Oakland Summer Camps

A condensed version of the 5-Week Camp, the 2-Week Camp offers morning classes and afternoon rehearsals for end-of-session performances. This camp is great for studnts new to the program or returning students unable to attend the entire 5-Week Session.

While at camp, girls spend five days learning to play the instrument of their choice, playing in a band, and attending workshops. Lessons are held in small groups of 3-5 students, grouped according to experience. Campers form bands on the first day of camp, and spend each day working together to write an original song, which they perform at the end of the week at a live venue, open to family, friends, and the public. Workshops include songwriting, self-defense, zine-making, screenprinting and more.

Campers also get a chance to see a live band perform each day at lunchtime, followed by a Q&A session with the musicians. A staff of female mentors provides instrument lessons, band coaching, and workshops.

Camps run throughout the Bay Area, including Oakland, San Rafael, San Jose, San Carlos, Los Altos, San Ramon, Orinda & Walnut Creek.

Intro to Rock Band Instruments (Ages 8-11)
Wish you could play guitar? Always wanted to try the drums? Whether you've never picked up an instrument before or are curious about trying a new one, this camp offers you a chance to learn some basic skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals. Campers get to experience the thrill of playing in a real rock band, playing songs together by the end of the first day, and working toward a rocking in-studio performance on the last day of camp! No previous musical experience required. All instruments provided.

Rock Jam (Ages 10-12, 12+)
For those ready to rock! In addition to playing your favorite rock songs, this camp offers bands the chance to compose and work on their own original songs. Our teachers will guide your band through the process of cooperatively composing songs complete with chords and lyrics, and help the band refine their arrangements and polish the final product for an in-studio performance at the end of the week. You'll get plenty of chances to solo, sing (if you want), and rock out on your favorite songs too. At least 1 year musical experience required. All instruments welcome. (Limit 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band).

Rock Band (Ages 8-10, 10-12, 12+)
The pure rock and roll summer camp experience! Each week you and your bandmates choose your favorite songs from your favorite bands and rehearse them in our fully equipped studios, and work toward a rocking in-studio concert at the end of the week. Each week is different, with different kids, different instrumentation, and different songs, so sign up for as many weeks as you like! All instruments welcome. At least 6 months musical experience required. (Limit 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band).

The Music of... Green Day / Red Hot Chili Peppers / Jimi Hendrix / Led Zeppelin / The Beatles / Nirvana (Ages 8-10, 11+)
Learn to play the music of your favorite band! Each week this workshop focuses on the music of one of these incredible rock bands that have defined rock music over the past few decades. You'll get to choose a handful of their songs and rehearse them for a final in-studio concert at the end of the week. At least 1 year musical experience required. All instruments welcome. (Limit 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band).

CD Recording (Ages 10-12, 12+)
Our summer CD Recording Program is for kids and teens who have a little more musical experience and want to play in a band and record a CD. We match students by instrumentation, age and experience level. Each session culminates in a live CD recording at the end of the week. Each day the band meets in our fully equipped rehearsal studio, and works on playing the handful of songs they’ve chosen for recording. Rehearsals are structured and fun, enabling kids and teens to play the music they want, and work toward the goal of making a CD the kids can take home on Friday. Please note that in our effort to offer the best possible experience in our CD camps, availability may be limited depending on enrollment variables such as age and experience level. Please contact us for specific up-to-date information about signing up. At least 1 year of musical experience required. All instruments welcome. (Offered in Oakland,only. Limit 1 drum, 1 bass, 1 keys, 3 guitars per band.)