Music & Dance Camps

 

Rediscover the Joy!

Did your first encounter with traditional music and dance ignite a magical spark within you? At Ashokan, you can reignite that excitement, hone your skills, and re-experience that captivating sound, rhythm, and movement.

Ashokan Music & Dance Camps are held in a serene natural setting, where you can sing, dance, and jam with newfound friends and leave the worries of the world far behind. We offer flexible pricing that includes on-site camping and delectable meals. Or for added comfort, private rooms and bunks are available at an extra cost. All are welcome, including families and folks of all ages. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about camp

Banjo Weekend 2023

November 17, 2023 - November 19, 2023

It’s Ashokan’s first-ever Banjo Weekend, featuring all styles and levels of instruction, jamming, and fun-filled banjo inspiration with Tony Trischka, Joe Newberry, Cedric Watson, Hilary Hawke, and your host Scott Hopkins.

Register

Banjo Concert 2023

November 17, 2023

Tony Trischka, Joe Newberry, Cedric Watson, Hilary Hawke and Scott Hopkins will showcase their talents for the whole community at this Banjo Weekend kick-off concert. 6pm dinner (optional), 7:30pm concert

Learn More

New Year's Weekend 2024

December 29, 2023 - January 01, 2024

A warm, friendly, and fun-filled three-day weekend of music and dance classes, evening dance parties, sing-alongs and jams, plus our annual New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance Party.

Register

New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance 2024

December 31, 2023

Come ring in the New Year at Ashokan and enjoy great live dance music, a sumptuous spread of Late Night Snacks, and a friendly, fun-loving crowd! Music by Jay & Molly with Swingology and more to be announced.

Get Tickets

Scottish String Fling 2024

May 10, 2024 - May 12, 2024

Learn tunes by ear, gain confidence and experience on your instrument, and build a fantastic group medley arrangement, with world-class Scottish traditional musicians and teachers, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas.

Register

Ariles Son Jarocho Camp 2024

May 19, 2024

Spend a weekend surrounded by Son Jarocho, the beautiful traditional folk music, song, and dance of Veracruz Mexico! ​​

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Uke Fest 2024

May 24, 2024 - May 27, 2024

Expand your skills and thrive in the aloha spirit of the ukulele at the Ashokan Uke Fest with host Ben Hassenger and his amazing teaching staff! You’ll meet new people, learn new techniques and styles, and gain confidence as a player.

Register

Old Time Rollick 2024

June 07, 2024 - June 09, 2024

Emily Schaad hosts this rollicking weekend for musicians and dancers of all levels. Deepen your playing, build your repertoire, make new friends, and jam until the wee hours.

Register

Western & Swing Week 2024

June 23, 2024 - June 29, 2024

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason host this full week of Vintage Jazz, Swing, Western-Swing, and Classic Country music and dancing.

Register

Northern Week 2024

July 14, 2024 - July 20, 2024

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason host a fun and friendly full-week of traditional music & dance from New England, Québec, England, Sweden, and France. Beginners welcome!

Register

Acoustic Guitar Camp 2024

July 22, 2024 - July 26, 2024

Ashokan Acoustic Guitar Camp offers guitarists of all levels an opportunity for real immersion and growth in a friendly environment. Come sing, jam, and incorporate new styles and techniques into your playing!

Register

Bluegrass Camp 2024

July 29, 2024 - August 02, 2024

Kimber Ludiker hosts a week of bluegrass instruction and jamming for guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, vocals and songwriting. Jam with and learn from inspirational teachers hand-picked to cultivate a magical musical environment.

Register

Family Camp 2024

August 05, 2024 - August 09, 2024

Don’t let the summertime fly by without some quality JOY with your kids or grandkids. Ashokan Family Camp is a laid-back, cross-generational escape into nature, music, arts, crafts, and interactive fun & games! From babies to teens and parents to grandparents, you’ll leave with hearts full of music and family memories to last a lifetime. 

Register

Southern Week 2024

August 11, 2024 - August 17, 2024

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason host a fun and friendly full-week of Southern traditional music from the Bayou to the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. Have fun learning and playing together!

Register

2024 Ashokan Music & Dance Camp Dates:

ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 1ST AT 9AM ET

May 10 – 12 • Scottish String Fling
May 24 – 27 • Uke Fest
June 7 – 9 • Old Time Rollick
June 23 – 29 • Western & Swing Week
July 14 – 20 • Northern Week
July 22 – 26 • Acoustic Guitar Camp
July 29 – Aug 2 • Bluegrass Camp
Aug 5 – 9 • Family Camp
Aug 11 – 17 • Southern Week

WHAT ELSE COULD YOU ASK FOR

LAYERS OF FRIENDSHIP

FIRST TIMER

BE YOURSELF

A RICHLY LIVED LIFE

EVERYONE IS CHILL

WE’RE ALL JUST GETTING ALONG

Contact our Music & Dance Camp staff at 845-246-2121 or camps@ashokancenter.org

Thank you to the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation for supporting Ashokan Music & Dance Camps and the Summer Hoot


Subscribe to the Ashokan Archive and view over 300 video lessons and workshops from our 2020 and 2021. You’ll discover a world of fun, accessible workshops for ukulele, guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, accordion, piano, bass, and harmony singing, with fantastic teachers.