Berkeley Parents Network: Music Camps

Berkeley Parents Network

Music Camps

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Summer Camps & School Breaks > Music Camps

Rock music camp for younger kids

Feb 2005

Hi - my son and his friend would like to go to a rock music summer camp. They are into electric guitars. I see suggestions on the website for overnight camps for older kids but does anyone know of music day camps for younger elementary school kids? thanks c_s

You may want to consider the Bandworks summer camp. They are local and you can find them on the web at www.bandworks.com.

Last summer our son and several of his friends attended the camp. They all had a great time and plan to go again this summer. Bandworks enrolls kids as young as 8 years old, as well as teens through 18 years old. Our kids were all about 10 years old and were grouped with kids around the same age and musical experience. Last summer they took the CD recording workshop. This summer they have discussed taking that CD workshop again as well as a song writing workshop.

Bandworks also has an after school program which has been great for our son. He has taken several sessions, sometimes joined by his friends and sometimes on his own where he made new friends. His self confidence has grown tremendously through these music classes. The high point for him, and probably us as well, is end of the session when his band performs at Ashkenaz. It is very moving to watching and hearing the kids rock out in front of their cheering fans. Alan

My partner, Jeremy Steinkoler, runs BandWorks, a wonderful rock workshop program for kids and adults. This summer they will offer camps for kids 8-18 at their studios near Jack London Square. Please visit their Web site at www.bandworks.com for more information. Michele

Check out bandworks.com. It's a great way for kids to play in a rock band with professional instruction. The best part is the concert at the end where all the bands perform. They take kids and adults. Contact Steve Gibson at ''steve@bandworks.com''. He was my guitar teacher for years, and is a great guy. Katie

check out the ypi summer music camp, which has 3 levels: youngers, middles and olders. the camp is incredibly fun and is geared to the individual learning style of each kid. it has the most amazing teachers (two from from bobby mcferrin's voicestra) and camp ends in a full scale kid dance party and rock concert at slim's. there are always lots of carpools from the east and north bay. this camp sells out early! for info go to www.youngperformersintl.org; email ypi2000@earthlink.net; or call 415 420 2960. Leela

Summer music sleep away camp October 2004
My 15-year old son has really gotten into the electric guitar and I want to encourage him and help him improve. I am looking for a music camp that combines instruction and outdoor activities. He is willing to go away for it and I think that would do him a world of good. Does anyone have any recommendations? Something in New England would be great. Thanks.
My son played tenor saxaphone during high school and over several summers attended Jazz CampWest in La Honda near Santa Cruz. (click for full review)

Rock Music Camp

March 2004

Has anyone had any experience with Soundwall Rock Music Summer Camp (at Santa Cruz), Ethos Music Camp (at Chico) or any other summer overnight music camp for teens that focuses on rock music? Mother of a Bass Player

My son has attended the National Guitar Workshop summer sessions. There is one in San Francisco, overnight in Belmont, with a rock intensive. Also, both Seattle and LA host rock seminars. Depending on the style of rock (classic, progressive, etc.) he might like one or the other. LA tends to be crowded during the summit because of the big name master classes (last year was Satriani and Vai). check the website for more specific information: www.guitarworkshop.com. It's around $800 week more or less. There is also Power Chord Academy in LA (they have a website). And, there's a ''less skilled'' level workshop in the summer at Ashkenaz (not overnight) as well as Bandworks program in Jack London Square(not overnight). If you want more info, email me. gtrguymom

to ''mother of a bass player'' --

my son attended soundwall rock music summer camp for 2 summers, after 8th and 9th grades. he is also a bass player. he LOVED the program, and learned a lot, which he brought back to his local garage band.

the program is excellent. they have history of rock lessons every day. the kids are grouped in bands-for-the- week, and there is a performance for parents at the end of the week. the days are very full! they are doing music from the time they wake up until evening, and they jam and practice in the evenings, too. the kids live in a dorm, and eat in the cafeteria.

we were worried about supervision and whether the days would be full, and how our son would get along there. the kids were so busy, he loved it, and he learned a lot. no time for trouble. being on a college campus was also wonderful. the program is very positive, every musician is encouraged to push to new limits, and everyone's a star.

soundwall was set up by parents who couldn't find a good program for their son. the son is now maybe early 20's, and an instructor. it is a cool place, challenging, and very safe.

another mom of a bass player

Other Music Camps

December 2001

I'm looking for music camp alternatives to Cazadero this summer for an about-to-be-9th grader who wants to play jazz sax. By alternatives, I mean, less costly, more local, and perhaps a little less rarefied. If a listing of such things exists, could you point me to it on the Web site? Phyllis Orrick

I think the JazzSchool in downtown Berkeley has a good summer music program for junior-high and high-school-aged kids. They have a website, too, at www.jazzschool.com. Everyone I know who's taken classes there (including myself) has loved it. They have some really great musicians teaching. Good luck! Jane

Oakland's Feather River Camp has a jazz youth camp for 10-14 year olds. Last year, it ran from 8/20-8/25. For info, you can call 238-3791. Khalil Shaheed is the founder and director. It costs $300. Nori Hudson

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