Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch: A Typical Day at the Ranch

So you've decided to spend a weekend at the Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp, but you're not sure what to expect. We hope the following summary will be a warm introduction to this experience.

You should plan on arriving on Friday morning at the Fur Peace Ranch, sometime between 10 AM and 12 noon.

You'll be greeted warmly by our staff, given a brief the "lay of the land" tour, and shown to your cabin if you are staying on campus.

You will see the Beatrice Love Kitchen, (where fresh coffee, lemonade, and some delicious cookies await,) the Concert Hall, the welcoming porches, (where you may kick back and relax in one of our authentic Adirondack Rocking Chairs,) and the Music Library. The Music Library, a popular place to read, watch tutorial videos and DVD's and relax, also houses the Company Store, which is the place for purchasing music necessities such as strings, tuning devices, and picks as well as toothpaste and toiletries. Our store also carries a large variety of rare CD’s, T-shirts, hats, videos, and great souvenirs.

At 12 noon we'll gather in the Concert Hall for the informative and entertaining orientation. Instructors and students will be introduced, and we'll run through a list of a some common sense rules that help keep you and the Fur Peace Ranch safe and fun for all the students (on average 25 to 35) who attend.

By now we've worked up an appetite, so as the clock strikes 1 PM, the sound of the Conch will alert us that lunch is served. We'll then head off to the Cafeteria for a delicious lunch prepared meticulously by our Chef and Kitchen Staff.

After lunch, there’s some time to relax, converse and commune with new friends in these serene surroundings. Our helpful staff is ever- present, assisting with special needs or answering questions. So, don't be shy: if we missed something during orientation, ask away!

At 2:30 p.m., the music and learning begins! This is when we settle into our classes, (which vary in size from 5 to 15 students,) and begin. Please note that it is expected that each student will stay with their chosen instructor throughout the weekend, but can accommodate changes on unusual occasions if there are special circumstances.

After spending several hours delving into cherished techniques and musical philosophies with your class, dinner is announced. We will now enjoy another delectable multi-course meal. Our cuisine is one of the memorable experiences of the Ranch and is a well regarded feature treasured by "repeat offenders” (as alumni campers are affectionately called.)

After dinner and a brief rest, it is back to class for an evening workshop, followed by an evening campfire (weather permitting.) Jam sessions will spring up among packets of students and the evening will be filled with music from all corners of the premises well into the night. Nature trails surround the ranch and you can take break and explore a bit during down time.

When you awaken on Saturday morning, the aroma of our gourmet coffee and breakfast goodies fill the air. After breakfast, workshops convene midmorning. This day includes about five more hours of workshop time and is punctuated by three more meals. There is even a tad of rest time built in between scheduled workshops.

Saturday night is special! At 8 PM, the Fur Peace Station Concert Hall hosts a show featuring either the world class instructors teaching there, or a national music act. This show is included for campers, and with special reserved seating, but is also open to the public as a ticketed event. The performance is recorded for our public radio show, “Live From The Fur Peace Ranch.” These are stunning performances that will leave you full of wonder and excitement. Afterwards, there’s still a bit of time for jamming with fellow students, for those with stamina!

Sunday morning is not exactly the start of a lazy day! The morning schedule is similar to Saturday’s, but the afternoon’s highlight is the student performance. This is a 2 hour event with an open mic format that invites students individually or in groups to the main stage for a moment in the limelight. This event is a much anticipated climax to the weekend and is underscored by the warm friendships already in force.

Sunday dinner is followed by an instructor private concert and /or continuing jam sessions, punctuated by the nursing of sore fingers from non -stop playing!

Monday morning includes a final workshop session for to recapping and time also for packing and fond good byes.

The weekend session also includes opportunities for photos with instructors, and autograph gathering.

First and foremost, this is a serious music education experience that includes 12 - 15 hours of workshop time. The value of material, communicated knowledge and shared joy cannot be underestimated, and in an incomparable atmosphere.

Check the Photo Tour section for a bird’s eye view of the premises!

A typical weekend schedule runs as follows:

Friday
Arrival 9:00 - 12:00
Orientation 12:00
Lunch 1:00
Workshop 2:30 - 5:30
Dinner 6:00
Workshop 7:30 - 8:30
Campfire / Jam 9:30

Saturday
Breakfast 8:00 - 10:00
Workshop 10:30 - 12:30
Lunch 1:00
Workshop 3:00 – 4:30
Dinner 6:00
Concert 8:00

Sunday
Breakfast 8:30 - 10:00
Workshop 10:30 - 12:30
Lunch 1:00
Student/Instructor performance 3:00 - 5:00
Dinner 6:00
Campfire / Jam 9:30

Monday
Breakfast 8:00 - 10:00
Workshop 10:30 - 11:30