Camp Jam Curriculum

Camp Jam Curriculum

Instrument Classes

Guitar Classes: The guitar curriculum is derived from the Camp Jam Rock Solid Series guitar book by internationally known guitarist and author Steve Freeman. Classes will be divided in to 2 sections depending on level of ability. Curriculum lesson plans cover scales and soloing, rhythm playing, chords and inversions, licks and techniques. (bends, pull offs, hammer ons, mute strums etc) All examples are used in the context of well know rock songs from rock icons.

Open counseling sessions are also part of the instructional classes at Camp Jam. These sessions give students the opportunity to learn other styles that are closely related to rock such as blues, metal, jazz, funk as well as other popular techniques like sweep picking, tapping etc. Students will learn from instructors that may specialize in a particular style or technique and want to share it with the class.

Drum Set Classes: The drumset curriculum is derived from the internationally acclaimed drum set method book Rock Solid: Drums by drumming masters Liberty DeVitto and Sean J. Kennedy. The book is available at music stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com.

Through instructor led classes, in conjunction with the book, students will be able to garner many of the essential techniques needed to become a more successful drummer. Topics include: drum rudiments, effective listening, reading music, improving coordination, narrowing the gap between ‘b’ and ‘weak’ hands, learning essential rock beats and fills, and creating the most effective drum beats for songs. Classes will be divided into two sections depending on the students’ ability level. Open counseling sessions will also be part of the class sessions at Camp Jam. These sessions will give students the opportunity to learn other styles that are closely related to rock, such as blues, metal, jazz and funk.

Bass Classes: The bass guitar curriculum is derived from the Camp Jam bass method book Rock Solid Bass published by Carl Fischer Publishing. Students will learn the essential skills needed to be part of a b rhythm section. Class topics include: Warm ups, muting, scales, various styles, 3 note chords and various techniques. Bass students will have the opportunity to play in several bands at Camp Jam and these small group sessions will assist them in learning the repertoire quickly and accurately. Open counseling sessions will also be part of the classroom instruction. These sessions enable the instructor to teach his personalized style and share his “bag of tricks” with the class.

Vocal Classes: The vocal curriculum was written by Jan Smith, famed vocal coach for several Grammy winning artists. The class will focus on warm ups and cool downs, breathing, voice placement, stamina, technique, singing harmony, different styles and stage presentation. Course also includes voice tips from Christine Ohlman, singer for the Saturday Night Live Band. Vocal students may also have the opportunity to sing in multiple bands to as a lead vocalist and backup singer.

Keyboard Classes: The keyboard course curriculum was written by touring keyboardist Pete Orenstein and is derived from the Camp Jam Rock Solid Series book published by Carl Fischer Publishing. Class will cover triads, seventh chords, different styles, chord voicings, arpeggios, scales, technique, soloing and song learning. Students will also work on arranging to develop parts to cover the melody, bass line or chords played by other instruments.

Other Camp Jam Classes

Digital Ensemble: Digital ensemble is first step in the rehearsal chain! Campers work with their bands at a Jam Hub using electronic drums, distortion pedals and headphones. This environment encourages communication and allows all parts to be heard. Instructors listen in to give advice, help with difficult sections, and chart progress throughout the week. This rehearsal station ensures focus as the bands learn their song, jam with the tunes audio track and work out their parts. 

Live Ensemble Rehearsal: Bands rehearse their song(s) plugging in to a Jam Hub that is connected to a PA system. Acoustic drums will be part of the backline as bands rehearse live. Guitarists are able to use distortion pedals provided or bring their own pedals or effects processors with them.  Experienced Camp Jam instructors coach each band and prepare them for their live rehearsals on the main stage in front of fellow campers. 

Live Stage Performance: Bands take the main stage and perform under the direction of the Camp Jam Director. Bands will focus on stage presence and overall sound development as they rehearse on pro gear. An audio engineer is on hand to mix all rehearsals and performances for a real live gig experience.

Masterclass: A guest “Rock Star” performer will address the camp and perform a mini concert for the campers. Camp Jam master classes are the highlight of the week for most campers and have included Jeff Carlisi (original guitarist for 38 Special), Jim Peterik (Survivor, Ides of March), Liberty Devitto (drummer for Billy Joel) Jennifer Batten (guitarist with Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck), Pat Travers (Pat Travers Band), Derek St Holmes (guitarist and vocalist for Ted Nugent), Carmine Appice (drummer with Rod Stewart, Vanilla Fudge, Jeff Beck) Richard Fortis (guitarist with Guns and Roses) and many more! 

Killer Songwriting Production and Recording: Campers will learn how start developing rhythmic, melodic or riff based ideas in to the structure of a song. Class will focus on songwriting, pre production and recording songs written in class. Songs will be recorded on Studio One Artist software by Presonus, a Camp Jam sponsor. Campers will receive a free download copy (full version) for tweaking their recording skills at home. Students will work  out of the book  Killer Songwriting, Production and Recording written by Grammy Award© winning producer Darryl Swann (Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray, Black Eyed Peas, Will I Am, Mos Def, & tons of others) especially for Camp Jam!

Song Surgery: Campers will listen to their songs to determine the key, time signature, instrumentation and song form. Instructors will assist bands in writing a basic roadmap for the song(s) they will be rehearsing in ensemble and stage classes. 

Unplugged: Students are encouraged to bring in their acoustics or play non amplified in these to work out form and difficult sections before they regroup again as an ensemble situation. Cojan drums and various other types of percussion instruments will be on hand to enhance the rehearsal experience.

Stage Presence: Bands will be taught how to interact with the audience and develop stage presence techniques that will help them own on the stage. Videos of artists and bands will be viewed and analyzed for stage, moves, costume development and audience participation.

Background Vocal and Harmony Elective: In this class, campers that are not enrolled as vocalists can begin learning the basics of singing unison and harmony with their band. Camp Jam also encourages students to “step up to the plate” if a lead vocalist is needed in their group. This elective is designed to go over basic vocal techniques as well as build confidence in the beginning vocalist.

Marketing Your Band: Campers will get an inside look at how bands develop a fan base through social media. Websites, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Email, internet radio and other fan outreach will be discussed.

*Curriculum and programs are subject to change without notice.