Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Acoustic Music Education
Founded in 1989, Steve Kaufman Enterprises has established itself as a premier destination for immersive music education. Our mission centers on fostering musical growth through hands-on learning experiences in a supportive, non-competitive environment. With over three decades of experience, we've developed a comprehensive curriculum spanning multiple instruments and genres, including flatpicking, fingerpicking, bluegrass, and old-time music. Our team of world-class instructors brings unparalleled expertise, having collectively shaped the acoustic music landscape through performances, recordings, and educational contributions. We offer both in-person residential camps and online lessons, ensuring accessibility for musicians at all skill levels.Our programs emphasize practical skill development, repertoire expansion, and collaborative jamming experiences. Through structured classes and informal playing sessions, we create opportunities for students to refine techniques and build confidence. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our carefully curated instructional materials, including books, videos, and digital resources. We maintain rigorous standards for instructor selection, ensuring each educator demonstrates both technical mastery and effective teaching methodologies. Our reputation as the longest-running acoustic music camp in the world underscores our dedication to preserving and advancing traditional music forms while embracing contemporary approaches.
Services
Acoustic Music Camps
Online Guitar Lessons
Instructional Materials
Workshops
Private Instruction
Music Camp Scholarships
Instrument Giveaways
Faculty Concerts
Jam Sessions
Skill Level Assessments
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of proven music education expertise
- Our faculty includes world-renowned acoustic music instructors
- We provide diverse programs covering 12+ musical disciplines
- Our non-competitive environment prioritizes individual growth
- We combine structured learning with collaborative jam experiences
What people say
Supportive environment
Expert instructors
Transformative experience
Comprehensive programs
Great jam sessions
Services
Acoustic Music Camps
Our residential music camps offer immersive learning experiences in bluegrass, old-time, and traditional acoustic music. Participants receive daily instruction, participate in jam sessions, and attend faculty concerts. The program caters to all skill levels with specialized tracks for different instruments and musical styles.
Online Guitar Lessons
Live online classes provide personalized instruction in flatpicking and fingerstyle guitar techniques. Students receive real-time feedback and access to recorded sessions. The curriculum covers repertoire development, technical exercises, and performance preparation for various acoustic music genres.
Instructional Materials
We offer a comprehensive catalog of books, DVDs, and digital downloads covering multiple instruments and playing styles. Our materials include method books, song collections, and technique guides developed by master instructors. Resources are available for beginners through advanced players across various acoustic music traditions.
Workshops
Specialized workshops focus on specific instruments and techniques including banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and vocal harmonies. Each workshop provides structured lessons, practice sessions, and performance opportunities. Instructors tailor content to participants' skill levels and learning goals.
Music Camp Scholarships
We provide scholarship opportunities to support talented musicians who demonstrate financial need. The program enables access to high-quality music education through partial tuition assistance. Recipients are selected based on musical ability and commitment to their craft.
People
Steve Kaufman
Founder & Lead Instructor
Award-winning guitarist with over 40 years teaching experience, author of 100+ instructional materials, and recipient of multiple music education awards. Developed the first comprehensive flatpicking curriculum and has taught thousands of students worldwide.
Questions
What types of music do you teach?
We specialize in acoustic music traditions including bluegrass, old-time, folk, and traditional styles across multiple instruments.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, we offer live online classes with Steve Kaufman covering various guitar techniques and repertoire.
Where are the camps held?
Our main camps take place at Maryville College in Tennessee, with additional regional workshops offered.
What skill levels do you accommodate?
We welcome all levels from absolute beginners to advanced players with specialized instruction tracks for each.
Who are the instructors?
Our faculty includes world-renowned musicians recognized as experts in their respective acoustic music disciplines.
What makes your camp unique?
We combine structured learning with collaborative jamming in a non-competitive environment focused on musical growth.