Watermelon Pickers’ Workshop

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CAMP

Friday, September 11, 2026

fiddlers seated in a circle at a camp at the Watermelon Workshop Music Camp
musicians jamming together under the pick-nic shelter at the Wateremlon Pickers' Fest.
banjo players seated in a circle playing music together at teh Watermelon Workshop Music camp

Improve your playing and learn to jam!

Make the most of your festival experience by joining the Watermelon Pickers’ Workshop. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to refine your skills, this one-day music camp offers something for all levels. Learn new tunes, improve your jamming, and get ready for campfire sessions—or even the band contest!

Participants must have a 3-day or Friday Ticket and a Workshop Ticket.

The Workshop Ticket does not include General Admission or Camping Passes, which must be purchased separately.

Schedule

Settle in and set up camp with an Early-Entry pass on Wednesday, or on Thursday morning. Then head over to the Pick-nic shelter to join the fun! Workshops begin at 10:30.

Two women playing mandolins at their campsite

9:30–11:30: Instrument-specific workshops for banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass or mandolin. Stick with one instrument or divide your time between two instruments. There will be something new to learn, whether you are a beginner or an advanced picker!

11:30–12:30: Join the group and learn to jam! Instrument groups will come together for a jam. Share the tunes and skills you learned throughout the morning and get ready to pick around the campfire or join the band contest on Saturday! Depending on your level, you can join an advanced group, or get your feet wet at a slow jam. Move from group to group to find the best fit!

Instructors and Instruments

Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen

Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen

Learn from members of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen!

  • MANDOLIN – Frank SOlivan
  • BANJO – Mike Munford
  • GUITAR – Jack Dunlap
  • BASS – Cody Brown
  • FIDDLE – Mason Wright*
Plus, additional teachers will be added as needed.
Beginners through advanced players are welcome.

*Mason is not in Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen

FAQ

Beginners are welcome! Whether you are brand new to your instrument, switching to a new instrument, or trying a new genre, you’ll have a great time.

There’s always more to learn. Improve, learn new tunes, and make connections with our expert instructors. You’ll be glad you did!

Feel free to bring multiple instruments and move from group to group, or stay with one group for instrumental instruction and another for the jam.

Teens who already have playing experience are welcome to attend. Stay tuned for updates on our all-new After-School Pickers’ academy for kids aged 8-14.

We will do our best to accommodate you! Most of our teachers are multi-instrumentalists, and we will find a way for you to join. We are still gauging interest for a dobro group, so please let us know if this is what you’d like to learn.