DelFest Academy
"My goals for the mandolin class were completely satisfied and I came away from the Academy with both new skills and a greater confidence in myself and what I can achieve in music." -Mike Ward, 2009 Academy student
We’re pleased to once again offer DelFest Academy prior to the festival – May 20 through May 23. The academy consists of a friendly, encouraging, and intensive three-day learning experience with some of the finest musicians in bluegrass.
The Academy will offer instruction for guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass for all experience levels. 2013 DelFest Academy instructors are Ronnie McCoury and Don Rigsby – mandolin, Rob McCoury – banjo, Jason Carter – fiddle, Alan Bartram – bass, and Ronnie Bowman and Kenny Smith – guitar.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect during your DelFest Academy experience -
Monday – Check-in begins at 4pm on Monday, May 20th. Set up camp and in the evening we will have a meet and greet with dinner provided for all the students, paid guests and teachers.
"I have been playing guitar for a while but I came home with new tools to the trade that Ronnie taught me." -Sutton Yamanashi, 2009 Academy student
Tuesday thru Thursday – Beginning on Tuesday morning, students will receive instruction targeted to their individual needs, with plenty of opportunity for one-on-one interaction with their instructors. The overall direction of each class will ultimately be determined by the students’ goals and needs. Typically, you’ll start the mornings in a small group with your instructor, and afternoon sessions may vary with instrument groups getting together. We like to end each day with Bluegrass Karaoke – basically the students sign up to play a song with all the instructors as your backing band… you are the star!
On Thursday afternoon, your Academy wristband will be exchanged for a festival wristband. That evening we will have an Academy wrap-up/festival kick-off party with food and drink provided for students and paid guests.
Also, it probably goes without saying, from dark to sun-up each evening is spent in the campgrounds jamming with fellow students.
*Please carefully review all of the following ticketing information as there are different options and packages this year. For example, if you wish to attend the Academy and then DelFest as a DELuxe Experience patron you can purchase that in one package. Also, an on-site Parking Pass is now included as a part of Academy tuition. RV Passes (not DELuxe) and RV Dry Passes can be purchased as a package too.
**DelFest Academy tuition is a package that includes a 4-day Pass to DelFest. Academy tuition is not available separately. All items and packages are non-transferrable and non-exchangeable.
***All tickets are subject to applicable service and shipping fees. Service fees include a State of Maryland Admissions and Amusement Tax.
DelFest Academy is not sold out, but is no longer available for purchase online. If interested in joining, please fill out the form below and include which instrument class you’d like to participate in. An Academy representative will be in touch shortly with availability details.
Academy Passes
 $495 |
 $175 |
| + Academy Tuition + Festival Pass + Parking Pass |
+ Only valid if accompanied by a DelFest Academy participant + Festival Pass + No Parking |
RV Packages
To be placed in the central fairgrounds loop.
 SOLD OUT |
 SOLD OUT |
| + Academy Tuition + Festival Pass + RV Pass 5/20-5/26 |
+ Academy Tuition + Festival Pass + RV Dry Pass 5/20-5/26 |
DELuxe Packages
Click for detail on the DELuxe Experience.
 SOLD OUT |
 SOLD OUT |
SOLD OUT |
 SOLD OUT |
| + Academy Tuition + DELuxe for 1 + Parking Pass |
+ Academy Tuition + DELuxe for 1 + RV Pass on treeline for 5/20-5/26 |
+ Academy Tuition + DELuxe for 1 + RV Pass in central fairgrounds loop for 5/20-5/26 |
+ Academy Guest Pass + DELuxe for 1 + Only valid if accompanied by a DelFest Academy participant |
Bluegrass Karaoke
Banjo class with Rob McCoury
Mandolin class with Ronnie McCoury
Contact DelFest Academy Staff here:
