From Scratch weekend is a workshop designed for true beginners. If you’re interested in learning a new instrument or craft, this is the weekend for you! This year’s offerings include classes with expert musicians, artists, and the return of beginner ceramics. With more than 1,140 acres of forest consisting of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and glistening streams, there’s plenty of exploring to do during your free time. Take a hike, go canoeing, or pick a porch and rocking chair to relax.

Registration Open Now

Classes: $210.00 - $245.00

• Guitar - Ben Ayers
• Banjo - Bailey Hill
• Fiddle - Amy Alvey
• ...

One of our most popular workshops is back with great bluegrass music classes and Gee's Bend quilting. This four-day workshop provides a truly immersive experience with a fun and enthusiastic community of musicians and artists.

Registration, full class list, and lodging options available January of 2024

• Banjo I : Jack Hatfield
• Banjo II: Alan Munde
• Fiddle I: TBD
• Fiddle II: TBD
• Mandolin I: Jason Bailey
• Mandolin II: TBD
• Guitar: TBD
• Gee's Bend Quilting: Mary Ann Pettway & China Pettway
• Natural Dyeing: Aaron Sanders Head
• Goat Soap Making: Laura Spencer

PRICING:

All music classes are $255.00

Craft classes are $275.00 (additional small supplies fee for blacksmithing paid upon arrival)

Lodging prices (including meals) range from:

• Lodge Room & Meals for 2: $550.00
• Lodge Room & Meals for 1: $420.00
• Cabin Bunk Bed & Meals for 1: $155.00
• Commuter Fee & Meals for 1:...

Join us for Youth Folk Camp – our only Alabama Folk School workshop series designed for rising 5th-12th graders. YFC is a unique combination of summer overnight camp and folk school instruction in music, farming, craft skills, and more! Campers choose one major and minor class for the workshop, all taught by experienced farmers, musicians, and artists. Some experience with violin, guitar, or banjo is recommended for music majors. Campers who choose farming for their major should select a different subject for their minor.

• Ages: rising 5th - 12th graders

• Cost: $400 (need based scholarships are available)

Registration Opens December 2nd

Example Info & Schedule

Join us Saturday, September 14th for a sample of all the Alabama Folk School has to offer. Crafters, musicians, and true beginners alike, can find something to love at this event. Sign up for one of several day class options. Classes range in price from $100-150.00. Lunch with live music is included with each class tuition. Tuition also includes the majority of supplies needed.

SCHEDULE:

• 8:00-9:00 am Student Check-In
• 9:00-11:45 am Class Session One
• 12:00 pm Lunch
• 1:00-3:30 pm Class Session Two
• 3:45 pm Head Home!

Registration Coming in 2024

• Blacksmithing 101 - Quinn McKay
• Chinese Knots - Sarah Bell
• Ceramics - TBD
• Goat Soap Making - Laura Spencer

Quilters, basket weavers, and blacksmiths pursue their work in an encouraging atmosphere while music students fully immerse themselves in old-time classes, their days and nights filled with instruction from master musicians, jam sessions, and an instructor concert. Afternoon mini classes give all participants a chance to take part in learning something totally new. With more than 1,140 acres of forest consisting of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and glistening streams, there’s plenty of exploring to do during your free time. Take a hike, go canoeing, or pick a porch and rocking chair to relax.

Read About Classes & Instructors:

• Banjo I: TBD
• Banjo II: Joe Newberry
• Fiddle I: TBD
• Fiddle II: Clelia Stefanini
• Mando: Mike Compton
• Repertoire: Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones
• Guitar & Harmony Singing: Kay Justice w/ Kathy Hinkle assisting

Mini classes hosted throughout the event require no registration and are open to...

Bring your personal projects and join us for a long weekend of focused time to rest and create. We'll provide all your meals, access to wifi, nature trails, quiet space to work and rest, and evening refreshments.

Cost Dependent on Lodging: scroll down for details.

• Lodge Room for One: $425.00
• Lodge Room for Two $580.00 ($290.00 per person)
• Dorm Bed: $175.00
• Additional Program Fees and Registration Information coming Summer 2024