and rhythmically using a few simple yet potent bowing tricks

Learn an old-time duet, working through elements such as phrasing, blend and harmony options and ideas on how to sing together in these distanced times.

A deep dive of bluegrass fiddle! Learn how to play a great solo, improvisation approaches, and a master’s class approach to technique and fundamentals

We will explore tone production, sophisticated rhythm guitar approaches, and core concepts related to single note playing.

Harmony singing is a reaction to lead singing, and this class will help you more confidently follow the lead(er)

Sign up HERE to perform a song for your fellow campers at our Campers' Showcase online concert

Your 2020 Ashokan Bluegrass Camp teachers will perform in this concert put on for the entire camp

Join camp coodinator Tony Watt for one final jam session as we bid farewell to Ashokan Bluegrass Camp 2020

Learn the secrets of great bass playing from one of the most inventive players in modern bluegrass

Melodic & single-string crash course compares and contrasts each approach, focusing on right and left hand technique and fingerboard exercises w/ tab

This class will look at ornamentations and techniques to make your bluegrass lead singing stand out in a crowd... or a field

This jam will feature some common bluegrass standards mostly played at slow to moderate tempos

Harmony Singing: Overview, Do’s and Don’ts, practice routine, styles, and creativity

Join Stephen Mougin and Joe Newberry for an exciting evening of bluegrass music

Join Bill Evans and Kimber Ludiker for an exciting evening of bluegrass music

We’ll talk about the foundations of good physical and mental technique as it relates to guitar through the lens of good rhythm guitar playing.

This jam will feature some common bluegrass standards mostly played at slow to moderate tempos

Let’s have fun expanding our knowledge of the fretboard and mandolin in general

Songwriting: Inspiration, self-editing, motivation, creation/variation of melodies, and twisting lyrics

Lead Singing: Technique, artistry, repertoire, selecting keys, and finding YOUR voice

This higher-level jam will feature some songs played at moderate-to-fast tempos

This class will cover some of the most important aspects of bluegrass singing as taught by two of the best teachers anywhere!

Join Chris Eldridge and Alan Bibey for an exciting evening of bluegrass music

This higher-level jam will feature some songs played at moderate-to-fast tempos

Guided exercises, plus work on structure and point of view will move the song in your heart to share with the world

Discover the secrets of great playing technique, Scruggs roll patterns and left-hand slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs w/tab

Meet camp coodinator Tony Watt and the 2020 Ashokan Bluegrass Camp teachers, then play along for a big bluegrass jam.

Taking your bluegrass mandolin playing to the next level!

Learn bluegrass basics! Kicks, fills, tone, melody, and rhythm

Our great teaching staff will introduce themselves and share a sampling of what they’ll be teaching at camp. Then, we kick off the camp with a jam for all ages! Sing or play along.

An acoustic, hands-on, interactive music experience for children up to seven years old and their grown-ups.

Announcements and conversation followed by round robin songs and games.

A fun introduction to the uke for kids five years old and up.

Learn some tunes and some practice ideas. All ages with a focus on folks who have less experience.

Peter will provide everything you need to have a good time singing and playing. All instruments.

Learn the basics of accompanying songs and fiddle tunes. All levels.

Announcements and conversation followed by songs and games from around the world. See resource folder for lyrics.

If you have already been introduced to the uke, take the next steps! All ages welcome.

Explore the world of movement and nature with our own dancing park ranger!

Learn some tunes and some practice ideas. All ages with a focus on folks who have a bit more experience.

Announcements and conversation followed by round robin songs and games.

Spend an hour with our resident drummer/storyteller.

Sing, play, and dance along one last time!

Enjoy time away from your computer and find yourselves outside on a natural creative mission. See the resources folder for the description.

Learn a few clogging steps. All ages and levels.

End the day with jamming, moving, singing, and stories for the whole family.

A virtual crafting session for families. See the resources folder for a list of the materials you'll need.

Meet the elusive Jackie, visit the Clootie Wall, see a weird instrument show and tell, and more!

If you have a family/group song to practice, we can do it here. Then if you want, you can perform it at Campfire Night. If you don't have anything prepared, we'll just have fun playing and singing and making up songs together here in class!

End the day with jamming, moving, singing, and stories for the whole family.

Cup song, paper cup crankies, and stupid cup stunts. See the resources folder for a list of the materials you'll need.

Learn a tune and some practice ideas. All ages and levels.

Share your findings from the hunt!

Campers and staff will share songs, stories and movement. Bring s'mores or another treat!

Come play along!

Sign up in the resource folder to perform. Come 20 minutes early to check your sound settings!

A showcase for the staff!

The farewell jam - with a special performance at the end!

This session is open to any players, from early intermediates to experienced guitarists, who want to unravel the mysteries of the steady-bass thumb-and-finger styles used by blues and country pickers as well as by innumerable singer/songwriters.

Learn Brownie McGhee’s rhythmic fingerpicking style, rich accompaniments, intricate lead playing which wide-ranging repertoire influenced generations of guitarists around the world.

Ever wish you could play higher up the neck? We'll connect those old familiar open chord shapes and unlock those mysterious upper frets.

This class will get your right hand moving towards a more advanced rhythm guitar style. Starting with a basic boom-chuck rhythm, we'll add bass walks and cross picking. A workout for your right hand!

Learn how to add variety and power to your accompaniment w/ such techniques as partial chords, bass lines, muting, and cross-picking.

With just one guitar and a flatpick, you can create the dynamic sound of a band, covering the roles of bass and drums and even adding riffs and lead licks along w/ rhythm. Bring a capo.

Sing and play along with classic songs that many people know. Bring one to share!

This class will focus on “Freddie Green” style of rhythm guitar starting with the feel of the rhythm and moving on to specific three-note chord voicings that lend themselves to rhythm playing in most any setting, duo to big-band.

This class is intended for those who have had some experience playing swing/jazz standards and want to add additional approaches to soloing and backing.

Play and sing swing instrumentals and songs.

Explore left and right hand moves that drive this feel good, finger picking guitar style. We will ddiscuss syncopation, movable chords and alternating thumb. Get a better understanding of Piedmont style blues.

This will be a guitar class drawing from the repertoire of early country and classic blues playing women. We’ll pay tribute to the ones who started it all - Mamie, Minnie, Bessie, Sippie, and more.

Play along with some blues tunes!

Improve your waltz accompaniment technique - focus on bass runs, exercises, and theory. Jay Ungar will play fiddle for you to accompany!

Improve your 4/4 accompaniment technique - focus on fiddle tunes and songs with bass runs, exercises, and theory. Jay Ungar will play fiddle for you to accompany!

Have fun playing and singing songs along with guitar legend Happy Traum and multi-instrumentalist Peter Davis (a legend in his own mind.)

Wanna be a fingerstyle guitarist? Learn the basics of various techniques: Thumb and 1, 2 or 3 fingers for blues, folk, jazz, or bossa.

Use the language of blues guitar to tell a sacred message. We will explore the CAGED system, some principles of finger picking, the use of the relative minor chord, and other tools that are essential to getting a sacred sound out of the blues guitar.

This class concentrates on providing a solid introduction and foundation to the aspiring blues fingerpicker, includding techniques for developing monotonic, alternating, and walking bass lines. We’ll explore how blues players move first position chord shapes up the neck in order add variety to their playing as well as to play in different keys.

Play and sing easy jazz and swing songs in this supportive and fun class. Pick up new chord shapes and learn how to make it swing!

Play and sing easy jazz and swing songs in this supportive and fun class. Pick up new chord shapes and learn how to make it swing!

Learn how common chord progressions are put together in various genres of music while playing lots of song examples. We will learn how musicians think in numbers while applying that knowledge to the guitar fretboard.

Get a tour through the schedule, learn more about the classes, and hear the teachers play a snippet. Followed by a welcome jam for all levels!

Learn a cool tune plus essential with bowing and rhythmic techniques.

Learn a cool tune plus essential with bowing and rhythmic techniques.

Our wonderful teaching staff will introduce themselves and share a sampling of what they’ll be teaching at camp. Then dance, sing, and play along (on mute)!

A crash course in Swedish nyckelharpa playing technique, exercises and a focus on injury/pain prevention. Primarily for beginners.

Come play some beautiful tunes from the Scandinavian countries. Everyone is welcome to join!

Learn to play English repertoire that will inspire and delight dancers.

All levels and all instruments welcome at this accessible and open contradance jam session.

Learn to be the whole English Country Dance Band (an 88-key orchestra!) for these socially distant times.

Jay works with the melody players and Molly teaches the chord folks--all instruments, all levels.

All are welcome to bring a song to sing, sing along or just enjoy.

A accessible and meditative approach to playing the 5-stiring banjo.

Learn a nyckelharpa tune from the Uppland tradition.

All are welcome to play along... printed music can be found in the resource folder.

Come learn a hambo complete with Swedish styling

Learn how to use your cello to lighten the dancers' feet!

Explore and practice walk throughs, word choice, programming, patter, and stage presence for these times of social distancing.

Northern Week's traditional Québécois jam for all instruments and levels. Bring a tune or two!

All are invited to learn and play along with inspiring music at slow and accessible tempos.

Learn the tools and techniques of the contradance guitarist.

All are welcome to bring a song to sing, sing along or just enjoy.

Staff Concert!!!

Pers Hans, one of the foremost traditions bearers from the town of Rättvik in Sweden, died on July 3. We will learn a polska from Rättvik in his memory.

Jay works with the melody players and Molly teaches the chord folks--all instruments, all levels.

All instruments are welcome for this deep dive into French dance music.

An exploration of the deepest roots of the dance music we love.

Come play some beautiful tunes from the Scandinavian countries. Everyone is welcome to join!

Adding that special sparkle to support the melody (fiddle) and the primary accompaniment (guitar) with runs, lines, arpeggios and double stops.

Learn to make your mandolin an indespensible part of the contradance band.

Articulation, bow technique, exploration to change of intent, phrasing on a simple tune, easy to remember.

Northern Week's traditional Québécois jam for all instruments and levels. Bring a tune or two!

An hour of beautiful French Cafe music for jamming, dancing or listening enjoyment.

Susie will lead us in songs for troubled times and invite you to bring songs to share as well.

Sounds impossible, but Chet can bring Online Contras to life and provide tons of fun!

American roots guitar accompaniment with a Northern accent for both songs and fiddle tunes.

Work on Jig with nice balance for dancer, phrasing, breath, ornementation...and maybe more!

Sign up to sing, play or tell a story (5 min limit)--all styles and idioms of are most welcome!

Susie will lead us in songs for troubled times and invite you to bring songs to share as well.

Gabriel Labbé, Keith Corrigan and Armand Bruneau’s repertoire awaits, plus fingering and ornaments.

Sing, play, and dance along one more time!

Join in playing great tunes ole New England repertoire like Far From Home, Money Musk and more

All are invited to learn and play along with inspiring music at slow and accessible tempos.

Explore different major patterns through the repertoire of Thérèse Rioux and others.

Tunes in the key of D!

Old Time singing!

Sing, play, and dance along!

Sing, play, and dance along one last time!

A friendly, slow-tempo jam & singalong.

A friendly, slow-tempo jam & singalong.

Sing, play, and dance along!

Sing, play, and dance along!

Learn a string arrangement of "Till Tom Special" for melody and chord players.

Learn a string arrangement of "Till Tom Special" for melody and chord players.

Sing, play, and dance along!

A singers workshop focusing on sound production techniques and emotional connection through storytelling.

A singers workshop focusing on sound production techniques and emotional connection through storytelling

Sing, play, and dance along!

Sing, play, and dance along!

Sing, play, and dance along!

Explore how a great song is constructed, and learn techniques and tools to write your own.

Explore how a great song is constructed, and learn techniques and tools to write your own.

Our great teaching staff will introduce themselves and share a sampling of what they’ll be teaching at camp.

Tunes in the key of G!

Tunes in the key of A!

The forest is a magical place filled with hidden organisms who work hard to breakdown and recy svcle fallen organisms. Join Rachel Roozen, Ally Britton, and special guest Luke Sarrantonio on a search for invertebrates and fungi under logs and rocks and learn how decomposers are one of the most important elements of a forest ecosystem. Stick around for a wonderful song about worms from Story Laurie!

for Beginners. Have fun while developing a strong foundation for playing Old-Time Music. Strumming and fingering techniques applied to simple versions of mountain songs.

For intermediate players. We'll take a couple of simple waltzes and work on both accompaniment strums and learning the melodies...then explore filling in the “holes” with fills & flourishes.

For beginners! Using BOTH hands, drones can be good & time permitting, harmonics and chords

Our great teaching staff will introduce themselves and share a sampling of what they’ll be teaching at camp.

Play & sing along!

Could Roman numerals change your musical life? Can they help with things like transposition or jamming? Does the thought of something so “music theory-ish” leave you feeling like you’re stuck in a half nelson? In this workshop, we’ll attack the concept of chord identification using Roman numeral notation in music head on. We’ll discuss what they mean, how they’re used, why they’re an important musical concept to know, and test out your new knowledge in some songs and transposing. By the end of the session, you’ll be taking on vi’s and IV’s in a variety of keys like a true heavyweight. Spandex optional. (Confident Beginner +)

This class is a great place for beginners without previous knowledge of music or the ukulele, who would like to keep it simple and focus on strumming and singing. We will learn musical terms and skills associated with the ukulele and work to accomplish small goals to improve your confidence and skill as new player! Learn how to look up songs, make sense of chords, and put it all together to play your first song. (Beginners)

One of the defining elements of an ‘ukulele player is the use of the right hand. Many different techniques have been developed over the years that have often elevated ‘ukulele artists to a unique sound of their own. Join us as we explore some of these techniques and some practical uses for them as well. (Confident Beginner)

What do songs like “Last Kiss”, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”, “With or Without You”, and “Say Something” have in common? They all use the same four chords. Learn to play every song ever written (well, most of them, anyway) with these “Fantastic Four” chords and find out how to switch keys easily by using the Nashville Numbering System. (Confident Beginner)

Learn 3 of the most widely used strumming patterns in traditional Hawaiian music: Basic, Classic, and Modern. Traditional Hawaiian songs will be used to show the strums in a real world context. Technique will be taught in a fun, kani ka pila type of environment. (Confident Beginner - Intermediate)

Explore American history through work songs, songs about work and labor protest anthems. This repertoire class will not only provide with some catchy new songs but will also help you understand the important history and culture behind each one. Expect some harmony singing, a little picking and lots of fun! (All levels)

The 'ukulele has found its home in the jazz world thanks to some of the greats including Herb Ohta, Benny Chong, and Lyle Ritz. Join us as we dive into the genre and learn some of the vocabulary and techniques that these great players use including comping techniques, how to construct chord solos, and harmony as viewed by an 'ukulele player. So whether you are a soloist or looking to join a jazz jam session on your 'ukulele this class is just for you! An understanding of how chords are constructed will help you get the most out of the class. (Intermediate)

Learn techniques to help improve your performance, whether practicing at home, in front of your ukulele group or at a sold out show at Madison Square Garden. The class will learn ways to perform thoughtfully, develop a stage persona, and practice stepping in front of an audience during a mini open mic. This is a great chance for shy players to gain some experience in a fun and friendly environment. (You will not be forced to perform, but will be given an opportunity to try.) A great class to get ready for Saturday night's Camper Cabaret! (All levels)

Sit back and enjoy!

Open Mic by sign up in advance.

You’ve been playing ukulele for a while and you’re ready to start sharing what you know. Or you’ve already got a group of students and you want to take things up a notch. This workshop will cover the basics of teaching a ukulele class, how to structure your lessons and set goals, and some practical tips for keeping your students engaged and making music. Whether it’s an after school children’s program or an adult community learning group, you’ll have some takeaways you can apply right away in your classes. (Confident Beginner +)

Do you have a good handle on strumming, but would like to learn to play the melodies of songs on your ukulele? Ben will teach you how to read tablature, a way to read music for the ukulele without having to understand actual music notation. You’ll be playing everything from “You Are My Sunshine” to “Ode to Joy” by the end of class. (Confident Beginner)

Learn how to personalize a Hawaiian standard and make it your own. Steven dives into the process of arranging Hawaiian songs using various tools such as rhythm, intros, tempo, kaona (hidden meaning) and melody play, so that you can make that classic song your very own! These valuable tools can be used for any genre of music. (Confident Beginner - Intermediate)

Clawhammer style is a banjo playing technique that also sounds great on the ukulele. For this workshop, we will get the basic techniques and learn two short tunes. Students will also go home with a series of practice exercises and more tunes for enrichment. (Intermediate - Advanced Intermediate)

A sing-along and jam-along finale.

Strum Patterns, for players of all levels Chromatic harps welcome (keys of F, C, G, D) ¾ and 4/4 time to accompany voice and instruments.

Hand Skills or ways to make your fingers love you—in time tools to improve your playing great for novice – intermediate players

Learn the lovely Shepard's Wife Waltz on phrase at time. For intermediate players.

Suggested techniques applied to a variety of Old-Time Songs & Fiddle Tunes from Western North Carolina & Eastern Kentucky. For intermediate players

Applying some rudiments of percussion to enhance your playing. We'll cover “sticking”, Single & double roll strokes, paradiddles, and flams. It's fun! All levels.

Learn to sing and Play both the melody and harmony to Nelly Bly & Slumber My Darling Adv. Beginner/Intermediate Harp with Key of C required

Understand the breadth of this simple instrument, explore 5 keys/5 tunings, using a capo and playing across the fretboard. Novice/Intermediate

featuring Don Pedi, Neal & Coleen Walter (half of Doofus), John & Heidi Cerrigone (the other half of Doofus), Norm Williams

We're going to turn Whiskey Before Breakfast into a Whiskey Sour by playing it in a minor key. Time permitting, we'll do some other tunes as well. Intermediate & advanced players.

Here's a way to play melody on the autoharp as an alternative to the pinch-pluck method of playing. This approach flows directly from a simple country accompaniment style.

Join in to play and/or sing along with these traditional songs, mostly from the Southern Appalachian mountains. All levels and instruments welcome!

Key of C, sing & play both melody and harmony. All levels and instruments welcome!

Everyone is welcome to play-along and sing-along one last time!

Coleen will walk you through all you need to know to get started on your own recordings. We will address preparation, recording, copyright, CD replication, and production. Bring your questions!

Find a quiet spot in the forest with our educators Abby Higgins and Tanya van Renesse and draw inspiration from your own surroundings to compose a poem, story or just take in the serene beauty! Stick around for a song by Kristin Andreassen & Friends.

Come and be a wildlife detective and discover wildlife tracks and traces, owl pellets, animal pelts and lots more. We might even see some of the wild animals that live in our forests and creek! And stick around for animal-themed song with Amy Helm & Lee Collins.

What does it mean when a forest is healthy? What in the world are invasive species? Learn about forest ecology, all kinds of trees and more in our journey into the forests of Ashokan!

Tune in for a live-hosted “Hello” from Ashokan to see signs of spring on Earth Day with Rachel Roozen & Ally Britton and a springtime song from Little Roots!

Tune in for a live-hosted “Hello” from Ashokan and learn about blacksmithing with Pete Myers.

Join us for a live-hosted “Hello” from Ashokan featuring a lesson in Aquatic Ecology with Rachel Roozen & Ally Britton and a water song from Jay Ungar & Molly Mason.