AMERICANA SONG ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 21 - 24, 2026
The Americana Song Academy inspires people to express themselves creatively, support one another’s artistic aspirations, and helps develop a community that supports that pursuit. Select artists performing at the Sisters Folk Festival arrive early to teach many aspects of music, songwriting, performance, singing, etc. Participants deeply engage to nurture their music, songs, and creative aspirations.
The retreat has returned to the stunning performing arts camp Caldera, high in the Cascade Mountains on the mystical Blue Lake. Song campers will benefit from instructor-led workshops, instructor performances, participant open mics, one-on-one mentor sessions, and group singing. With a beautiful and powerful location and a unique, intimate experience, the event continues to be highly anticipated and sells out early each year.
“The ASA experience far exceeded my expectations. I arrived feeling tired and uninspired and I’m leaving with renewed hope and energy. And so many new friendships!”
INSTRUCTORS
SISTERS FOLK FESTIVAL ARTISTS
TO BE ANNOUNCED. STAY TUNED!
WHAT TO BRING:
SONG ACADEMY PACKING LIST
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Suitable Clothing – Central Oregon can be chilly at night, and quite warm during the day
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Reusable water bottle and/or thermos
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Instrument(s) – whatever you choose to play and compose on
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Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses
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Daypack and hiking shoes to enjoy the trails on the property
TUITION ASSISTANCE
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
In an effort to reduce financial barriers to participation, SFF Presents has a limited amount of funding for full and partial scholarships to the 2026 Americana Song Academy.
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else to receive a scholarship, please fill out this form. Deadline is May 30, 2026; recipients will be notified in mid-June.
ANN JOHNSTONE GILMORE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Ann attended the Winsor School in Boston and was offered the opportunity to study with Nadia Boulanger in Paris rather than go to college. She was a classical pianist. Her son, Peter, recalls that “there was always music in our house growing up as she regularly would play with violinists and flautists and cellists. Live music was perpetual in my early years.”
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Ann was an enthusiast. And slight, standing at barely 5 feet and skin and bones. Her concerns were outward: for others. She died way too young at 72 in 1990.
This scholarship was established by her son, Peter Gilmore, to keep Ann’s legacy alive while helping up-and-coming musicians hone their craft by eliminating financial barriers to attending the Americana Song Academy.