Please bookmark this page and
refer to it often for updates.
Retreat Portal
menu
- If you haven't done so yet, please learn Green Door in the videos under Prep Materials.
- Save the (new!) date for our Retreat Zoom Orientation: April 17 at 4 PM PT. If you can't make it, a recording will be posted here.
- We have posted a Jump Swing Blues listening playlist on this page and in Circle.
- Swing Improv Fiddlers/Guitar Players:
We've made a list of tunes that we worked on in class to help you lightly prepare, so we're not glued to charts at the retreat. If you know 1-3 by memory, that’s perfect. Seth will be working on chord shapes, patterns, and strumming style. - Guitar Players: Charts have been added to the handouts folder. Don't worry, you won’t be stuck on blues all day—Seth has great variations planned, and our swing fiddlers are getting tunes ready to jam with you.
Updates
april 8, 2026
- Please bookmark this page and visit it often. It's your one-stop shop for retreat prep!
- Please complete your required Student Intake Form by Friday, March 6. If you signed up to bring a partner, please submit one for them too.
- Start learning the camp song, Green Door, in the videos under Prep Materials. We'll be adding additional videos and handouts over the coming weeks. Keep an eye out!
- Save the date for our California Retreat Zoom Orientation on April 17 at 4 PM PT. ***
- Start to plan your travel. To coordinate carpools, visit our Circle community.
***NEW DATE! Rescheduled from April 9.
Updates
march 2, 2026
Plan Your Travel
the perch at twin peaks»
25807 State Highway 189
Twin Peaks, CA 92391
download our transportation guide and packing list!
Prep Materials & Groups
Camp song
Please work through each learning video.
Fiddlers: All harmonies are OPTIONAL.
Guitar Players: Enjoy the bells and whistles!
handouts & TRACKS
guitar learning videos
listening playlist/orientation
fiddle learning videos
this is a sample schedule
to give you an idea of how each day will be structured.
a final schedule will be provided in mid-april.
Schedule & Classes
click on a teacher to learn more about them!
Sarah Kenner
Camp Coordinator
laura guidry
Chef
Staff
seth andrey oster
Guitar, Jams
Fiddle
adam galblum
adam kulakow
Mandolin, Guitar
Fiddle, Guitar
julian oliver
Katie Glassman
Fiddle, Guitar
(Venice, CA) is a renowned and decorated Western Swing & Texas-style fiddler, an accomplished singer and songwriter, and highly sought-after educator.
As a fiddler and vocalist for Katie Glassman and Snapshot, she recorded multiple acclaimed albums blending the blues, Western swing, jazz, and old-time Texas fiddling. She also toured and recorded with the nationally celebrated trio The Western Flyers, performing on stages across the U.S. and abroad, earning recognition as Academy of Western Artists' Vocalist of the Year, and 6 national fiddle titles.
As the founder of Fiddle School, Katie created a groundbreaking approach to learning: the first step-by-step, seven-pillar method for fiddling. Since 2018, her innovative online academy has guided thousands of fiddlers worldwide to develop artistry, fluency, and confidence in old-time Texas fiddling, Western Swing, and early jazz.
katie glassman
is a Boston based fiddler and roots musician. Growing up surrounded by bluegrass, folk, and Western music, Julian developed an early affinity for the fiddle. Julian began Suzuki violin lessons at age five, building a foundation in classical technique before shifting his focus to Texas Style fiddling, a tradition that remains central in his playing.
Julian studied for many years with Katie Glassman, developing both his technique and his passion for the rich tradition of fiddling. Influenced by players like Terry Morris, Major Franklin, Benny Thomasson, and Jimmie Don Bates, he became active in the fiddle contest scene, winning the Colorado State Fiddle Championship for the first time at age eleven.
More recently, Julian has expanded his musicianship through a love of guitar, singing, and songwriting. He has toured Europe performing swing and country fiddle and won his age division at the 2023 National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest.
Julian is currently the recipient of a full scholarship at the Berklee College of Music, where he has had the opportunity to study with musical greats Bruce Molsky, Jason Anick, Joe K. Walsh, and Luis Perdomo.
julian oliver
(Venice, CA) has played with singers, songwriters, and ensembles all over Southern California, alongside a career as a film & TV writer, producer, and director. He performs as a duo with fiddler Katie Glassman and teaches performance and mindset tools through her Fiddle School, as well as guitar and mandolin accompaniment, jamming skills, and repertoire at camps and special events.
Adam is the mandolin winner of the 2024 Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest. In 2023, he wrote or co-wrote songs while playing mandolin, guitar, banjo, and ukulele for the album Alive Tonight by the acoustic Americana band the Wholesome. Whether it’s leading a hootenanny, playing backup in a fiddle contest, or teaching a tune, Adam is all about lifting people on their musical journeys, having fun while leveling up.
adam kulakow
(Kansas City, MO) is an accomplished violinist with a rich musical background. Classically trained, Adam benefited from an early apprenticeship with jazz violin icon Claude “Fiddler” Williams in Kansas City, and a brief stint at the Berklee College of Music. He later spent a decade in Colorado touring the country with assorted bands and ensembles.
Currently in Kansas City, Adam leads a gypsy jazz band, Hot Club KC; and Shakedown Strings, an acoustic trio of jazz musicians that interprets the music of the Grateful Dead, and tours the U.S. When Adam’s not playing with one his bands, or fiddling with other groups, he teaches music privately in K.C., subs with the Topeka Symphony and Symphony of Northwest Arkansas in Fayetteville, and is a member of MahlerFest in Boulder, Colorado which performs annually.
Adam has released two albums: “Dream Dancing” with Hot Club KC in 2025, and a solo album in 2015: “Down To The Wire - A Stringband Tribute To The Music Of John Mayer,” which showcases his abilities as an arranger and multi-instrumentalist (violin, guitar, mandolin). Both albums can be heard on all streaming platforms.
adam Galblum
is an award winning guitarist, singer, yodeler & dancer. He has performed with Barbara Morrison, John Tchicai, Walt Johnson, Ira Nepus, Mike Mullins and Jimmy McConnell and graced stages at the Catalina Jazz Club, Picking In the Pines, Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, Lighthouse, Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival, Cicada Club & Huck Finn Jubilee.
Seth is a featured artist for Preston Thompson Guitars and proudly endorses Fisherman’s Friend Lozenges.
seth andrey oster
Teachers
Community
Inside, you'll find two spaces:
Preparation & Questions
Meet and mingle with fellow campers. Start by introducing yourself!
Transportation & Ride Coordination
Coordinate rides with other campers and learn about your
transportation options.
*Not a member? Click here to accept an invitation to our community platform.
Policies
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
Last Updated 2/27/26
By signing up for Fiddle School's California Mountain Retreat (“Retreat”),
you are agreeing to the following terms.
1. Participation
Be kind and respectful to your instructors and fellow attendees.
We reserve the right to remove anyone who is disruptive or inappropriate.
2. Copyright & Materials
All teaching materials, handouts, and recordings issued by Fiddle School are to be used exclusively for your own learning. Do not repost, sell, or share any materials.
3. Technology
Fiddle School does everything possible to create a seamless tech experience.
You are responsible for maintaining your own internet connection and devices.
Fiddle School is not responsible if you experience issues with your tech before or during the Retreat, or for any issues or outages caused by third-party vendors and software applications.
4. Refunds & Changes
In the unlikely even that we need to reschedule or cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance on our behalf, we’ll do our best to offer a reasonable alternative, or provide a refund.
For information on student cancellations, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.
5. Contact
Questions? Email Sarah, the Retreat Coordinator, at sarah@fiddleschool.com.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
There are no camp refunds.
If you cancel on or before March 6. 2026, you may transfer your camp payment toward any online or in-person Fiddle School camp within one year (minus a non-refundable $300 deposit).
If you cancel on or before April 6, 2026, you may transfer 50% of your camp payment toward any online or in-person Fiddle School camp within one year (minus a non-refundable $300 deposit).
Cancellations made after April 6, 2026 or if you cannot come to camp due to a positive COVID test or illness, are not eligible to be applied as future camp credits, except at Fiddle School's sole discretion.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
1. What We Collect
We collect basic information including name, email, and anything you share related to the Camp (e.g. contact, emergency contact, dietary restrictions).
Payments are handled securely by our payment processor.
2. How We Use Your Info
We use your information to:
Register you for Camp
Send updates and recordings
Improve future events
3. Who Sees Your Info
We do not sell your personal information.
We share limited information only with trusted third-party service providers necessary to operate the Camp (such as registration platforms and video hosting services). Payment information is entered directly by you into secure third-party payment processors and is not stored or accessed by us. We may also disclose information if required to do so by law.
4. Your Choices
You can request to view, update, or delete certain personal information by contacting Sarah, our retreat coordinator, at sarah@fiddleschool.com.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy