July 30 - August 01 2026.La Roche sur Foron (74), France
+33 4 76 31 02 23 (09:00 - 19:00)

Experienced teachers

This annual workshop is taught by international and Bluegrass passionate teachers, who use to share and teach all year long.

A special teaching

The course content is carefully designed to develop and put into practice the abilities of young musicians to find their place within a band.

Play Bluegrass, all together.

Bluegrass music aims to be shared and built as a band, always. Every picker is supported by the others, and supports every one.

End-of-internship diploma

After their performance on stage, the kids are given a diploma attesting to their participation in this unique course in Europe.

Kids on Bluegrass Europe 2025, Bluegrass in La Roche Festival.

Thanks to the warm audience - Merci au chaleureux public.

How to approch a new song, by Alex Neff, 2025 invited teacher.

Comment aborder une chanson, par Alex Neff, prof invité 2025.

2025 songs / chansons 2025

 

The project

To bring young people from 6 to 16 yo together around Bluegrass music so that they can learn to play in a group, on stage, as part of an international festival.

They can thus transcend cultural barriers and enjoy a true living music experience within the international Bluegrass community.

The first four KOBE (Kids On Bluegrass Europe) courses, in La Roche Sur Foron, France, welcomed young pickers from Spain, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, Czech Republic, and the teaching of Spanish, German, Czech, U.S. and French teachers.

Musical practice, playing and discussing with international musicians, acquiring basic practices, and performing on one of the festival stages, this internship is for young musicians a unique opportunity in Europe to develop their artistic and musical abilities.

Strongly supported by the Bluegrass In La Roche festival, the project has since continued. In 2025, 14 young European musicians attended the workshop with the U.S. teacher Alex Neff, from Pennsylvania.

If your child plays a Bluegrass instrument (guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, or even ukulele), this could be a good experience.

 

The 2026 workshop

A 3 day music camp with experienced Bluegrass teachers.
Pre-workshop and tuition : 70 €.

In January, we publish two easy songs on learning videos and texts, giving your kids six months to learn them. The 3 mornings of the camp are then used to work on playing as a band, arrangements, being on a stage, and of course having fun. 2 online lessons with Ti' Pierre are available, included with the registration.

Where?

La Roche-Sur-Foron, Haute-Savoie, France.

When?

July 30 & 31, August 01 2026, during the Bluegrass In La Roche festival.

Schedule and price

Thursday July 30 Arrive at 09:15.
09:30 rehearsal with breaks.
12:30 picnic (bring your meal).
13:30 jam.
Friday July 31 Arrive at 09:15.
09:30 rehearsal with breaks.
12:30 picnic (bring your meal).
13:30 jam.
14:00 end. Teachers stay available for tips on your instrument.
Saturday August 01 Arrive at 09:15.
09:30 Last reahearsal
11:00 We leave for the festival site.
12:00 performance on stage.
Tuition : 70 € for the 3 days including online learning videos and two preparation lessons online!

Please note : students remain under the responsibility of their parents or designated chaperone during the workshop.

Instruments

The Bluegrass instruments : guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro & acoustic bass. Ukulele welcome.
Please read our short gazette: Kids On Bluegrass Gazette .

Teaching

The teaching is build on listening and playing as a band. No sheet music, we play and sing all together using 4 basic chords: G (Sol), D (Ré), C (Do), A (La), and simple melodies.

On stage

The workshop ends with a stage performance at noon on Saturday.

Teachers in the heart of Bluegrass music

A regular team and a guest teacher, choosen for his skills, experience and teaching.

2025 workshop : you want to know more?
Let us meet online with your kid and his/her instrument! - Contact.

Marie Scheid

Marie Scheid fell in love with the double bass after experimenting with several instruments, including the guitar, ukulele, and piano. A year in the United States piqued her interest in this complex country, its language, culture, and musical styles.

You can hear her in the bands Shades Of Night, Uzer Trio et The Gospel Convicts.

She focuses on singing and vocal harmonies.

Thomas Marinello

A young and passionate musician and teacher, Thomas has great pleasure in helping and sharing. He has been playing Bluegrass since he was twelve and now plays the six bluegrass instruments. He plays in the Froggy Hill and Lurcy Sessions Bluegrass bands, and in many sessions.

Ti' Pierre

A musician and music teacher for almost 40 years, Ti’ Pierre plays with the Froggy Hill and Lurcy Sessions bands, teaches in L’Armadelle Bluegrass & Old Time music school, works for the Jam Hall and EBMA associations, and drives the Aoste Bluegrass jam.
Thinking to organize a Kids workshop in your town? These teachers have the knowledge, experience and skills.
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2026 Registering

The earlier you register, the more time you have to prepare.

Please note : students remain under the responsibility of their parents or designated chaperone during the workshop.

Boxes marked * are required.

 

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Payment by card or Paypal after registration.