MU Campus Jam Session – April 2027
Monday, April 5, 2027 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sinquefield Music Center, University of Missouri, 1101 University Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
MU Campus Jam Session – March 2027
Monday, March 1, 2027 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sinquefield Music Center, University of Missouri, 1101 University Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
MU Campus Jam Session – February 2027
Monday, February 1, 2027 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sinquefield Music Center, University of Missouri, 1101 University Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
MU Campus Jam Session – November
Monday, November 2, 2026 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sinquefield Music Center, University of Missouri, 1101 University Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
MU Campus Jam Session – October
Monday, October 5, 2026 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sinquefield Music Center, University of Missouri, 1101 University Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
MU Campus Jam Session
Monday, September 14, 2026 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sinquefield Music Center, University of Missouri, 1101 University Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp
Sunday, June 14, 2026 – Friday, June 19, 2026
Bethel, Missouri
Since 1988, we have gathered in the historic colony of Bethel, Missouri to make sure the driving, rhythmic sound of Missouri fiddling stays exactly where it belongs: in the hands of young players. This is a week dedicated to the “old time” way of doing things, where the music is caught by ear and the stories of the old masters are just as important as the notes themselves.
Our camp is built on the idea that traditional music is a living conversation. We do not just teach kids how to hold a bow; we help them find the “thump” in the rhythm and the soul in a rare regional tune. It is about the community that happens when you put a group of kids in a historic barn and let them figure out how to lock into a groove together. We focus on the nuances that make our regional styles unique, ensuring that every student leaves with a deeper understanding of what makes Missouri fiddling unique and the phrasing that defines the various Missouri sounds.
Instruction at Bethel comes directly from the source. Our teachers are tradition-bearing musicians and dedicated mentors who have spent years absorbing the styles of players like Vesta Johnson, Bob Holt, Fred Stoneking, Dwight Lamb, Taylor McBaine, Nile Wilson, Pete McMahan and Cyril Stinnett. They provide the kind of one-on-one attention that allows a student to move beyond the mechanics of a tune and start feeling the “pulse” of the music. Whether a student is just starting out or they are already a seasoned player looking to sharpen their style and build their repertoire, we provide the environment they need to grow.
Because a fiddle tune is only half the story, we also offer workshops in traditional backup guitar and dance. We want our campers to be well-rounded musicians who understand how the music feels from the perspective of the rhythm section and the dancer’s feet. The real magic happens in the evening jam sessions and the nightly square dances. These are the moments where a new camper finds themselves trading tunes with an older, returning camper and realizes they are part of something much bigger than themselves. These connections turn into lifelong friendships and a shared commitment to keeping this music alive.
The Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp is open to musicians ages 7 through 17. We are looking for the next generation of tune hounds who are ready to work hard, play fast, and carry a piece of Missouri history home with them. Enrollment is limited to ensure that every camper gets the attention they deserve, so we encourage early registration to secure a spot in the circle.
Learn more at the Missouri State Old-time Fiddlers site.
Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Friday, June 13, 2025
Bethel, Missouri
The Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp, founded in 1988 by the Historic Bethel German Colony and the Missouri State Old Time Fiddlers Association, is the longest-running youth fiddle camp in the United States. Nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Bethel, Missouri, this annual event has become a beloved tradition for young musicians passionate about Missouri old-time fiddle music.
Open to all skill levels, the camp offers a rare chance to learn from some of the most respected fiddlers in the Midwest. Instructors over the years have included influential musicians such as Nile Wilson, Pete McMahan, Vesta Johnson, Taylor McBaine, Charlie Walden, Herman Johnson, Liz Amos, Jim Lansford, John White, Pete Howard, Bob Holt, Thomas Coriell, Kenny Applebee, John P. Williams, Tim Murray, Amber Gaddy, David Cavins, Johnny Bruce, Fred Stoneking, Robert Mackey, Dwight Lamb, and many others who have shared their knowledge and love for traditional Missouri fiddle tunes during the camp’s nearly four-decade run.
Participants engage in structured workshops, one-on-one instruction, lively jam sessions, and nightly square dance instruction. These experiences not only enhance their musical skills but also foster a deep appreciation for the relationship between fiddle music and dance.
In addition to passing down traditional tunes and musicianship, the Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp plays a vital role in strengthening the old-time community. The friendships formed at camp and sustained throughout the year are just as essential as the music itself, because you can’t have tradition without community. The camp ensures that the rich legacy of Missouri old-time fiddle music continues to thrive, passed down through both the music and the lasting relationships built within this vibrant community.
Learn more at the Missouri State Old-time Fiddlers site.
The Fiddle Tradition with the Columbia Civic Orchestra
Sunday, February 23, 2025 • 7:30 p.m.
Missouri Theatre, Columbia, Mo.
Experience the worldwide tradition of fiddling with music from Norway, Ireland, and Missouri. Amy Beach extends this tradition by integrating English, Irish, and Scottish melodies into her Gaelic Symphony.
Norwegian music for hardanger fiddle featuring Siri Geenen
Missouri fiddle tunes featuring Howard Marshall, Kathy Gordon and Heinrich Leonhard
Irish music for fiddle and guitar featuring Tim and Jesse Langan
Amy Beach: Symphony in E Minor, “Gaelic”
Free to attend!
Adult Fiddle Camp in Bethel, Missouri
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Saturday, October 12, 2024
Bethel, Missouri
Adult fiddle camp allows fiddlers age 18 and over to study with master fiddlers to learn new tunes, build a network of fiddler friends, and work on perfecting technique. Camp offers an opportunity to connect with Missouri’s unique local fiddle tradition through working with masters who have learned directly from fiddlers in their communities.
Who Is This Camp For?
- Fiddlers of all levels from confident beginners through advanced students. All fiddlers should be able to tune their instruments and play simple tunes.
- Students who want to improve their ear-learning skills.
- Fiddlers that would like to increase their repertoire of fiddle tunes or comfort level when playing with others. We won’t be working on bluegrass, country, swing or improvisational skills, but will focus on old-time fiddle styles.
- Fiddlers who want to learn to play for dances or improve their dance fiddling.
- Guitar, banjo, piano players and other accompanists are welcome.
Logisitics
- Lodging is provided in the rooming quarters above the Bethel Fest Hall (rooms with shared bathrooms, up a flight of stairs). If numbers require, we may expand into another lodging house in Bethel.
- Meals are provided at the Bethel Fest Hall with daily salad bars and excellent cafe food.
- During the camp, we have small group classes, larger sessions and evening jam sessions. We gather on Wednesday evening and depart Saturday by noon, generally.
For more information contact John Williams. Download the registration form.