All Instruments | Sarah Larsen | All Levels | All-Day Class | Week 5 (August 3-7. 2026)
Ready to take your fledgling bluegrass skills to the next level? This dynamic program for ages 9-14 is designed for young musicians with at least two years of experience on their instrument (audition required, see info below). Any string band instrument is welcome! Dive deep into the heart of bluegrass as we explore how a band works, build tight rhythms, learn about harmony singing, and tackle the basics of Bluegrass music theory and the numbers system! Come join us for an unforgettable week of music, collaboration, and fun.
To apply for the Bluegrass Kids Academy, you will need to submit the following:
1) A video of you playing one or two tunes (no restrictions on tune selection– anything you’ve got is great!).
2) The answers to these questions (can be submitted in writing or video on the application page): What has been your favorite musical experience in your life so far? Who is your favorite bluegrass musician of all time? Why do you want to work on your bluegrass musicianship?
Bluegrass Kids Academy Application link: https://forms.gle/bfRp3FsmWB4srDjs9
The first round of applications for the Bluegrass Kids Academy will be due on March 1, 2026. Applicants will be informed of their acceptance status soon after that date. Applications that come in after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space remains in the program.
Regular tuition for the Bluegrass Kids Academy 2026 is $500. This includes tuition for all daytime classes, evening concerts and dances. It does not include meals and housing. If you would like to apply for a tuition scholarship, please fill out the Summer 2026 Scholarship Application (link below). Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis.
About the Instructor:
Sarah Larsen is a multi-faceted teacher & musician. Originally from Wisconsin, she grew up playing classical music with her pianist mother and sister. Her formative years were spent at Lawrence University, the Walnut Hill School, New England Conservatory’s Preparatory Division, and the University of Hartford’s Hartt School on full scholarship. College introduced her to alternative styles including a run with string quartet Vox4 that led to Carnegie Hall; Americana rock string trio, Little Ugly; and premiering Gary Tomasetti’s Violin Concerto written specifically for her.
Sarah’s time in Philadelphia saw her playing with the Hot Club of Philadelphia, multiple bluegrass bands as well as frequent calls as string arranger for local songwriters. She has recorded at every major studio in the greater Philadelphia area, working with Ben Arnold, Susan Werner, Hop Along and Dr. Dog, among others. Sarah is an award-winning contest fiddler having taken Grand Champion of the Lyons Fiddle Festival and the Delaware State Championship.
Refusing to be defined by labels or genres, Sarah is equally at home in a jazz jam, a bluegrass pick, or an orchestral setting. She has spent over 30 years learning to communicate with musicians of all levels and styles, and has dedicated her life to helping others achieve satisfaction and joy through music.