Have you ever wanted to build your own musical instrument or learn to craft inlay? Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a complete beginner, Foster Mandolin & Guitar Co. Camps are open to anyone with a passion for music and a desire to learn a new skill. We are so excited to announce our 2025 camp schedule, featuring 6-day exclusive Banjo and Mandolin Assembly courses and Intro to Inlay (2-day) and Intermediate-Advanced Inlay (3-day) classes in Spring Hill, Tennessee, near Nashville.
2025 Camp Schedule
Introduction to Inlay Camp
Price: $175 (due the first day of class)
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- Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 – Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025
- Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 – Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Intermediate-Advanced (Musical Instrument) Inlay Camp
Price: $895 ($400 down with application and $495 due the first day of class)
Pro Tip: Take this class as a precursor to an assembly class for a seamless experience. Create your unique inlay design and bring it to life in one of our instrument assembly classes.
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- Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025
- Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 – Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Mandolin Assembly Camp
Price: $3,750 ($1,875 down with application and $1,875 within 3 weeks of the first day of class)
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- Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Saturday, April 5, 2025
- Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 – Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Banjo Assembly Camp
Price: $3,750 ($1,875 down with application and $1,875 within 3 weeks of the first day of class)
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- Sunday, April 20, 2025 – Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 – Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Ukulele Assembly & Campfire Mandolin Assembly Camps
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- If you are interested in Ukelele Assembly or Campfire Mandolin Assembly courses, please let us know, as dates can be added!
A Hands-On Experience
Join us for a 6-day exclusive Mandolin or Banjo Assembly Class or a weekend-long Introduction to Inlay or Musical Instrument Inlay Class (which can be taken as a precursor to an instrument assembly class for a seamless experience). Under the guidance of expert craftsman & luthier, David Foster, you’ll learn the art and science of creating your very own, finished and fully functional piece.
What to Expect
- Hands-on learning: You’ll get to participate in every step of the building process.
- A unique experience: Assembling an instrument or crafting your own inlay is a rewarding and unforgettable experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for the craft.
- A supportive learning environment: Learn in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere surrounded by other passionate builders.
- A personalized piece: You’ll have the opportunity to customize your piece with your own unique design choices.
What’s Included
- All necessary tools and materials: We provide everything you need to complete your project, including high-quality materials and hardware.
- Expert instruction: Our experienced instructor will guide you through each step of the process.
- Personalized attention: Our small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and attention to detail.
- A completed project: By the end of the class, you’ll have a fully functional instrument or inlay you can cherish for years to come.
Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are included. Currently, lodging is not included. However, we are happy to provide information about nearby hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and much more upon request.
About the Instructor
A musician since childhood and dentist by profession, Dr. David Foster has always had a natural talent and passion for working with his hands. David combined this with more than 30 years of woodworking experience to launch his lifelong dream and labor of love – Foster Mandolin & Guitar Co. – in 2020.
He has since launched Doozy, a line of instruments using Tennessee-sourced materials, and continues to deal in vintage instruments and parts – a hobby he adopted more than 35 years ago.
Most recently, David introduced the Foster Mandolin & Guitar Co. Academy, which offers inlay, banjo and mandolin assembly courses, and more. By providing comprehensive training, he hopes the academy will help nurture a new generation of talented instrument makers, preserving the art of creating these intricate and valuable objects.
Enroll Now for Our 2025 Instrument Assembly & Inlay Camps!
Registration is now open and our courses will fill up fast! So sign up today. To learn more and enroll:
- Call: Dave at 931.698.5502
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: Complete our online contact form on our website homepage.