From Scratch 2025
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.
Classes: $220.00 - $255.00
- Mandolin: Ben Ayers
- Banjo: Bailey Hill
- Fiddle: Gretchen Priest-May
- Guitar: Jason Bailey
- Bass: Ashleigh Caudill
- Buck Dancing: Rebecca Stout
- Salve Making: Cameron Strouss
- Hand-stitched Sampler Quilts: Aaron Head
- Blacksmithing: Quinn McKay
- Intro to Wheel Throwing: Kelly Towe
Lodging prices range from:
- Lodge Room & Meals for 2: $375.00
- Lodge Room & Meals for 1: $310.00
- Cabin Bunk Bed & Meals for 1: $155.00
- Commuter Fee & Meals for 1: $65.00
From Scratch is made possible in part by grants from Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Mandolin with Ben Ayers
My name is Ben and I'm a professional musician and school music teacher, based out of southern Middle Tennessee where I grew up. I knew I wanted to pursue music as a career 19 years ago after my first guitar lesson, but it took getting a mandolin at the age of 18 for me to realize that folk music (old-time, bluegrass, Irish trad, blues, swing, etc) was the stylistic world I wanted to dedicate my life to. Since then I've played mandolin in bluegrass, old-time, celtic, and even classical groups over the years (in addition to guitar and upright bass work). I taught my first mandolin student within a year of starting the instrument, and I'm excited to help a new group of future-Monroes get their chops together.
In Beginner Mandolin I'll teach my students the fundamentals of folk mandolin. Our goal will be to learn the basic techniques and knowledge needed to play the instrument, as well as a few tunes common to folk styles like Old-Time, Bluegrass, Blues, and Celtic. Each students will tune their instrument (no small feat on mandolin), pick melodies, keep rhythm with chords, and try their hand at classic techniques like tremolo picking and "the chop."
Banjo with Bailey Hill
Most folks don't realize that the hidden key to human happiness is simply playing the banjo. This may seem counterproductive, as the banjo is heavy, and you're probably used to hearing family members complain about how darn loud they are. In Beginner Banjo, you will learn to be one of the loud ones! We will dive into the basics of clawhammer technique, some beginning fingerstyle work, and by the end, you'll have the skills you need to have a grand old time on the 5 string.
Things you need for the class: A 5 string banjo that can stay in tune and a recording device.
Bailey Hill is a multi-instrumentalist and experienced songwriter based out of Fultondale, Alabama. He got his start learning mandolin at The Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell, and soon expanded his horizons to banjo and guitar. Bailey specializes in American Old Time and Bluegrass music but has a firm grasp on contemporary acoustic styles as well. His experience in the world of teaching includes directing the Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell, Banjo instructor at The Alabama Folk School’s Youth Camp, Ukulele Instructor for the Magnolia Nature Preschool, Youth Songwriting Workshop instructor for The Alabama Folk School, and Private lesson teacher since 2016.
Bailey is also an experienced performer. He has performed at The Acoustic Cafe, Artwalk Birmingham, The Birmingham Museum of Art, Samford University’s Children Week, FOOTMAD of Birmingham’s Monthly Contra Dances, Bluegrass on the Rim, and many more. Bailey’s passion for teaching and performing comes from a fundamental drive of wanting more music in the world. Bailey views music as not just a great hobby or job, but an excellent way to build community and fellowship.