Explore

The Experience

Casey Driessen presents the Blue Ridge Fiddle Camp – a four-day violin/fiddle exploration, celebrating individual voices through the exploration of style, rhythm, and technology. Guided by world-class faculty and culminating in a public concert, this gathering unfolds at the creatively inspiring Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC, from August 22-25, 2024.

Whether you call your instrument a fiddle or a violin, play acoustic or electric, focus on one genre or many, that’s all a part of your style—and at Blue Ridge Fiddle Camp, we love it when styles collide. In the spirit of artistic convergence, we curate a stellar faculty hailing from diverse specialties and backgrounds to share their distinctive voices with participants who are just as excited about the past, present, and future of the instrument.

Over the course of four days, students take classes with each instructor and also have room for spontaneity with the chance to “choose their own adventure,” crafting their own path. Classes will be tailored to different levels and assigned as part of the application process. Students are immersed in 4-5 hours of daily class instruction with additional group sessions and special programming weaved into the schedule. Nightly jam sessions and performance opportunities, including a public final concert, allow students to showcase their evolving style.

We don’t stop with melody and harmony; we understand the importance of solid rhythm. It is sometimes said that a “wrong” note played in the groove can outshine a “right” note played out of sync. While right and wrong may be subjective, the groove speaks a universal truth. Each student will take a dedicated rhythm class from a faculty percussionist/drummer, who is also available on the choose-your-own-adventure day.

Integrating technology and tradition is not only a reality for contemporary string players but a great creative tool for new sounds and textures. For some, leaping into the world of tech can seem daunting. To this end we offer pedal board lab stations for sonic exploration and a “home recording studio” setup for those interested in capturing their ideas—or perhaps even a special camp collaboration.

All this takes place at the tranquil Brevard Music Center, against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. "Classrooms" are often outdoor spaces, and there's ample space to jam and practice. For those who prefer more secluded indoor practice/rehearsal spaces, we have those too. Accommodations vary from dorms to cabins, and there are numerous trails for those who enjoy a walk in the woods.

At Blue Ridge Fiddle Camp, we welcome all with an adventuresome musical spirit. We embrace the idea of a diverse and inclusive community. A mind open to new ideas can lead to understanding, discovery, inspiration, creativity and innovation. 

Please join us for our inaugural year. Apply now and let’s fiddle forward on the offbeat, all of the time.