Bluegrass 2026

Program Name:           Bluegrass Master Classes

Program Director:       Vince May

Date:                           Monday, June 22 – Saturday, June 27, 2026

Location:                     Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Syria, VA

Student Check-in:       Monday, June 22, 2:00 PM at Graves Mountain Farm

Student Check-out:     Saturday, June 27, 9:00 AM

Food & Lodging:        Provided by Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges

Overview:

This five-day program is designed to enhance and develop youth in bluegrass through one-on-one and small group instruction by nationally recognized bluegrass artists, jam sessions, and live performances. Target skills include the ability to interact with other pickers to jam and perform standard bluegrass tunes Working sessions include banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and vocals. The schedule will also include relaxing activities and fun recreational options such as swimming, horseback riding, nature walks, and campfires. Each student will receive high quality publicity photos taken by a professional photographer.

Faculty:

Vince May – Dobro, guitar

Joe Zauner – Banjo

Valerie Smith – Vocals

Doug Marshall – Bass & rhythm guitar

Wally Hughs – Fiddle

Lisa Kay Howard – Mandolin

Eric Franklin – Photographer

Live Performance:

Jam sessions will take place at Poplar Lodge each evening beginning after dinner and there will be a final student concert at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27 at Graves Main Lodge. The community will be invited to attend.

Eligible Students:

The program is open to 15 advanced students with demonstrated musical skills.

Student Supervision and Safety:

The Blue Ridge Center for Music and Creative Arts provides a safe, fun, and respectful environment for students where they can learn from outstanding faculty, progress at their own pace, and meet other aspiring artists in their age group. Safe and wholesome meals are provided at all programs and dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Supervision is provided by the faculty and by a designated Student Counselor who resides onsite 24 hours per day, monitors student activities, and is available to address any safety, wellness, or behavioral issues that arise. Prior to the start of the program, parents will receive further information including packing list, check-in information, registration and contact information form, photo permission form, and liability waiver.

Please contact the Executive Director, Earle Martin (earlemartin3101@gmail.com) if you have questions or need additional information.

Fees:

All costs for this program, including instruction, food, and lodging are underwritten by the Blue Ridge Center for Music & Creative Arts with full scholarships provided for all accepted students. Donations to the Center by parents of accepted students, as well as the entire community, are encouraged and welcomed.

Registration:

To participate in the workshop, each student must submit an application. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.  Please contact us at info@blueridgecenterarts.com if you have questions.