The Will McLean Festival Young Musician's Program
The Will McLean Music Festival is proud to inspire the next generation of musicians by offering exceptional educational and performance opportunities for students from pre-elementary school through college age.
Whether you write songs, play an instrument, love to sing, or simply enjoy the rich traditions of Acoustic Folk, Americana, Gospel, International Folk, Old-Time, or Bluegrass music, you'll find a welcoming place here. No matter your experience level, we invite you to learn, grow, and make music alongside a vibrant community of artists and mentors.
Through partnerships with several outstanding nonprofit youth music education organizations, the Will McLean Foundation is also pleased to offer college scholarship opportunities to help young musicians pursue their dreams.
We invite you to explore our website, discover our programs, and see how you can become part of the Will McLean Music Festival family. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, we'd love to hear from you.
Special thanks to Friends of Florida Folk for their generous sponsorship and continued support of music education.
Ready to make some music? Explore the links under the Young Musician's Program to discover everything our exciting program has to offer and learn how you can join the fun!
No musical experience required—seriously!
The Young Musicians Program welcomes youth of all experience levels! Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the very first time or looking to take your musical skills to the next level, there’s a place for you here.
Learn, grow, make new friends, collaborate with other young musicians, and discover the excitement of making music together—all in a fun, welcoming, and encouraging environment. Come join the music, find your voice, and let your musical journey begin!
2027 Festival on-site program registration opens on10/20/26. Please apply online. Festival Dates are 3/12-3/14/2027. Scroll down for download information and registration links.
Come join us!
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For Developing Young Musicians
The Song Collaboration
One of the most anticipated traditions of each year’s festival is the Young Musicians’ Song Collaboration—a unique opportunity for young artists to come together, create, and make music as a team.
At the beginning of the festival, youth participating in the Youth Program gather to write and create an original song together. Guided by their shared ideas and musical talents, they spend the weekend developing, rehearsing, and bringing their song to life.
The experience culminates in a special performance on the Magnolia Stage, where the young musicians share their original creation with festival audiences.
Shooting Star Stage
The Shooting Star Stage is the home base for the festival’s Young Musicians Program—a place where young artists come together to learn, collaborate, perform, and connect. Throughout the weekend, the stage hosts a variety of workshops, the Program Breakfast Meet & Greet, the Young Musicians’ Song Collaboration, and the exciting Battle of the Bands.
More than a performance space, the Shooting Star Stage serves as a gathering place where young musicians can meet new friends, share their talents, and be part of the festival community.
Young Performer Showcase
The Young Performer Showcase gives talented young musicians and musical groups an opportunity to share their music with a festival audience. Young performers seeking a performance opportunity are invited to apply for a spot in the Young Performer Showcase.
Traditionally held Saturday afternoon on the Azalea Stage, the Showcase highlights some of the festival’s most talented young performers. Many are musicians who have grown with the festival over the years, developing their skills, confidence, and love of music through the Young Musician’s Program.
Applicants must submit one or more examples of previous performances with their application.
Battle of the Bands
Get ready to make some noise! The annual Battle of the Bands is one of the most exciting traditions of the Will McLean Festival. It’s a chance for young musicians to meet new friends, discover new musical possibilities, and create something amazing together.
Participants are placed into bands with other young musicians and challenged to work together to develop a performance. Over the weekend, they jam, share ideas, learn from one another, rehearse, and push their musical creativity to the next level.
Then it’s showtime! On Sunday afternoon, the bands take the stage and bring their hard work, energy, and enthusiasm to the festival audience.
The Battle of the Bands is all about making music, building friendships, taking creative risks, and having a blast along the way!
Register for the Young Musician's Program
Registration opens on 10/04/2026 for both the Young Performers Program Camp-in and the Young Performers Showcase.
No experience is needed, and there is no cost to participate. Youth can choose to participate in some or all of the weekend activities
Select this link to learn more about the 2027 Festival Young Musicians Program. To register, use the link below.
Registration Link for the 2027 Will McLean Festival Young Performers Program/Camp-In will open on 10/20/2026
If you have performance experience and want to apply for a set in the Young Performer Showcase, click here to apply. Please note: Participation in the Showcase requires a video of previous performance experience.
Grant Peeples Stage Presence Workshop
Songwriters in the Round