Planet Bluegrass is most well known for our festivals, true. But those who have attended one of our educational programs are in firm agreement that the magic of Planet Bluegrass begins the week before - when a roster of world-class musicians teach classes and lead workshops in each of the traditional bluegrass instruments. Our 2007 instructor list is complete and we still have spaces left in several classes, which you can order online now. Start getting to know some of your fellow Academy students in our Festivarian Forum.

2007 Academy Reservations

This year for the first time, we sold Academy class reservations using an online lottery. The response to this lottery, which closed on November 27, was tremendous. We received entries from 29 different US states - from Alaska to Hawaii to Georgia. We processed these lottery entries in a random order, filling people's first and second choices until classes filled up. Most of the classes sold-out through this lottery.

You may purchase the $100 non-refundable deposit for the few remaining classes from our website. We may currently have spaces left in the following classes:

• Novice Bass
• Intermediate Bass
• Mandolin Building
• Intermediate Dobro
• Advanced Dobro

We are currently sold-out of all the other classes, including Academy guest passes. If we receive any refunded class spaces, we will continue to make these available every Tuesday at Noon, MST on our website. Please note: it is extremely unlikely that we will have any refunded guitar or mandolin classes.

Important Academy Changes for 2007

In response to feedback over the past several years, we are making several important changes for the 2007 Academy.

1. Academy classes were initially sold using an online lottery. This lottery was open from October 20 thru November 27 and it is now closed.
2. Because of overwhelming demand for the Kids Camp, enrollment in the 2007 Kids Camp will be limited to children of Academy participants. In addition, the 2007 Kids Camp has been extended to four days - from Monday, July 23 thru Thursday, July 26.
3. Because of limited space in the on-site campground and to protect the natural environment of the Planet Bluegrass Ranch, RVs will not be allowed on-site during our events this summer. Space will be made available in Meadow Park for those wishing to bring an RV to the Academy, for no additional charge. No RV passes will be sold for the festival. On-site vehicles for the festival must be 18' feet or less in length.

The Academy

For a week before the festival begins, Planet Bluegrass offers the opportunity to immerse yourself as an active participant in the world of bluegrass. We welcome may of the festival performers - world-class bluegrass musicians representing several generations of the music's history and future. The 2007 instructors include bands-in-residence Nickel Creek, Del McCoury Band, Claire Lynch Band, the Kruger Brothers, and several other instructors to be announced in the coming weeks.

We will be offering  three levels of instrument instruction offered for guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and bass. This year we will offer two levels of classes in dobro and bluegrass banjo and a class in clawhammer banjo class. The classes are small, and we include sessions on group jamming, vocal coaching, songwriting, one-on-one instruction and a variety of electives. Class topics cover a breadth of topics including: learning fiddle tunes, practice techniques, songwriting, writing instrumentals, accompaniment, improvisation, and musical history.

Evenings feature band scrambles, barbecues and plenty of jamming for novice through advanced ability levels. Many Academy students return year after year, creating long-term relationships with budding musicians from all over the world.

We ask that you be at least a novice on your instrument - No beginners, please! The cost of the Academy is $450, which includes a $100 non-refundable deposit. We hope you can join us for a memorable week of pickin’ on the Planet.

The RockyGrass Kids Camp

The Bluegrass Academy experience isn't just for parents. Children of registered Academy students can also join in the fun with a special program for your children ages 7-14 who are either new to bluegrass or at a novice or intermediate level.

Join members of the award-winning Bearfoot Bluegrass Band for four full days of instrument, vocal and band instruction that includes a final performance on Wednesday evening. Your children can choose from one or more of the following instrument classes: guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and bass. There are also vocal and band classes offered. Students are encouraged to try different instruments and to learn to perform bluegrass music together.

This is the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family to the Academy. The total cost of the Kids Camp is $235 and a $50 non-refundable deposit will hold your place. Please read and complete this registration form prior to May 1.   Learn more...

The Mandolin Building Experience

Possible only on Planet Bluegrass do a few lucky participants have the chance to sample a variety of building

and crafting techniques and materials while they accomplish what few have done before - walk away with a hand-built instrument in just four days. No building experience required, just a good attitude and focus. Tuition is $650, which includes a kit and expert instruction from luthiers Michael Hornick, Dan Roberts, Bobby Wintringham and assistants Gary Lunde and Chuck Midgley.

Kits offered this year include mandolin (10 kits), mandola (3 kits), and octave mandolin (2 kits). With over 140 instruments built to date, this experience just keeps getting better.