General Camp Questions:
What are the camp dates and daily hours?
Full Day: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Half Day: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where is the camp located?
Our camp takes place at Faith Presbyterian Church in Covington.
16330 LA-1085, Covington, LA 70433
What is the cost of camp, and are there any additional fees?
Full Day: $400 (**Early bird $350)
Half Day: $300 (**Early bird $250)
To qualify for the early bird discount, you must register before April 15th, 2026.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Our students will participate in various class sizes throughout the day. Sometimes as a whole group, sometimes in smaller groups of 5 to 15 students. For smaller classes, students are divided by levels, so the ratio of student-to teachers changes each year.
What is the age range for campers?
Full Day campers: 8 to 18
Half Day campers: 6 to 8
Are there any prerequisites for attending (e.g. prior fiddle experience)
The only prerequisite is that the student have about one year of experience with basic knowledge of: how to hold their instrument, find their finger placement on the fingerboard, hold use the bow, and be open to following instructions.
How do I register, and is there a deadline?
You can register for the youth camp online here. To get the early bird rate, you must register before April 15, 2026. The final date to register for Fiddle Camp is May 4, 2026.
Music Specific Questions:
Does the student need to bring their own instrument?
Yes. Each student will need to bring their own instrument every day. There may be the option to leave their instruments locked in a classroom over the duration of fiddle camp.
What styles of music will the students learn (e.g. Celtic, Bluegrass, Jazz, etc.)?
Celtic, Cajun, Jazz, Bluegrass, Old-Time, etc.
Will students learn to read sheet music, play by ear, or both?
Both, however a few of our clinicians only teach traditional music by ear, so it is a skill that is taught at this camp.
Are there group performances or showcases during or at the end of the camp?
Yes. We have daily showcases among the students. And we have our big group performance at the end of camp, followed by a celebratory potluck lunch.
Can campers bring an instrument other than a violin/fiddle?
Yes! We encourage viola, cello, and bass players to participate. In addition to a stellar fiddle team, we have an amazing low-strings instructor on staff, Dr. Kent Jensen. Kent is a cellist in the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and one of the conductors at the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra. We are privileged to have him join us each year!
Adult campers may connect with local trad musicians and clinicians at the camp. Guitar and mandolin may be offered as the need arises.
Logistics and Safety:
What should my child bring to camp each day (snacks, water, etc.)?
They must bring a packed lunch, water bottle, art shirt, and towel (for down time/yoga/outside time).
Are meals or snack provided?
Snacks (fruit, cheese, crackers, chips, etc.) are provided for a snack time break, but the students must bring their own lunch and preferred drink. Water bottles may be filled with filtered water daily.
Adult lunches will be ordered daily “Dutch treat” or on your own, and coffee and tea water are always available.
What is your policy on allergies or special dietary needs?
We do not have a strict policy, but we ask adults and students to be conscientious of common allergies, especially tree nuts and peanuts. Any medical conditions that may cause distress should be listed in the registration.
Who supervises the children during non-lesson times?
We ensure the utmost safety! Our core staff, teachers and parent volunteers will oversee the supervision of children during and outside of classes. Teen helpers will be on hand to escort and assist along with a staff member or parent volunteer. Ms. Young-Bridges and Mr. Serban are certified teachers with training in child safety.
Can I stay and watch my child at Fiddle Camp?
You are welcome to sign up to become a parent volunteer on the registration page, and the large gathering room is visible from the entrance area. Visitors are not allowed without registering or without permission from our camp director, Ms. Young-Bridges.
What happens in case of an emergency?
If necessary, relevant emergency services will be contacted immediately, then our camp director, Ms. Young-Bridges, and parents will be notified immediately. She may be reached by phone at all times.
Skill Development:
How are the campers grouped, by age, skill level, or both?
Our full day campers will be grouped all together for large ensemble playing, and then divided into smaller groups based on level. Our half day campers are grouped together by age.
What other skills will my child learn besides playing the fiddle?
We provide a variety of social and physical activities for the children to experience beyond fiddling. At the assembly we may practice yoga and meditation for young people. Before lunch we have a dance instructor lead the kids in group dances, mainly Irish Céilí dances. Additionally, the kids get to create art each day! Half day campers’ art time is separate from the older students.
Will my child need to practice outside of camp hours?
It is not necessary to practice after camp each day. If your child is inspired to play even more when they get home, it is definitely beneficial for locking in the tunes they learned throughout the day in their heads and muscles, but it is not a requirement.
Additional Activities:
Are there non-music activities?
Yes. We have a morning assembly and yoga/stretching before starting classes/workshops to set the tone of the day. Students have time to socialize at lunch, and if the weather permits, may go outdoors to sit at picnic tables or play basketball. A small playground is reserved for the Littles.
Are parents allowed to observe or participate in any classes?
Yes, parents can attend as volunteers. We love parent volunteers! Please sign in with an id each time.
Payments and Cancellation:
Are payment plans or scholarships ships available?
Scholarships are available. If you are in need of financial assistance there is a spot for you to describe your need on the registration form. NorthShore Strings will contact you as soon as possible to let you know what scholarship opportunities can be arranged. We are partnered with the Northshore Traditional Music Society, a 501c3 non profit, and with their help, we are able to help students attend this camp.
Our scholarship requirements include a written letter expressing your financial need, what you can contribute, your child’s desire to participate in Fiddle Camp, and parent volunteer hours at Fiddle Camp.
Tuition may be split in 2 payments, and as long as the balance is paid by May 4, we can work it out.
May I donate to the camp?
YES! Please visit www.nstms.org to donate - all benefit, as it keeps the tuition affordable.
What is your refund policy if we need to cancel?
Deposits are non-refundable. However, for extenuating circumstance we will look at it on a case-by-case basis.
Is there a discount for siblings?
No. Not at this time.