Valley Of The Moon School Of Scottish Fiddling is an incredible, magical experience. Don't be fooled by the name. First, although it was first held in Valley Of The moon, California, for the last 18 years or so been eld at Camp Campbell, in California's Santa Cruz mountains (where Camp Harmony is also held). Secondly, while it retains Scottish fiddling as it's core, camp director (and one of the instructors) Alasdair Fraser has branched it out into different types of fiddling. Aly Bain, Buddy MacMaster, Ellika Frissel (Sweden), Annjborg Lien (Norway), Martin Hayes, James Kelly, Mairead Nhi Mhaonaigh, and Bruce Molsky are just some of the fiddle instructors he's had over the years. There's also workshops in singing, guitar, mandolin, percussion, cello, and stepdancing. All levels welcome, from absolute beginners through advanced players, with classes divided on the level at which one learns by ear: slow, medium, and fast, with separate classes for adult and child beginners.

What makes the experience special is the sense of community, the evening sessions and parties, and all the extemporaneous things that makes the camp experience very memorable. And, it's not a clique-ish scene. Newcomers are welcomed into the fold almost immediately after arriving! The instruction is topnotch, and at the end of the week, everyone takes part in a concert the camp puts on in downtown Santa Cruz. It is an unforgettable experience!

Chanteyranger

Another vote here for Camp Harmony.