Redwood Music Camp

Friday, October 17th – Sunday, October 19th, 2025

Monte Toyon Conference Center, Aptos, California

Seven people playing flute or whistle during an outdoor workshop
 

This three-day camp for adult musicians offers workshops for players of Irish fiddle, Scottish fiddle, guitar, harp, whistle, flute, mandolin, 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 (Scottish, Swedish, or Americana) together

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.

FACULTY for 2025 (as of 4/26/25):

  • John Weed: Irish fiddle, Americana ensemble class

  • Rebecca Lomnicky: Scottish fiddle

  • tba: guitar

  • Jesse Autumn: harp

  • Lars Johannesson: whistle/flute, Swedish ensemble class

  • Neal Hellman: mountain dulcimer

  • Peter Daldry: Scottish ensemble class

  • Fox Pettinotti: shape note and sea shanties

  • Conall Barber: mandolin/banjo, Irish pronunciation

  • Janet Herman & Conall Barber: Irish singing

 

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.) The voice workshops are available to anyone who likes to sing.

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. We'll have several options for overnight lodging, including space for up to 10 tents. There will be ample opportunity for playing music with others. Come join us for a fabulous weekend of music!

Ten harp players arranged in a circle during a workshop

Harp workshop

a dozen fiddle players in a classroom

Irish fiddle workshop

Eleven fiddle players playing in a circle

Scottish fiddle workshop

a group of people sitting outside under a shade cloth during an Irish drum (bodhran) workshop

Bodhran workshop

Cary Lodge interior

a group of six people playing guitar outdoors

Guitar workshop

View of dorm room interior

Three people playing pennywhistles in the redwoods

Learning the pennywhistle