Beginner
Class overview:
Welcome to our Beginner Fiddle Class! This course is designed for anyone interested in learning the rich sounds of traditional fiddle music—no prior experience required. Whether you’re picking up the fiddle for the first time, returning after a break, or still developing your foundational skills you will feel right at home in this group! Beginner fiddlers, taught by Dr. John Cockman, will be exploring folk tunes from various traditions, as well as hymns and lullabies, and will be playing together in a fun, encouraging environment. All ages and backgrounds are welcome—bring your curiosity and love for music!
Upper beginner students are strongly encouraged to also attend the intermediate class to stretch their fiddling muscles and learn some challenging new styles and skills.
Check out the video below to hear a demonstration of the songs that will be taught in the beginner class this summer!
Meet your instructor:
John Cockman
John Cockman is a master fiddler and dedicated teacher from Watauga County with deep roots in the Appalachian tradition. A professional musician from a young age, he has studied and performed in a wide range of styles including Bluegrass, Old-Time, Gospel, Celtic, Country, and Cajun. For over 20 years, John has developed an intuitive and accessible teaching method, including the online lessons on BluegrassDaddy.com and the BRSTA Fiddle Camp, which has helped thousands of students learn to jam, perform, and carry on the tradition of Appalachian music.
Songs and music links:
- WEEK ONE: Cripple Creek
- WEEK TWO: Rocky Top
- WEEK THREE: Sally Goodin
- WEEK FOUR: Ole Slewfoot
- WEEK FIVE: Alouette
- WEEK SIX: Chase Me Charlie
- WEEK SEVEN: Ballad of Davy Crockett
- WEEK EIGHT: My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
- WEEK NINE: Sleepy Eyed John
Intermediate
Class overview:
Join our Intermediate Fiddle Class and take your playing to the next level in a welcoming, collaborative setting. Designed for those with some fiddle experience, this group explores a variety of traditional tunes, builds on bowing techniques and ornamentation, and encourages ensemble playing and ear training. Taught by a variety of excellent instructors, students will dig deeper into regional styles and musical expression while keeping the joy of playing at the heart of every session. All are welcome—come ready to grow your skills and share in the music!
Lower intermediate students are strongly encouraged to also attend the beginner class to continue in their pursuit of strong foundational skills and techniques.
Upper intermediate students are strongly encouraged to also attend the advanced class to stretch their fiddling muscles and learn some challenging new styles and skills.
Check out the video below to hear one of the songs that will be taught in the intermediate class this summer!
Meet your instructors:
Josephine Walker is a versatile fiddler with roots in Bluegrass, Classical, and Celtic styles. Steeped in traditional music from a young age, her musical path was significantly shaped and inspired by BRSTA. She is an award winning competitor and is the Scottish Fiddling Junior National Champion. Josephine teaches locally and performs with her band, Pickin Thistles, at many Appalachian venues and festivals.
Lorien Cockman is a dynamic traditional musician specializing in Celtic and Old-Time fiddle, Cape Breton piano, and Canadian step dancing. As an award-winning singer and songwriter, she brings a deep love of story and rhythm to every performance and class. Lorien teaches piano, fiddle, and dobro to many BRSTA students in the community, and is currently developing her Master’s thesis in Appalachian Music Pedagogy at ASU.
Elizabeth White is an award-winning fiddler and passionate musician whose love for music is as natural as breathing. She has been playing fiddle and piano for as long as she can remember and her vibrant energy and deep connection to music shine through in every note she plays. A dedicated artist both on and off the stage, Elizabeth enjoys step dancing and composing original tunes in her free time, always finding new ways to share the joy of music with others.
Songs and music links:
- WEEK ONE: Cripple Creek
- WEEK TWO: L’Air Mignonne
- WEEK THREE: Sally Goodin
- WEEK FOUR: Ole Slewfoot
- WEEK FIVE: Hector the Hero
- WEEK SIX: Forked Deer
- WEEK SEVEN: Bonaparte’s Retreat
- WEEK EIGHT: Maple Sugar
- WEEK NINE: Sleepy Eyed John
Advanced
Class overview:
Our Advanced Fiddle Class is for experienced players looking to refine their style, expand their repertoire, and dive deeper into the heart of traditional music. This class, taught by Arwen Cockman and Lily Harwell, focuses on nuanced technique, stylistic interpretation, complex tune structures, and group dynamics. Students will explore regional variations, improvisation, and performance-ready arrangements—all in a spirited and inclusive environment. Whether you’re preparing for a session, stage, or just seeking artistic growth, this class offers a rich, collaborative space for advanced fiddlers to stretch and shine.
Lower advanced students are strongly encouraged to also attend the intermediate class to continue in their pursuit of strong technique and ensemble abilities.
Check out the video below to hear one of the songs that will be taught in the advanced class this summer!
Meet your instructors:
Raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, Lily Harwell is a multi-stylist fiddler. She discovered her passion for fiddle as a child while studying at BRSTA, where she developed a deep appreciation for bluegrass, old-time, and Celtic styles. A two-time champion of the Scottish fiddling competition at the Grandfather Mountain Highland games, Lily shares her talents by teaching, performing, and recording with various musical groups in her community.
Arwen Cockman is an award-winning fiddler, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who’s been immersed in traditional music since she could hold a fiddle. Known for her expressive playing and original songwriting, Arwen brings fresh energy to the tradition while honoring its roots. Many of this year’s classes will feature her original tunes, offering students a unique opportunity to learn directly from a working artist shaping today’s folk sound.
Masterclass
Masterclass Overview (Biweekly)
This biweekly Masterclass is designed for advanced fiddlers aiming to polish their playing for competitions, auditions, and professional performances. With a focus on precision, stylistic mastery, and complex technique, each session offers ear training in challenging repertoire, technique refinement, and interpretation. Players will receive valuable feedback, explore performance strategies, and work on building confidence in high-pressure settings. This is a supportive yet rigorous environment for those committed to taking their traditional fiddle playing to the highest level.
Check out the video below to hear one of the songs that will be taught in the masterclass this summer!
Songs and music links:
- WEEK ONE: The Pathmaker
- WEEK THREE: Sally Goodin
- WEEK FIVE: Devil Went Down to Georgia
- WEEK SEVEN: Say Old Man (Can You Play the Fiddle?)
- WEEK NINE: Ducks on the Millpond
Advanced Jam:
The Advanced Traditional Jam—alternating weeks with the Fiddle Masterclass—is a dynamic, player-led gathering for musicians ready to dive into fast-paced tunes, explore deep cuts in the repertoire, and enjoy the spontaneity of session-style music making. This is a space for building community, sharpening your ear, and sharing music in the spirit of collaboration and fun. While there’s no formal instruction, expect to stretch your skills, pick up new tunes, and connect with fellow musicians through shared tradition and creativity.
Clogging / Traditional Group Dancing
Class overview:
Come dance under the open air at the beautiful Shady Grove Pavilion! This lively class features a variety of traditional group dances, including Appalachian and Cape Breton square dances, Scottish country dances, line dances, and even some original set dances created just for this community. Taught by Sarah Smith and Lorien Cockman, each session is welcoming and energetic. Live music is provided by Masterclass fiddle students, making every class a celebration of movement, music, and community. All ages and experience levels are welcome—no partner needed!
Meet your instructor:
Sarah Smith saw clogging for the first time at a Tweetsie Railroad show when she moved to Boone at 13 years old. Shortly after, she began taking clogging lessons with her two sisters. They first clogged with the Appalachian Mountain Cloggers, eventually making the advanced team and competing. Sarah became an instructor for AMC, and then began her own clogging studio, Blue Ridge Rhythm. She taught multiple classes a week, from beginner to an advanced competition team, which achieved first place at the NC State Fair, and third at the more prestigious Mountain State Fair. Sarah was also the choreographer for Blue Ridge Rhythm’s routines. She continued leading BRR until her marriage in 2005, and is thrilled to be putting her shoes back on to teach clogging to her children and another generation of dancers.
Beginner Guitar
Meet Your Instructor
David Mugg is a retired Army Infantry and Special Operations Officer, published author, and lifelong music enthusiast. A skilled guitarist and fiddler, David brings patience, encouragement, and a love of learning to his role as a beginner guitar instructor. He is a proud father of four sons, all students at BRSTA, where he has volunteered for many years. David’s commitment to community and passion for music make his classes a supportive and inspiring space for new players.