After years of teaching music and robotics-related summer programs through WCSD and at UNR, I've decided to branch off and try to generate my own camp, based on my years of successful experience working with students who want to learn more about starting their own real life band, using real instruments and learning ACTUAL songs that they ACTUALLY enjoy learning.

Reno Kids Rock Band Camp is a one-week summer camp designed to help students learn about the main instruments that make up a rock band - electric guitar (and/or ukulele, depending on student hand size etc), electric bass, keyboard, drums, and voice. All members of the group will become familiar with all the instruments, and will rotate through the instruments as the week progresses. Students will learn essential small-group skills, including nonverbal communication, teamwork, and balancing each other's sound to make the entire band better. They will also learn some basic musicianship skills, including the specific roles that each instrument plays in the group, chord building, reading from a chord/tab chart, and pattern recognition. By the end of the week, students will have better knowledge about how to find age- and skill-appropriate songs so they can continue their journey outside the camp!

• Cost is $300 for the week. Refunds will NOT be given after the May 15th deadline.

• The camp will take place at 1430 Samuel Way, near Idlewild Park. This is a residential area, so parents may not be permitted to park/stay for the entire day.

• All instruments are provided to the students, although if students own their own guitar, bass, ukulele, or drum sticks, they will be encouraged to bring those.  Students will also be provided with songs, chord charts, and other learning materials that they can take home at the end of the camp.

• As was mentioned previously, students will be learning all the instruments offered, and WILL NOT be allowed to specialize in just one instrument.

• All applicants are REQUIRED to list their child's public music teacher's information for reference, and references will be contacted prior to admittance into the camp.

• Reno Kids Rock Band Camp is licensed and insured through Nevada Business License #NV20263505640.

Registration can ben found here. 

SCHEDULE

Three one-week camps are offered, each from Monday-Friday.

Week 1: June 15-19

Week 2: July 6-10

Week 3: July 13-17

Each day will begin at 9:00 and will end at 1:00. Students can arrive as early as 8:45, and should be picked up no later than 1:15.  

A light snack will be provided around 10:30 every day. Please let me know if your child has any food allergies. Families are also required to provide lunch for their child, which will be eaten around 11:45 (at Idlewild Park, a short walk from the camp's location).

Starting right at the beginning of the day on Monday, students will be handed their first song, including chord structures and beat patterns for each instrument. As the week progresses, students will learn a number of songs I choose for them, mostly based off the book series Modern Band Method from Hal Leonard Publications. Students will also have the opportunity to select songs of their own to learn. In addition to learning the specific skills needed to perform their instruments correctly, students will be learning more general music skills, including note and rhythm reading, chord structure, movement and music. The week will culminate in a short rock band performance which will be open to all families.