Red Wing Adult Academy

June 15, 16, 17, 2026 at Rocktown House of Music in Harrisonburg, VirginiaRed Wing Adult Academy is a 3-day intensive music camp hosted by Trent Wagler of The Steel Wheels in partnership with Red Wing Academy and Rocktown House of Music. Designed for adult musicians, RWAA offers a Red Wing Academy adjacent experience centered around collaboration, learning, and community, without the pressure of performance.
Throughout the week, participants will learn and play together in a supportive, intimate environment focused on old-time, folk, and roots music traditions. Campers will explore the annual Steel Wheels repertoire alongside additional tunes designed for jamming, arranging, and group play.
RWAA is open to non-beginner violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele players ages 18+.
Enrollment is limited to just 20 participants to preserve a collaborative and personalized camp experience.
Sheet music and arrangements will be provided at camp, with multiple playing levels available. The emphasis of RWAA is participation, connection, and growth, not performance.

9:00-9:30am = Morning Kickoff
Large group gathering featuring discussions, staff showcases, and presentations.
9:30-10:20am = The Steel Wheels Session Classes
Instrument specific breakout classes focused on learning and rehearsing camp repertoire.
10:30-11:20am = Elective Classes
Camper and instructor led classes exploring topics such as harmonies, old-time jam technique, songwriting, improvisation, exploring new instruments, and more.
11:30-Noon = Camp Regroup
A final large group session to wrap up the morning by playing together.Additional class details and sign ups for electives will be sent out after the registration deadline.

Trent Wagler, host/Co-founder of The Steel Wheels and Red Wing Roots Music Festival, Trent brings years of experience building musical community through collaboration, songwriting, and roots music traditions.
Molly Murphy (The Judy Chops / Queen City Music Studios)
Annie Savage (The Savage Hearts / James Madison University)
Additional instructors to be announced.

Red Wing Adult Academy is built around the idea that music learning and music community belong together. RWAA creates space for adult musicians to deepen their skills while experiencing the joy, spontaneity, and connection that come from playing music with others.