Redwood Music Camp
Friday, October 17th – Sunday, October 19th, 2025
Monte Toyon Conference Center, Aptos, California
Six people at an outdoor bodhran workshop
This three-day camp for adult musicians offers workshops for players of Irish fiddle, Scottish fiddle, guitar, harp, whistle, flute, mandolin, Irish Tenor banjo, and voice. There will also be workshops on harp, dulcimer, and pennywhistle for absolute beginners (instruments provided).
New this year: ensemble classes, where all musicians are welcome to learn a tune or two together. We’ll have three different classes (Irish, Scottish, or Swedish); each of them will last two workshop sessions.
Saturday night will feature Scottish dance lessons (and the option to play for the dancers), followed by facilitated sessions. Wine and beer are allowed in the dining hall, and there are two venues with no curfew. There will be ample opportunity for playing music with others on Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday after lunch.
Cost: $425 (includes food, lodging, and all meals)
FACULTY for 2025 (click for bios):
John Weed: Irish fiddle, Americana ensemble class
Rebecca Lomnicky: Scottish fiddle
Ian Ly: guitar
Jesse Autumn: harp
Lars Johannesson: whistle/flute, Swedish ensemble class
Neal Hellman: beginning mountain dulcimer
Peter Daldry: Scottish ensemble class
Fox Pettinotti: mando/banjo, shape note and sea shanties
Conall Barber: mando/banjo, Irish pronunciation
Janet Herman & Conall Barber: Irish singing
Sarah Newman: beginning harp
Playing abilities: Participants in the fiddle workshops should have at least two years of playing experience; one year is sufficient for other instrument beginning-level classes. (The “absolute beginner” workshops require no prior experience.) All of the voice workshops require the ability to carry a tune; some require the ability to hold pitch in a multi-part ensemble.
Lodging: We have two indoor lodging options, both of which offer twin-size bunk beds. Cary Lodge has four-person rooms, while the Miller and Morris Dormitories house between six and ten people in each of their large rooms. (See photos below.) There are also a number of tent spaces available on site, and some very limited RV spaces a short drive away. If interested in the RV spaces, please contact as ASAP!
Saturday night will feature Scottish dance lessons (and the option to play for the dancers), followed by facilitated sessions. Wine and beer are allowed in the dining hall, and there are two venues with no curfew. There will be ample opportunity (both structured and spontaneous) for playing music with others. Come join us for a fabulous weekend of music!
Irish fiddle workshop
Learning the pennywhistle
Cary Lodge interior
View of dorm room interior