Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamps

Maryville, TN  June 13-19 and June 20-26, 2010

You can Register On-Line Securely for the Gold Award Winning 2010 Kamp Series Now

by downloading the Registration PDF form and Mail or Fax it to Flatpik Central!

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The 2010 Kamp Brochures are now printed and ready to mail. If you would like one delivered to your door, send us your street mailing address and we'll get it right out to you.

Write to steve@flatpik.com and we'll drop it in the mail. Shipping World Wide! See you in June.

The On-Line Brochure

The Instructors      New for 2010      The Kampers Ages     The Fees     Class Structure      The Food     

Driving Directions      Flying Directions     Flying With Your Instrument      Check In and Out

Area Hotels         Late Arrivals     What To Bring         Tentative Schedule       Placement Level      The Band Scramble    

Miscellaneous Info      The Registration Form       Camping       Kids at Kamp    Scholarship Applications    

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Our special Kamps are designed to gather musicians of all levels from around the globe with common goals- learning, playing, eating and sleeping music. Whether you are a beginner's beginner or a seasoned professional, each Kamp's classes and activities will inspire and challenge you. Our intent is to maintain a non-competitive, learning atmosphere that will encourage you to grow musically and seek out new ways of playing your instrument.

Steve has put together the strongest team of Guitar, Bass, Fiddle, Dobro (tm), Banjo, Mountain Dulcimer, Songwriting/Vocals and Mandolin instructors the world has to offer.    

The Instructors

The Flatpicking Team (Week One): Russ Barenberg, Adam Granger, Jeff Jenkins, Steve Kaufman, Marcy Marxer and Robert Shafer

The Fingerpicking Team: Mary Flower, Pete Huttlinger and Pat Kirtley

The Bass Team: Rusty Holloway (as more students register, a second instructor will be added)

The Fiddle Team: Barbara Lamb and Adam Masters

New ~ Beginning Fiddle Level One (Non-Rotation): Casey Henry

The Dobro (tm) Team: Johnny Bellar and Ivan Rosenberg

Mountain Lap Dulcimer:  Joe Collins (as more students register, a second instructor will be added)

The Old Time Banjo Team: Jim Pankey (as more students register, a second instructor will be added)

Vocal Instructor (Afternoon Elective): Cindy Gray

Slow Jam and Band Scramble Coordinator and General Kamp Liaison: Cindy Gray and Casey Henry

Jamming Instructor and Coach: Keith Yoder

Luthiers and Kamp Doctors: Virginia and Ken Miller

Kamp Massage Therapist: Liz Martin

WEEK TWO June 20-26, 2010                 Register Now

The Flatpicking Team Week Two:  Kathy Barwick, Rolly Brown, Mark Cosgrove, Mitch Corbin, Beppe Gambetta, Tyler Grant, Chris Jones and Tim May.

Beginner Guitar Level One (non-rotation): Sally Jones

The Mandolin Kamp Team: Carlo Aonzo, Andrew Collins, Sharon Gilchrist, Emory Lester, Roland White and Radim Zenkl
Beginner Mandolin Level 101 (non-rotation): Casey Henry

Bluegrass Banjo Team: Gary Davis, Murphy Henry, Ned Luberecki and Alan Munde

Beginner Banjo Level 101 (non-rotation): Casey Henry

Songwriting/Voice Class: Kathy Chiavola

All of the instructors are well known for their individual and unique picking and teaching styles. They were carefully chosen for their talents- not only as musicians but also for their instructional expertise, easy-going attitude, and approachability. Hundreds of topics will be discussed, thoroughly examined and instructed. 

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New for the 2010 Acoustic Kamps

There are some incredible additions to the 2010 Acoustic Kamp. The changes and additions are directly taken from the past Kampers evaluations. More additions may occur.

Kamp is Sunday through Saturday. We will Check In Sunday from 1-5PM EST. Check out is Saturday by 9am. This is our first year of "Sunday through Saturday" Kamp. We found that many folks leave Friday after the last class or Saturday morning. They miss out on the fabulous Band Scramble and Instrument Give-A-Ways. The middle week folks also miss out on their Father's Day. We have solved these issues by checking out on Saturday. We have found a way to get all these wonderful events in during the week by tweaking the schedules. We know you will find this a better Kamp each year as we strive to bring you the best in musical education and fun.

Two Week Kampers: On Campus Students - A $60 "Stay over" charge will be added to your file and balance for this needed package. This will include your Saturday Lunch, Dinner, Saturday Bed and Sunday breakfast. We are all on our own for Sunday lunch. This is automatically added unless you tell us that you won't need this Saturday package.

Off Campus Students: If you are staying off campus, you will be able to purchase the same meals at the cafeteria door. Let us know if you will want this option.

The New 50 Million Dollar Clayton Center for the Arts will be open. This will possibly be our concert venue and much more. We are awaiting approval of it's use and negotiating terms for the next few weeks. Stay posted

Besides your two 2-Hour Classes each day Monday through Friday you can also participate in:

Structured Morning and Afternoon Jam Session with Casey Henry, Cindy Gray, Sally Jones and Keith Yoder and Kamp Instructors

Jam Coordinator - Keith Yoder - Both Weeks

Tune of the Day with Keith Yoder - Monday through Friday - Both Weeks

Afternoon Voice Classes with Cindy Gray - Week One and Sally Jones - Week Two

Week One and Two: Daily Fast Jams with different themes (Genre Geams) and instructors.

Week Two Morning Lap Dulcimer Class with Mike Clemmer

Week Two Afternoon Bass Class with Dick Daniels

Week Two Afternoon Old Time Banjo Class with Tommy Jordan

Week Two Afternoon Fiddle Classes with Sarah Pirkle and Amy Melendy

On Hand Both Weeks Licensed Massage Therapist - Liz Martin

Because you self determine your levels, you will see who is in your grouping or level and begin to introduce yourselves and prepare yourselves a little better for the family camaraderie that is about to occur. You will also get a chance to meet all of your teachers and split into the self determined levels of the classes. When you gather for this first time, take a look at your classmates name tags. On some name tags, you will see Bear Paws. The number of Paws represents the number of Past Years they have attended. The Past Kampers with Bear Paws will, along with the Kamp staff, be able to answer any questions you might have as well.

Kamp Photos: We've always included the Kamp Class Photo with your paid student registration at no charge. This year we are continuing to offer the Instructor Group Photo to you. You will see on the registration form a check box to indicate if you would like to reserve this classic photo.

Keith Yoder will be with us to organize, guide and instruct the Kampers in the arts of Jamming. Keith plays and teaches all the bluegrass instruments and will be on hand to help you all join in the fun of jamming together. He will also be teaching a "Tune of the Day" class. This was extremely popular last year.

Vocal Workshops Both Weeks: You asked for it so here we go. Cindy Gray will offer Vocal Workshops each day at the 4:15 to 5 PM slot each day. There will be different vocal training workshops each day. Kampers and Kompanions Welcome.

Week Two Fiddle Class: This Fiddle class is during our “break out” sessions from 4:15 to 5:00 every afternoon. Sarah Pirkle and Amy Melendy will be teaching the classes. This will be a group class for beginners and intermediates. You must bring your own fiddle. This is for Kampers and Kamp Kompanions Only. Some very basic fiddle experience is necessary. Pre-registration required.  Kampers and Kompanions Welcome. $25.00 Charge.

Dulcimer Class available (Week Two Mornings) : Mike Clemmer has led our Lap Dulcimer Class for the companions. This year we are again putting Lap Dulcimer Classes in a time slot that all Kampers and Kompanions can attend. Pre-registration required.  Kampers and Kompanions Welcome. He will have Dulcimers for use and for sale. You'll love this added feature. $25.00 Charge. 8:30 AM till 9:30 Tuesday through Friday. Be sure to let us know if you will need to rent lap dulcimer for the class. Rental fee goes towards purchase of any of Mike Clemmer's dulcimers. Kampers and Kompanions Welcome.

Afternoon Old Time Banjo Class (Week Two Only): Tommy Jordan will host this class for all pickers and Kompanions to learn the art of Clawhammer and Drop Thumb Old Time Banjo Picking. Banjos required and will not be furnished. Kampers and Kompanions Welcome.

Afternoon Bass Class (Week Two only): Dick Daniels will return to Kamp to teach us everything from the basics of Bass playing to understanding the fingerboard, producing better tone, bass walks. This class progresses through the week with numerous topic and hands on work. Basses required and they will not be furnished. Kampers and Kompanions Welcome.

Master Classes: 4:15-5PM

The new name for this class is just what it is "Up Close and Personal" This was introduced in 2005 and was an immediate success. Several instructors will be available for student critique. Play for 5 minutes one on one with an instructor and he/she can tell you everything you need to know and work on for the next few months to help improve your skills. 8 Students to the session max. Sign up at the Kamp Store. Kampers (Students) only.

A Class for the very Beginner Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo and Mandolin Enthusiasts.

Beginners: Level One (Non-Rotation)

If you've ever said "I wish I could play an instrument" or " I could try out that instrument while my friend (insert your own companion title here) is working on his/her instrument" This is your chance to try it out. We are offering a class called "Beginners: Level One (non-rotation)". This is for the true beginner through the somewhat experienced beginner. From the person that has never played whatsoever to the person that knows a few chords but cannot change smoothly and is not comfortable playing songs yet, or the beginning student that may feel overwhelmed changing classes. Our typical Kamper rotates to all the instructors’ classes. This is not the case in the "Beginner: Level One" class. You will stay with the same instructor the entire Kamp. This takes away the overwhelming feeling of new instructors and settings. Instead you can focus on the instrument and learn all week with one brilliant instructor. Class structure is subject to change.

Casey Henry will be teaching Fiddle Beginners Week One and Bluegrass Banjo and Mandolin Beginners Week Two

Cindy Gray will be teaching Guitar Beginners both Week One and Week Two.

Open Mic. You asked for more open mic. time so the best way we could see adding more slots was to start open mic. at 7:00 PM each night and the concerts still will start at 7:30. This will give us twice as many slots.

Open Mic at Bartlett Atrium will be coordinated by Cindy Gray, Keith Yoder and Casey Henry and will start at 10:30PM to 12:ishAM.

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The Ages of our Kampers

We are often asked what the age group or average age of our students are. We usually tell them to walk into a grocery store at a busy time and look around. They will see mostly people in the 35-55 group. Then they will see 15-34 year olds and then the 56 and over group. This is how our Kamp student base is as well. We will have some minors but mostly 18 and older. Children under 18 need to have a guardian on campus and fill out a minor release form. Click here to download our minor release form. In 2005 we had more minors arrive to Kamp ranging from the age of 9 to 17. It was great to see. More kids perpetuates our music. Thank you for supporting them.

Guidelines for Families at the Gold Award Winning

Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp

Kids at Kamp and students with families have always been welcome at Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamps. Donna and Steve have worked hard to create a family fun atmosphere.  

Parental care and responsibility, especially for pre-teens and younger children, has helped insure that families continue to be a welcome part of Kamp life. Over the years the following guidelines have emerged. We ask you to follow them.

Children under eighteen years of age must attend our programs with a parent or an adult guardian assigned by their parent. The accompanying adult registers and pays the full cost of being at Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp either as a student or as a Kompanion, so they can either attend classes or attend all Kompanion related events.

Though our Acoustic Kamps are primarily designed for adults, children have always been a welcome presence. Despite the lack of children’s programming, more families in recent years have wanted to share the music and the unique Acoustic Kamp community with their kids. Children registering as students are welcome at all regular classes and events based on their experience and level of proficiency.

Click here for a PDF of our full Family Guidelines

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The Fees

The cost for each Kamper (Student) is $775.00. This fee includes all classes, concerts, workshops, meals, lifetime friendships and Maryville College dorm style housing. Off campus rates are available but we strongly suggest you stay on campus for the full feel and effect of the Kamps.

**** Scholarships are limited and available through the DU Scholarships Program (Dreadnoughts Unlimited)

By clicking this link you will be taken to their scholarship page - DU Scholarship Program

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Class Structure

Our Kamp's class structure is different from any other camp in the world. When you register in the Kamp with your instrument of choice, you don't just sign up or register for one instructor - as is the case with most music camps. You are signing up for all the instructors for your instrument. You are divided by level and rotate through each of the instructor’s classes. Our Kamps are designed to be large groups. The class size can vary by the instrument. The smaller Kamps have 8-10 in each class and the larger Kamps can have as many as 22 in the class. The structure of the class is such that the instructor can lecture and demonstrate the finer points of what makes that instructor tick, give personal hands on work and offer advice and technique. Our classes have always been lecture based. Our goal is to make sure you understand the techniques demonstrated by the instructor and gather as much information as possible to take home with you and work on when you get back into your daily practice routine. Upon Check in you will receive a large Kamp Manual with the written materials that the instructors want to go over for all the levels. Not just the level you sign in at. You are to understand the materials at Kamp and use this manual throughout the year.

The "Beginner Pickers: Level One" do not rotate classes. They stay with the same instructor through the week. Final Schedule Subject To Change.

***  See the helpful Level Guidelines ***

ALL students can attend the various afternoon breakout sessions. The Breakout Sessions are not divided by level or instrument.

Our facilities are on the campus of the spacious, scenic and historic  Maryville College in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Campus facilities include dormitories, cafeteria, concert hall, classrooms, Chapel, snack bar and "The Kamp General Store". The sleeping quarters will be in the College dormitories. There are two beds per room with shared baths. Pairing up of friends is possible but limited so let us know early. Limited suites for families are available by individual needs. Stair climbing and walking required.

Back by popular demand - Quiet floors or Jam Floors.

Choose whether you want to sleep or jam. 

Quiet Floors jamming curfew at 11:00 PM.

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The Food

Three healthy meals will be served daily in a large, buffet-style dining hall. The meals are provided by Chef Andrew Safewright accommodating all tastes including Low Carb and Vegetarian.

Family members (Companions) may attend the Kamp for an additional fee. This fee covers the evening concerts and room and board only. The Companions are not permitted in the class rooms for any reason except assisting a handicapped companion Kamper. See rate sheet on previous page or on the registration form.

In addition to the two 2-hour long daily classes, we are offering focused afternoon sessions and/or slow and medium jam sessions. A panel of instructors will lead these sessions. They will lecture and take questions on specific topics. This session is not separated by level or instrument.

The evening Kamp concert series is open to all Kampers, Kompanions and the general public. The concert series is included in the registration fee and is designed to really show off our instructors. They are mostly known for their concert performance so you will really see these stars shine. This is their evening to stretch out so your guess is as good as ours what to expect!

Note that the concert series is now becoming the grandest event of it’s kind in East Tennessee. Many Kampers tell us that the Concerts are worth the price of the Kamp alone. You can order the 2 CD Sets of the concerts called "The Best Of The Kamp Concert Series" currently with 6 Volumes dating from 1998 to 2004. Order Yours Today!  

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Driving Directions to the Acoustic Kamp

NORTH FROM CHATTANOOGA/ATLANTA

Take I-75 North towards Knoxville. Near Knoxville you will Merge onto I-40 East. Exit about 12 miles before Knoxville City Center on I-140 towards Maryville and the Knoxville Airport. Take I-140 for around 10 miles and you will exit onto 129 South towards the airport. Bear right onto 129 South. After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway).  Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and meander on the main college road. Bartlett Hall is on the right corner just past the stop sign. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

EAST FROM NASHVILLE

Take I-40 East toward Knoxville. Soon after the Lenoir City exit you will see  I-140 with a sign for Maryville/ Airport. Take I-140 for around 10 miles and you will exit onto 129 South towards the airport. Bear right onto 129 South. After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway).  Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and meander on the main college road. Bartlett Hall is on the right corner just past the stop sign. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

SOUTH FROM TRI-CITIES

Take I-81 South towards Knoxville. At the Asheville/Virginia split, take I-40 West towards Knoxville. As you come into Knoxville, stay on I-40 West.

Take I-40 west, and follow exit 386B to Alcoa Highway/US 129
Follow US 129 across Tennessee River, continue for approximately 12 miles to the Airport.
After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway). Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and meander on the main college road. Bartlett Hall is on the right corner just past the stop sign. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

SOUTH FROM KENTUCKY

I-75 southbound toward Knoxville and on to Maryville.
At the I-640 interchange, follow I-275 south.
Continue for 2.5 miles, take I-40 west, and follow exit 386B to Alcoa Highway/US 129.
Follow US 129 across Tennessee River, continue for approximately 12 miles to the Airport. After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway). Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and meander on the main college road. Bartlett Hall is on the right corner just past the stop sign. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

WEST FROM ASHEVILLE

Take I-40 West towards Knoxville. At the Asheville/Virginia split, take I-40 West towards Knoxville. I-40 westbound toward Knoxville.
Continue for approximately 12 miles, and follow towards Maryville, Alcoa and the Knoxville Airport (Alcoa Highway/US 129)
Follow US 129 across Tennessee River, continue for approximately 12 miles to the Airport.
After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway). Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and meander on the main college road. Bartlett Hall is on the right corner just past the stop sign. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

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Air Travel to the Acoustic Kamps

Here is the latest TSA link for air travel with instruments. At the top of the page, you will find Steve's tips for air travel.

If traveling by air, you will fly into the Knoxville Airport (TYS). The Kamp is about 5 miles from the airport and we can pick you up if your flight arrives between noon and 4:30 PM on your check in day.

Kamp shuttles begin at noon about every 20 minutes and will pick you up outside of the baggage area at the curb.

Look for the Maryville College Van

Returning to the airport should be just as easy. We start running shuttles back to the airport at 8:00 AM on check out day. This will get you to a 9:30 flight. Earlier departures require a taxi and we will help you make the arrangements during Kamp. You must sign up for the shuttle when you check in, or outside the Kamp Store.

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Check In and Check Out

Transportation to and from the Knoxville Airport (TYS)

Arrival Day: Check In is Sunday between 1-5 PM Eastern Standard Time. A shuttle will be provided for the 5 mile trip from the airport to the college. If you are coming in a day early and staying at the MainStay Suites, we will need your flight number and time of arrival in advance in order to help with check in arrangements. Be sure to also give us your Cell Phone Number so the college can find you in case of a later than scheduled arrival. Lunch Meal Service may not be open. Grab something on the way or walk a few blocks from campus to a local sub shop or deli.

Dinner is scheduled for 5:00PM each day. After Sunday's dinner, we will have our Kamp Orientation Meeting at 8PM in the new Clayton Center for the Arts to go over schedules and allow you a first chance to meet and greet your fellow Kampers and Kompanions.

SHUTTLES: Please wait outside the airport on the lower level directly outside the baggage terminal. Look for the Maryville College van. Our friendly and highly intelligent staff will be waiting or on their way to meet you.

You will be responsible for your own lunch on Check In day. Dinner is included and will be served from 5:00—6:00 PM. There is not another food vendor open after dinner so be prepared.

Check Out Day: The Kamp is officially over at the close of the final concert Friday evening. You are welcome to stay over that night, rest up in the morning and enjoy one last delicious breakfast meal in the cafeteria. You must turn in your room key by 9:00 AM EST on Saturday in order to get your deposit back or not be charged up to $130.00. If you leave early, you can slip the key under the dorm keeper’s door and we will shred your deposit check. Let us know through the week sometime if you will be leaving early.

We will arrange the returning shuttle times Saturday morning to start at 8:00 am for an 9:30 flight. If you need to leave before a 9:30 AM EST flight- Cab service arrangements to the airport should be made. You can call AAA Airport Taxi 865-982-0381.  Please verify your departure needs before the last day of Kamp at the Kamp office/store so adequate shuttles may be arranged.

The Check Out Time is Saturday by 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

  If you need to stay longer we can stow your gear.

Again - Check in takes place between 1 and 5 PM at Bartlett Hall on Sunday, June 13th for Week One and June 20th for Week Two. Many people try to get checked in at 1:00 and the line is out the door. You may want to come to the Check In Hall and then decide if you want to stay in the line or come back a little later. Our first meal service is at 5:00 PM on check in day.

You will first check in with Donna, Steve or another camp representative at the Kamp Check In Table in the Bartlett Hall and receive your Kamp Manual, T-Shirt and finalizing any payment if there is any and leaving your $100.00 refundable room key deposit. NO MONEY ORDERS OR CASH FOR ROOM KEY DEPOSIT. We do not mail back deposits, we shred them. We can also use your Visa or MasterCard for the deposit.

You then move over to the college's table for room assignments. You will then be directed to your dorm for your room keys.  

Casey Henry- Casey hails from Nashville, TN and has been a fixture at Kamp for many years. She teaches 101 class, leading jams and coordinating Kamp events with the patience of a saint. Following in her mother's footsteps, Casey studied the playing of Earl Scruggs with a passion, often driving long distances and camping in her beloved pickup truck at bluegrass festivals. She played in a succession of local and regional bands throughout high school and college. Upon graduation from the University of Virginia she recorded her first CD, "Real Women Drive Trucks," and then moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music.
Since being in Nashville, Casey has appeared with June Carter Cash, the Jim Hurst Band, Pat Flynn, and Lizzie Long. She played a two-year stint with Tennessee Heartstrings before forming her own band with her brother Chris, Casey and Chris and the Two-Stringers. The Two-Stringers recorded a CD, "Get Along Girl," before disbanding in August of 2007.
Along with playing music, Casey is active in teaching banjo, having taught one DVD for The Murphy Method and appeared on numerous others. She gives private lessons in Nashville, and teaches at camps around the country throughout the year. Welcome back Casey Henry!

Jamming Instructor and Coach: Keith Yoder - I have been teaching music full time since 1994 and currently have 70 students a week studying guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and dobro. I was the jam coordinator at Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp in 2007, 2008, 2009. I have 30 years of experience playing in a bluegrass band.
 

Kamp Massage Therapist: Liz Martin - Liz has been coming to Kamp helping folks through their aches and pains and rigors of all night jamming since 2007. She has a super set of hands, wit and vocal chords. Singing jazz at night and working out your sore muscles and joints during the day. Be sure to sign up for your time with Liz while at Kamp. You may want to call or write her ahead to be sure to get on her schedule. Check out her own page. Click her name above.

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WEEK TWO June 20-26, 2010

The Flatpicking Team Week Two:

Register Now

Kathy Barwick - Multi-instrumentalist Kathy Barwick (guitar, banjo and dobro) has more than 30 years of experience playing bluegrass, folk and, most recently, traditional Irish music. Kathy started on folk guitar, added bluegrass banjo, dobro and bass, and finally returned to guitar as a flatpicker. The founder of the groundbreaking All Girl Boys, Kathy has also performed with The Good Ol’ Persons, High Country, Mountain Laurel, and Bill Grant and Delia Bell. Kathy has toured with Nashville guitarist Brad Davis, performed with rock icon Sal Valentino, and played on numerous recording sessions in northern California. Kathy currently is the dobroist with Mountain Laurel Bluegrass Band and the folk/blues outfit Poetic Justis, and the guitarist for the traditional Irish quartet Nine-8ths Irish. Kathy has performed at such important northern California acoustic music venues as the Great American Music Hall, the Freight & Salvage, the Palms, the Strawberry Music Festival, the CBA Father’s Day Festival, Midsummer Bluegrass Festival, the Grass Valley Center for the Arts, the Auburn Bluegrass Festival, Plymouth Bluegrass Festival, International Bluegrass Music Association Showcase, and the KVMR Celtic Festival. A well-known and respected music educator, Kathy has taught guitar and dobro at many acoustic music camps, including the California Coast Music Camp, Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp, the American River Acoustic Music Camp, and the CBA’s annual music camp. Kathy also writes a popular instructional column for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine.

Rolly Brown - With 39 years of experience on the acoustic guitar, Rolly has been a National Fingerpicking Champion and a Philadelphia Music Award nominee. He has performed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Tasmanian Folk Festival, and tons of places in between. He hosted the Guitar Wizards radio show which ran on public radio in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Maine for several years, introducing listeners to guitarists and techniques usually searched out only by total guitar maniacs. He has served as a sideman for Magpie, Winnie Winston, Saul Broudy, Jack McGann, Priscilla Herdman, Jay Ansill, and many others, and has recently performed with 1995 National Flatpicking Champion Mark Cosgrove, and, until her tragic death, with the late fiddler and singer extraordinaire Freyda Epstein.
 

Mark Cosgrove - Mark Cosgrove's distinctive, creative flatpicking guitar sound is known and respected on both sides of the Atlantic, through both his own recordings and as a sideman and session player for Jerry Douglas and others. Although he grew up in a Manhattan apartment surrounded by classical records, his original musical ambition was to become a drummer. Immersed in bluegrass and fiddle tunes from an early age, he has continued to make acoustic music his life's work and pleasure.
Mark Cosgrove has won the U.S. National Flatpicking Guitar Championship in Winfield, Kansas and also the Doc Watson Guitar Championship in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. His flatpick guitar work is notable not only for power, precision, and tone, but for his fluid high speed improvisation. Mark is equally proficient in any number of musical styles and as an accompanist, can back a singer or soloist with taste and sensitivity.
 

Mitch Corbin - Mitch has been playing guitar since he was eight years old. He grew up playing music with his family and started playing professional early on. He has performed with Suzy Boggess, David Bromberg, Byron Berline, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and many more. He won the National Guitar Championship, National Mandolin Championship and has also won awards for his Songwriting and Fiddle playing. His latest CD, "Looking For Home" has received rave reviews. Through out his career he has been fortunate to have performed in China, Japan, Austria and all over the US.
He decided to settle down just outside of Orlando in Oviedo, FL with his wife and their 2 children. He is currently building guitars, teaching, doing studio work, doing repairs and also instrument set-up. Mitch apprenticed with Luthier Lynn Dudenbostel who had a series of show on the DIY Network teaching guitar and mandolin construction. In June, Mitch taught at Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp in Maryville, TN. Some of the other notable teachers were Chris Jones of Sirius Radio and Grammy nominee Russ Barenberg. Mitch has performed in the Central Florida area since 1983 and has performed the entire spectrum of venues and gigs including Disney, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. In 1982, Mitch made one of the first instructional videos for guitar.
Mitch loves teaching. He uses techniques that he has developed to help the player get a solid understanding of timing and technique. He believes that originality is the key and it's what sets you apart from all other musicians.
 

Beppe Gambetta - It is the smile that is the key for reading the musical universe of Beppe Gambetta. An open and disarming smile that is also the contagious and irresistible smile of a person who invites you to a musical journey with light heart and curiosity. The destination, as for any traveler, is not totally defined because it is beautiful, at the very last, to find ourselves where we never would expected to be.
With the horizon's line as a challenge and attraction, Beppe is continually composing his personal mosaic of sounds and flavors. From his unique background as an Italian musician in love with both American roots music as well as the music of his native country, Beppe has travelled the world and even crossed the “Iron Curtain” to dazzle and charm music enthusiasts everywhere. After eleven CDs, DVDs, teaching books and collaborations with many other top-flight musicians, Gambetta is increasingly known as one of the true live master innovators of the acoustic guitar.

Tyler Grant - Tyler Grant is a versatile guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with a wide range of influences and musical expertise. He is currently a member of the Drew Emmitt Band (singer/mandolinist of Leftover Salmon - drewemmitt.com) and the Emmitt/Nershi Band, and is the 2008 National Flatpicking Champion.
Although he is more of a band player than a contest performer, Tyler won the Rockygrass guitar contest in 2003, won the Wayne Henderson festival contest in 2005, placed second at the National Flatpicking Championship in Winfield, Kansas, in 2005, won the 2008 New England Flatpicking Championship, and became the National Flatpicking Champion for placing first at Winfield in 2008.
 

Chris Jones - Chris Jones is no newcomer to the musical spotlight. His resume includes appearances and recordings with some of the world’s most respected musicians including The Chieftains (he was featured on their 2003 U.S. tour), Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements, Lynn Morris Band, April Verch Band, the McCarters and the award-winning quartet Weary Hearts, among others. He has performed as a sideman at the Grand Ole Opry and has been seen on such television shows as Conan O’Brien, Emeril Live, and The Grand Ole Opry Live. Jones’ collaboration with legendary country singer/songwriter Tom T. Hall led to the release of the duet “Man On The Side Of The Road” from Chris’ “Just a Drifter” album, which became one of the Top 5 airplay bluegrass songs of 2001. Most recently, he appeared in the PBS series “The Appalachians” as a both a performer and commentator.
Chris Jones has been named Broadcaster Of The Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual awards for his work as a DJ on Sirius Satellite Radio’s bluegrass channel, Jones also took home a co-writer’s Song Of The Year trophy for “Fork In The Road,” the title track of an Album Of The Year winner by the Infamous Stringdusters. The double-barreled achievement marked the first time in the organization’s history that a single person has won honors for both musical and non-musical accomplishments.
Yet to those who already know him, the dual awards came as no surprise. For though he’s best known as a bluegrass artist, Chris Jones has always had a field of vision too wide to be contained within a single dimension. Perhaps that’s been shaped by his voice — low and mournful rather than sharp and soaring–or perhaps by the way he’s felt compelled to write so many of the songs he sings, filling them with a heartfelt intimacy and contemporary depth that’s still rare in the genre. Even when he’s been most firmly planted within the bluegrass mainstream, these qualities have made him stand out from his peers – and have garnered him critical notices for his personal musical style and sound. And when he’s brought those same qualities into the world of broadcasting, the results have been no less striking.
 

Tim May: Flatpicker Tim May has been working in the Nashville area for over 20 years as a sideman, session player, band member and performer. Higher profile projects have included touring with Patty Loveless and John Cowan, and working as a regular on the Grand Ole Opry with Mike Snider. Tim was the solo guitarist on Charlie Daniels’ recording of I’ll Fly Away, which was nominated for the Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy in 2005, the same year he was session leader on the critically acclaimed Moody Bluegrass album (Moody Bluegrass II is currently in the works as well). Elixir Strings and Breedlove Guitars both have presented professional endorsements to Tim, a serious nod to his talents.
For fifteen years Tim was a member of Crucial Smith, a powerful bluegrass act that put out two CDs (produced by Newgrass Revival’s original flatpicker Pat Flynn) before disbanding in 2003. Flynn has a Tim May tune (King of Babylon) on his latest album plus Father Time, a tune Flynn co-wrote with Tim. Today Tim keeps his chops up playing “AmeriCeltic” – a delightful mix of Irish, Scottish, Old Time and Bluegrass tunes – with his band Plaidgrass. The group released their first CD in January 2008. He's also on the roster of Radiola and performs in a hot-picking ensemble on tour with Brad Davis and Dan Miller. As good a singer as he is a flatpicker, Tim’s vocals can be heard on his first solo album, Find My Way Back and on A Bluegrass Tribute to Neil Young, a CD Tim’s produced for CMH Records, released in January 2008.

Beginner Guitar Level One (non-rotation) and Afternoon Vocal Coach: Sally Jones - Within a short time following the debut of her own band and solo recording, Sally Jones garnered nominations for IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year 2002, SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year 2002 and 2003, and Bluegrass Album of the Year 2002. After a year’s hiatus spent starting her family with husband and erstwhile musical partner Chris Jones, she’s back with a new recording, her own fresh writing, and a band of Nashville’s finest, adding her unique voice to the growing choir of the women of bluegrass and acoustic music.
Sally’s vocal ability has earned her work in Nashville’s highly competitive studio scene, and as a songwriter, she has co-written with some of the business’s most respected writers, including Harley Allen and John Pennell. She has extensive experience as a singer and guitarist in both bluegrass and country music, and has performed and recorded with her husband Chris Jones, and brother-in-law Ron Block. To top off this varied musical resume, Sally added some formal education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, and a Master’s Degree in Writing. Sally has the kind of voice and stage presence that quickly draws in an audience, and the broad spectrum of her musical experience enables her to appeal easily to both traditional and more contemporary listeners.

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The Mandolin Kamp Team:

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Carlo Aonzo - Carlo Aonzo, a native of Savona, Italy came from a musical family. His initial mandolin teacher was his father. Carlo went on to study with Ugo Orlandi, the current patriarch of the Italian mandolin camp, at the Cesare Pollini Conservatory of Padua. His playing has been recognized with awards at prestigious competitions including the “Vivaldi” prize of the 6th annual Vittorio Pitzianti National Mandolin Competition in Venice as well as the 27th annual Walnut Valley National Mandolin Contest in Winfield, Kansas.
Carlo’s recorded output reflects his scholarship and passion to both champion the mandolin’s forgotten past and to develop its classical tradition into the future. He has recorded Paganini’s complete works for mandolin on period mandolino Genovese (Integrale per Amandorlino & Chitarra Francese, Arion). His recordings have also featured the works of early 20th century Italian virtuosi with guitarist Beppe Gambetta (Serenata, Acoustic Music Records) and Italian immigrants to America with Gambetta and mandolinist David Grisman (Traversata, Acoustic Disc). For Mel Bay, he has recorded an in-studio video concert of solo mandolin repertoire (Carlo Aonzo: Classical Mandolin Virtuoso) and was featured in Mandolin 2000. His Orchestra a Pizzico Ligure's recording of arrangements of Vivaldi concerti is a rare demonstration of the rich sonority of a modern, active mandolin orchestra. His exciting new CD Kaze with guitarist Katsumi Nagaoka both offers a respectful nod to historic repertoire and premiers lively, sophisticated new composition.
 

Andrew Collins - Andrew Collins‘ skills as composer-arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist, have put him in the centre of a growing Canadian, acoustic-music scene. Born and raised in Toronto, Andrew found the love for mandolin while living in BC, at age twenty-three. Since that time, he has received a diverse formal education on the mandolin, studying bluegrass music at South Plains College in Texas and jazz music at Toronto’s, Humber College. However, Andrew’s knowledge of music reaches into many other genres including, classical, old-time, swing and Celtic.
 

Sharon Gilchrist - Sharon Gilchrist originally hails from Southlake, Texas. She has performed with a long list of artists - the Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet, Uncle Earl, The Santa Fe All-Stars, the Bill Hearne Trio and Mary & Mars, to name a few. She is currently based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico where she teaches private mandolin lessons at Santa Fe String Studios and is on staff as a mandolin teacher at the College of Santa Fe.
Sharon received a Bachelor's Degree in Mandolin Performance from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, she spent time playing upright bass with several singer-songwriters in the indie-rock scene such as Josh Rouse, Rebecca Stout and Jennifer Niceley. She also served as musical director and composer for the modern art collective, DddD.
 

Emory Lester - One of this day's foremost exponents of the acoustic mandolin. The power and attack of his mandolin playing are unmatched, and his sound is infectious. His 1993 recording "Pale Rider", and 1995 recording "The Emory Lester Set" has placed him among the elite mandolinists of our time. But there is more to this musician than first meets the ear. He has long been an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and has performed with many jazz groups as a violinist, and with several new age ensembles playing a variety of instruments. His jazz playing retains the energy that is the trademark of his bluegrass playing, while his new age compositions show a lighter and more flowing style of his music.
In the past several years, Emory has been teaching his mandolin style at acclaimed music workshops such as the Steve Kaufman Acoustic Kamp in Maryville, Tennessee, and the British Columbia Bluegrass Workshops in Sorrento, British Columbia, Canada. He also offers and teaches private lessons to aspiring students, both in Ontario, and in other parts of Canada and the U.S. when he's travelling.
 

Roland White - After a distinguished career devoted to playing bluegrass in several of the most popular and influential groups in the music’s history, Roland White has recently embarked on another chapter of personal musical discovery, fronting his own bluegrass group, The Roland White Band.  Roland is known as one of the few unique stylists on the mandolin, with his own unmistakable sound and touch.  His gifts as a musician have delighted audiences everywhere: his vitality, soul, and infectious rhythm enable him to speak and even dance through his instrument.  Add to this his mastery of ensemble playing, harmonic sophistication, and warm voice guided by a subtle and swinging sense of phrasing, and you have the legend of bluegrass that Roland has become. 

Radim Zenkl - Currently, Zenkl's touring presents both his solo and duo program with Leo Chern, which includes original and Eastern European music, flavored with string jazz, new age, bluegrass, Irish, flamenco, classical and other styles. These performances feature Zenkl's own innovative playing techniques such as modified "duo-style", which sounds remarkably like two instruments simultaneously. Several mandolin family instruments are used, such as mandola, Irish bouzouki, mando-ukulele, slide mandolin and others. When off the road, he teaches private and group mandolin classes.
Today, Zenkl's virtuosity and innovation have placed him at the forefront of the modern acoustic music scene. Radim was a hit last time he taught at Kamp. Welcome back!

Beginner Mandolin Level 101 (non-rotation):

Casey Henry - See above

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Bluegrass Banjo Team:

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Gary Davis - Gary Davis is the ONLY three-time National Banjo Champion having won Winfield in 1979 (at the age of 16), 1988 and 1996, and owns dozens of state and regional titles as well.
Gary got his nickname, "Biscuit" when he was performing with the Smith Brothers as lead guitarist. They had a guitar player that they nicknamed "Cornbread," so he could be "Biscuit."
Gary performed for fifteen years at Dollywood, playing with Dolly Parton's kinfolks. He recently was band leader, co-producer and banjo player for Dolly Parton on her bluegrass album "Halos & Horns". He toured with Dolly for a year to promote that album. He currently works at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede dinner attraction in Pigeon Forge
Being a whiz with both guitar and banjo, Gary is one of the most in-demand studio session men in East Tennessee. Gary is fluent in many music styles, from bluegrass to swing and jazz. He is an awesome lead guitar player and brings many lead guitar techniques to his banjo style.
 

Murphy Henry - The Murphy Method is a way of teaching bluegrass music by ear. We use no tablature in our teaching because we believe that tablature is a crutch that interferes with learning to play bluegrass. We explain each song note-by-note, so that it is easy and quick to learn. As you learn these tunes, you are also developing your ear, so that the learning actually gets easier as you go along! Learning by ear is the first step in learning to play with other people.
 

Ned Luberecki - Ned Luberecki has been teaching and playing bluegrass banjo for over 25 years, having been part of Paul Adkins' Borderline Band, Radio Flyer, the Gary Ferguson Band, and the Rarely Herd (the latter won SPBGMA's Entertaining Band of the Year award several times). Ned has appeared on recordings with Chris Jones, Apocalyptic Cowboys, Garrett Grass, Paul Adkins' Borderline Band, The Rarely Herd, Jim Hurst, Bull Harman, and New Strings. Ned was also the banjo player for the soundtrack of the movie Chrystal starring Billy Bob Thornton. Bluegrass Unlimited magazine has declared, "Ned's banjo captures that killer tone and technique banjo players die for." Now residing in Nashville, he is the banjoist for Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, teaches private lessons at The East Nashville School of Music, and is a radio personality on Sirius XM Satellite Radio's Bluegrass channel. His uncomplicated teaching style and fresh, wacky sense of humor has made him a favorite at music camps and workshops.

Alan Munde - Alan Munde needs no introduction to long-time Bluegrass fans. From his early creative work with Sam Bush in Poor Richard's Almanac to his traditional bluegrass apprenticeship with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys to his 21-year stint anchoring the landmark Country Gazette, Alan has blazed a trail as one of the most innovative and influential banjo players of all time. Along the way, Alan also recorded and contributed to numerous instrumental recordings, including the 2001 IBMA Instrumental Album of the Year - Knee Deep in Bluegrass. Alan has supplemented his recorded work with several instructional publications for the banjo, and, since 1986, Alan has taught Bluegrass and Country Music at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, a program which has produced many professional musicians nationwide. In recent years, Alan has performed and recorded as a duo with his South Plains faculty colleague (and former Gazette-mate) Joe Carr. Alan's extensive body of recorded work, his instructional materials, and his work at South Plains (including the annual Camp Bluegrass) has solidified his status as one of the true 'gurus' of the 5-string. Alan currently serves on the Board of Directors of the International Bluegrass Music Association. He was profiled in the June 2005 issue of Bluegrass Now magazine.
 

Beginner Banjo Level 101 (non-rotation): Casey Henry (See Casey Above)

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Songwriting/Voice Class:

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Kathy Chiavola - Internationally renowned as one of the most respected vocalists in bluegrass and acoustic music. She grew up playing guitar and singing folk, blues and rock in Kansas City, MO and was awarded a scholarship to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where she earned her bachelor’s and masters degrees in voice. She later studied in a doctoral program at Indiana U. with Metropolitan Opera star Eileen Farrell and moved to Nashville in 1980. She worked with The Doug Dillard Band, Vassar Clements, The Country Gazette, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer and Mark O’Connor before forming her own group. Her class sold out quickly in 2009. Limited to 15 so sign in early.
 

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