Join music workshops at Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival

ROTTERDAM, 25 April 2025 – Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival attendees can take part in hands-on music workshops at this year’s Bluegrass Academy. A diverse group of musicians will lead masterclasses covering bluegrass instruments, songwriting and harmony singing.

Bluegrass Academy offers music masterclasses during festival

The annual Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival will once again bring its blend of American roots music to the streets of Rotterdam-Noord, and this year, it also invites visitors to pick up an instrument and join in. Running alongside the main event, the Rotterdam Bluegrass Academy offers music enthusiasts the chance to follow a range of in-depth masterclasses from international bluegrass performers.

This educational side event aims to enhance the festival experience for those interested in the craft behind the music. The sessions are designed for both beginners and experienced players and will be held within walking distance of the festival grounds.

International musicians to teach at Nivon

The masterclasses will be held at Nivon Rotterdam, just a five-minute walk from the main festival site. Lessons will be delivered by nine musicians from various internationally touring bands.

The line-up includes:

• Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves – banjo and fiddle

• Ben Weiss (Pixie and the Partygrass Boys) – mandoline

• Amanda Grapes (Pixie and the Partygrass Boys) – fiddle

• Adam Overacker (Pixie and the Partygrass Boys) – upright bass

• Katia Racine (Pixie and the Partygrass Boys) – songwriting and creative expression (permission to make bad art)

• Ondra Kozák – bluegrass guitar

• Ondra Kozák & Radim Zenkl – harmony singing

• Jordan Kroeger (Chicken Wire Empire) – upright bass

• Jon Peik (Chicken Wire Empire) – banjo

All sessions are intended to be practical and participatory, with an emphasis on community, improvisation, and creative exploration.

Festival entry included with masterclass ticket

Participants who register for the academy will receive a full weekend pass to the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, included in the €105 ticket price. The cost also includes service fees. For convenience, the festival site offers a secure locker where participants can store their instruments before or after classes.

Those interested in attending the workshops can find more information and purchase tickets through the official Rotterdam Bluegrass Academy page.

About the festival

The Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival takes place each summer in the heart of Rotterdam-Noord, drawing music lovers from across the Netherlands and beyond. It features live performances, street food, and various cultural activities, all centred around the genres of bluegrass, folk and Americana.

How to get there

Masterclass location: Nivon Rotterdam

The masterclasses will be held at Nivon Rotterdam, located just five minutes on foot from the main festival site in the Agniesebuurt neighbourhood. The area is accessible by public transport, bike, or on foot from Rotterdam Centraal. Nivon sits on a quiet street surrounded by urban green spaces and residential charm.