Please bookmark this page and
refer to it often for updates.
Retreat Portal
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1. Please bookmark this page and visit it often. It's your one-stop shop for retreat prep!
2. If you haven't already done so, please complete your required Student Intake Form ASAP. If you signed up to bring a partner, please submit one for them too.
3. Start preparing your jam tunes, as well as the camp song, Sweet Sue. Details and instructions are under Prep Materials.
4. Start to plan your travel.
Updates
June 5, 2026
Plan Your Travel
Amenities include hammocks, yard games, a fire pit, and a library.
sunshine mountain lodge
18078 CO-7
Lyons, CO 80540
download our transportation guide and packing list!
arrive
depart
Thurs. Aug 20 • 10 AM-12 PM
group assignments
Prep Materials & Groups
Camp song
- Learn the camp song, "Sweet Sue," using the videos posted here.
- Review "Liza Jane," "8th of January," and "Tennessee Waltz" from Fiddle School Session 1.
- Bring 2–3 jam-ready (memorized) fiddle tunes. You don't need to play them perfectly, but should be able to play through without sheet music.
- You'll get to learn Cajun with Suzy, no prep necessary.
- Do you play a backup instrument? Bring it, or contact us to rent one.
handouts & TRACKS
instructions
Each group will have one masterclass with each teacher.
this is a sample schedule
to give you an idea of how each day will be structured.
a final schedule will be provided in august.
Schedule
click on a teacher to learn more about them!
Sarah Kenner
Camp Coordinator
brian kenney
Cook
Staff
suzy thompson
Fiddle
Fiddle
sydney green
adam kulakow
Mandolin, Guitar
Fiddle, Guitar
julian oliver
Katie Glassman
Fiddle, Guitar
bryan cooperrider
Camp Assistant
(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
(Denver, CO) began her lifelong love of fiddling at age 17 when she was introduced to the style of Texas Oldtime fiddling. She discovered a passion for the traditional music and roots of Texas Style fiddling and began competing in contests throughout the country.
Adding in back up guitar shortly after beginning, she has become a well-respected rhythm guitarist within the genre and regularly attends contests around the country.
She placed first in the guitar division at the Colorado Fiddle Championships in 2023 and regularly places in the top three of her division in fiddle as well.
Known for her ability to connect with new players, she thrives in the energy of collaborative creativity and sharing her love for jamming. Sydney runs her own teaching studio, where she mentors aspiring musicians, and her love for the fiddle extends to her family, with all three of her children also playing the instrument.
sydney green
Suzy apprenticed in Louisiana with Cajun master fiddler Dewey Balfa and spent 20 years playing dances with Danny Poullard and the California Cajun Orchestra, recording two award-winning albums for Arhoolie Records. During the pandemic she created an online old time fiddle instruction series called Fiddles at Four, and has been an in-person fiddle instructor at Centrum’s Country Blues Week, Black Pot Camp, Augusta Cajun-Creole Week, Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, Alabama Folkschool and many other camps and festivals.
(Berkeley, CA) is a blues fiddler and vocalist who has spent the past 50 years delving deep into pre-war blues fiddling, Louisiana Cajun and Creole dance music and hillbilly blues and ragtime fiddling.
Her blues fiddling was highlighted on Geoff Muldaur’s “Texas Sheiks” album; she has also worked with Maria Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, Del Rey and Steve James, and many other roots music greats.
suzy thompson
Teachers
Community
If you are not a Fiddle School member, we will create an account and add you.
Inside, you'll find two spaces:
Preparation & Questions
Meet and mingle with fellow campers. Start by introducing yourself!
Transportation
Coordinate carpools and learn about your airport transportation options.
Policies
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
By signing up for Fiddle School's Colorado Mountain Retreat (“Camp”),
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 Camp, or for any issues or outages caused by third-party vendors and software applications.
4. Refunds & Changes
In the unlikely event 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 June 19, 2026, you may transfer your 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 July 19, 2026, you may transfer 50% of your payment toward any online or in-person Fiddle School camp within one year (minus a non-refundable $300 deposit).
Cancellations made after July 19, 2026 or if you cannot attend due to a positive COVID test or illness, are not eligible to be applied as future camp credits, except at Fiddle School's 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 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 Camp Coordinator, at sarah@fiddleschool.com.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy