Rock School Boot Camp is a two-week mini-version of the School of Rock program where kids join a band, rehearse daily on professional equipment, learn a lot about music and have fun as they play classic rock songs and write their own original material in a band setting. On a typical day campers will learn new song parts, rehearse with their band, and interact with our professional music staff and talented young musicians.

The camp covers songwriting, music theory, instrumental technique, rehearsal techniques, and performance practice. During the camp they will write their own original music, including song structure, lyrics, melody and harmony, chord progressions, and individual instrument parts. They'll have the opportunity to explore a secondary instrument, and perhaps perform with it. Along the way they'll build performance, songwriting and stage-craft skills.

The campers' hard work will culminate in a rock concert performance of their original and cover songs for family and friends at a local venue. But the boot camp experience doesn't end when camp is over. In late August, at the end of our last camp session, we hold the Battle of Bands for all of our summer camp bands to compete for the Best Band award and bragging rights. We know from years of experience that playing in a band situation speeds learning and creates seasoned musicians. Even relatively advanced musicians are amazed at the amount of progress they make when regularly playing with other musicians.

The program runs from 9:00am-3:00pm every weekday. Early drop-off is available. Ages 10+. Camp includes a T-Shirt and certificate of completion.

Ashburn Studio Boot Camp Dates:

• July 2 - July 13, 2012
• July 30 - August 10, 2012

Vienna Studio Boot Camp Dates:

• July 2 - July 13, 2012
• July 16 - July 27, 2012
• July 30 - August 10, 2012

Silver Spring Studio Boot Camp Dates:

• July 23 - August 3, 2012

Cost: $999
Active School of Rock members $899

Do the kids perform a rock show?
Boot Camp, Advanced Boot Camp and all Theme Camps (Metal, Zeppelin, Indie Alternative) will perform an afternoon show at a local venue or restaurant, typically around 1 PM. Two-Week Boot Camp shows are on the second Thursday of camp. One-Week Theme Camps perform on the last day (Friday) of camp. The kids will promote the show and we encourage you to invite as many friends and family members as you'd like. Rock 101 Camp and Songwriting/Recording camps do not perform during camp week, however the Songwriting/Recording camp students have the option to perform at the Battle of Summer Camp bands.

Can students attend more than one session? Is there a discount?
Yes, campers are welcome to join us for multiple sessions and there is a $50 per camp discount for students enrolled in more than one camp session.

Do you have a sibling discount?
Yes, we'll take $50 off the price of all camps for siblings.

What is the Battle of the Summer Camp Bands?
Boot Camp, Advanced Boot Camp and all Theme Camps (Metal, Zeppelin, Indie Alternative) campers will return to play their best song in a Battle of the Summer Camp Bands in a larger venue and with a bigger audience. The Battle of the Bands will be held on Saturday, August 25th 2012 at a Greater Washington DC area venue.

Can a group of campers join as a band?
Yes, call us to discuss.

Can singers attend camp or must you play an instrument?
Yes, vocalists are welcome in all camps.

How many students and bands will be in each Camp session?
Camps are typically organized in 2 bands with 4-8 musicians in each band. Rock 101 Camps have a maximum of 12 campers per session.

Who are the staff?
Members of our regular staff of outstanding professional musicians and educators as well as guest teachers. They are assisted by advanced School of Rock performance program student interns.

Which instruments are included?
Our core instruments are electric and acoustic guitar, bass, drums, piano, keyboards and vocals. If your child plays something else, let's talk.

What is the cost?
See the camp descriptions for camp tuition rates.

A non-refundable deposit of 50% per camper per session is due with registration. The balance is due on or before May 1st 2012. If final payment has not been received by May 4th 2012 the space may be given to the next person on the waiting list. If you apply after May 1st 2012 full payment must be sent with the registration to reserve a spot. A $25 fee will be charged for returned checks.

Refund Policy: Deposits are non-refundable. Withdrawing after May 1st 2012, but before June 1st 2012, will forfeit 50% of full tuition. Withdrawal on or after June 1st 2012 will result in forfeiture of the full tuition.

Should students bring their own instruments?
Guitar, bass and vocals - yes! Drum and keyboard - no.

Is an interview/audition needed?
We encourage all parents and students to visit our school if desired. If you feel your younger student is ready for an age 10+ camp, please call us to discuss. For our Advanced Boot Camp and evaluation/audition is required. Please call us to schedule.

Does my child have to be proficient at his/her instrument in order to participate?
Rock 101 Campers do not require any prior experience. For Boot Camp and Theme Camps your child can be an advanced beginner or better. Songwriting & Recording Camp is open to intermediate to advanced musicians. For Advanced Boot Camp an audition/evaluation for readiness is required. Please contact us if you have questions. We're happy to help you assess your student's readiness for any camp.

How do we enroll?
Visit our How to Enroll page.

Is lunch included?
No. Students need to bring a bagged lunch and daily snack. We provide a pizza lunch celebration on the last day of camp. Campers should still bring their favorite drink.