With the summer season right around the corner, high-school guitarists all over the country are filling out applications for what has become a national right of passage, band camp. While there have been many movies of late making fun of the “band camp geek”, enrollment at many of these summer programs are at their highest levels ever. With so many camps to choose from it, may be hard to find one that’s a right fit for your style of playing.

This article presents an overview of five of the most popular guitar camps in the US.  Each school is compared in regards to its faculty, genres of music taught, course, length and cost.

Interlochen Arts Camp

• Faculty: Dr Matthew Warnock Jazz/Dr Brad Deroche Classical
• Genres: Jazz and Classical
• Courses: Jazz – Improvisation, History, Combo, Guitar Ensemble, Big Band, Theory, Master Classes and Private Lessons. Classical – Transcription, Guitar Ensemble, Private Lessons, Technique, Ear Training and Master Classes.
• Length: 6 Weeks, June 20th to August 2nd
• Location: Interlochen, Michigan
• Application/Admissions: Students must submit an application form by mail or online, as well as an audition CD and letters of recommendation.  Acceptance is determined by the level of performance and students potential as demonstrated by the CD and application forms.
• Cost: $6,800 USD
• Scholarships: Yes

Idyllwild Youth Arts Program

• Faculty: Tom Hynes
• Genres: Jazz
• Courses: Combos, Big Bands, Improvisation, Master Classes and Private Lessons
• Length: 2 Weeks, July 12th to 25th
• Location: Idyllwild, California
• Application/Admissions: Application form and letters of recommendation
• Cost: $2350 USD
• Scholarships: Yes

 

Berklee Summer Guitar Sessions

• Faculty: Faculty made up of members of the Berklee College of Music’s Guitar Department.
• Genres: Blues, Rock and Jazz
• Courses: Fretboard Harmony, Style, Ensemble, Rhythm Workshop, Guest Artists and Jam Sessions.
• Length: 1 Week August 16th to 21st
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Application/Admissions: Application form and letters of recommendation.
• Cost: $1600 USD
• Scholarships: Yes

 

Stanford Jazz Workshop

• Faculty: Julian Lage
• Genres: Jazz
• Courses: Ear Training, Theory, Private Lessons, Improvisation and Combos
• Length: 2 one-week session from July 16 to 31st.
• Location: Stanford, CA
• Application/Admissions: Application form and letters of recommendation.
• Cost: $1710 USD per week
• Scholarships: Yes

 

National Guitar Workshop

• Faculty: Numerous including Pat Martino, Pat Metheny, Buddy Guy and Paul Gilbert.
• Genres: Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz and Classical
• Courses: Core Courses, Seminars and Summits with Guest Artists
• Length: One week sessions at each campus running from last June to mid-August. Schedules differ for each campus.
• Location: Chicago, Austin, Purchase, Los Angeles and McLean Virginia.
• Application/Admissions: Application form.
• Cost: $1300 USD per week long session.
• Scholarships: Yes

 

Acoustic and Electric Guitar