Registration is OPEN for BandWorks Summer Camp 2024.

CLICK HERE FOR RATES
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

BandWorks offers 6 unique summer camp classes for kids and teens. Most classes run mornings (AM = 9am to 12pm) and afternoons (PM = 1pm to 4pm) each week. Many musicians spend the whole day at BandWorks attending AM and PM classes in the same week. All day campers receive a $20 discount and free lunch supervision. Classes are offered by age group in Oakland (8-11, 9-12 and 12+) and San Rafael (8-11 and 11+). Not all classes are available in all locations each week. When registering for non-beginner classes students choose their instrument. Each group has instrumentation limits so the band has some natural balance through registration. All camps require at least 3 musicians to run. See RATES for details.

Each BandWorks program provides a supportive environment for young musicians to gain confidence playing music with other kids or teens, and develop their music and teamwork skills at the same time. Students get to experience the thrill of being in a real 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! All of our sessions are led by top professional musician-instructors who create a fun and supportive environment while teaching students the skills they need to play together in a band!

Please note camp schedules are subject to change. Be sure to click on the location nearest you for the most up-to-date schedule information. The maximum class size is 8 students.  If you’d like to arrange for a Private Group Camp, please contact our office for details.  Email: info@bandworks.com 

In Oakland we offer one-hour early drop off and late pick up options as well, just add that to your registration.

• Class Descriptions

  Introduction to Rock Band (8-11)
  Our Intro to Rock Band camp offers aspiring musicians an opportunity to explore rock music and learn the basics on several instruments. This is our class for beginners and is offered weekly in all locations. From day one they are a band  practicing for a live performance! Emphasis is on musical exploration and creativity. Changing instruments between songs is encouraged, but not required. Each instructor will tailor the  individual camp week activities to the makeup of the band that week. Their performance will be on Friday in the studio. Repeating this class a few times over the summer is beneficial, especially for beginning students, since each experience grows their skill set enormously when they are starting out. Often each week is different, with new musicians, songs and instructors, but sometimes you get the same friends and things grow from there.   All instruments and vocalists welcome. Joining with a friend makes the transition easier, spread the word. We will live stream the concert on Facebook, but parents may also attend the show! No experience required.

  Rock Band (all ages)
  Our Rock Band camp offers musicians an opportunity to collaborate with their bandmates on popular cover tunes or even writing their own original songs. From day one they are a band practicing for a live performance! They pick 4 to 6 songs to learn and start working on them right away.  Each instructor will tailor the specific class emphasis based on the makeup of the band that week. Experience, instrumentation and genre preferences help determine band direction. Their performance will be on Friday in the studio. Band classes are by age group, see schedule for breakdowns. Each week is different, so sign up for as many weeks as you like! All instruments and vocalists welcome. Joining with a friend makes it more fun, spread the word. We will live stream the concert on Facebook, but parents may also attend the show! Minimum 6 months experience suggested on your instrument.

  Beatmaking (10+)
  Learn how to make professional sounding beats for a variety of applications including backing tracks for music, soundtracks for film, gaming audio, and much more! In this more in-depth exploration into Beatmaking, students will learn the basics of sound production and multi-track recording/editing, and will have the chance to work with audio software applications in order to explore their creativity and develop their own sounds. No experience required. Home computer/tablet setup with a DAW (digital audio workstation) recommended but not required. 

  Girls Rock (8-12)
  The powerful influence of playing music together can be transformative, and can carry over into many facets of our lives. All BandWorks camps and workshops are designed to foster cooperation and collaboration while building self-confidence and leadership skills…but sometimes it can be easier to express yourself when you’re in a group of the same gender. This camp has been requested by many parents, so we expect it to fill up quickly. Don’t miss out! All instruments and vocalists welcome.  (Limit 4 guitars, 2 drums, 2 bass, 2 keys per band). No experience required.

  Music of… (all ages)
  Like our Rock Band camp, this is for musicians who want to work together to collaborate with their bandmates on learning cover tunes. The difference is that this camp will focus on exploring the music of a specific band, like: Green Day, Nirvana, Metallica, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix or Led Zeppelin. Less emphasis on creating original music and less variety in cover song choices, but lots of fun! All instruments and vocalists welcome. Minimum 6 months experience suggested on your instrument.

  Digital Recording (12+)
  This is the class for experienced teens who want to explore music at a deeper level. In one week you’ll learn how to make a professional sounding recording of your own music! You’ll pick some songs to learn, or maybe write some of your own, practice a bunch and then start laying down tracks.  This camp requires more experience than the others because musicians not only choose songs and learn to play them, but also learn to record them. Using applications like Logic, GarageBand, etc…, students will learn about tracking, mixing, and all the preparation necessary to make a high-quality recording at home. Minimum 1 year experience suggested on your instrument.

  CLICK HERE FOR CAMP SCHEDULE
  CLICK HERE FOR RATES
  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER