The Premier Summer Music Camp in New Jersey

Our summer music camp in New Jersey, July 22-26, brings together student talented musicians and an amazing faculty in our inspiring rural campus in Lebanon, NJ. We have two amazing music programs to choose from depending on your musical interests.

Rock Camp - We pride ourselves in creating an inspiring environment where students are having fun and making friends, while also learning so much about music from the early days of Rock in the 1950’s to what is happening today in the music. Open to beginner through advanced musicians, in Rock Camp musicians have lessons in the morning, a morning ensemble, afternoon electives, afternoon lessons, and then a different afternoon ensemble. Our musicians then perform at our Friday Concert Series at the end of the week for family, friends, and the public. You will be amazed how students grow in our 5 day music program at Rock Camp. Rock Camp is from 9-2:50 pm, and there is late afternoon elective for interested students called Intro Jazz Workshop from 3-5 pm.

Rock Camp, Summer Music Camp in New Jersey

Jazz Workshop - Jazz Workshop meets in the afternoons, 1-5 pm, and is geared towards teens and adults looking to take their understanding of jazz to the next level. We will dive into the whole history of jazz from the music of Duke Ellington to Herbie Hancock, to what is happening today in the music. Students have lessons with master teachers and performers, perform in a variety of ensembles, and have classes that explore topics such as improv, harmony, and composition/arranging.

Jazz Workshop, Summer Music Camp in New Jersey

Rock Camp, The Premier Music Camp in New Jersey

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Hunterdon County in Lebanon, New Jersey is a music camp like no other, Rock Camp, which has been providing an inspiring musical experience to musicians of New Jersey for over 14 years. Beginner and experienced students are welcome, ages 7-19 years old, to take their music to the next level.

Students will have workshops, morning and afternoon ensembes, lessons, electives and and end of the week concert for friends, family and the public (see our full curriculum). Musicians will work with their peers and expert teachers to learn the full spectrum of rock music from a variety of time periods. Our campus is located on the beautiful campus of Acorn Montessori School in Lebanon, New Jersey

The end of the week concert is a real milestone for musicians. Students take all of that knowledge they have learned in their lessons and ensemble classes throughout the week and come together to create music they did not think was possible at the beginning of the week. Students finish the week with a certain confidence that that comes the realization that you can create incredible music through teamwork, inspiration, and practice.

The Premier Music Camp in New Jersey, Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop

When you come to our music camp, Rock Camp or Jazz Workshop, in the beautiful countryside of Lebanon, New Jersey, you will learn to master your instrument, play with others, and have a whole lot of fun along the way! At the end of the week we have a concert for friends, family, and the general public, a concert that our students prepare all week for.

While the music will undoubtably be amazing by all our students, whether beginner or advanced, no concert you will ever go to is ever “perfect.” Mistakes happen onstage, many of which no one in the audience notices because they are so minute and the musicians recover so quickly. We tell students it’s ok if you make mistakes. The key is to keep your cool and quickly recover, get back on the horse so to speak. After all, we are all human and part of being human is that mistakes happen.

Here is a video of the great pianist Herbie Hancock talking about that and how he came upon a surprising realization after hitting the wrong chord in a performance. Click here to see the video.

Music Camp in New Jersey

Tucked away in the beautiful countryside of Hunterdon County in Lebanon, New Jersey is a music camp dedicated to inspiring musicians, beginner-advanced, to take their music to the next level. At Rock Camp and Jazz Intensive students have morning and afternoon lesson and play in morning and afternoon bands. Our goal is for students to have a fun and social experience while also learning to play music from a variety of angles.

At the end of the week students perform in a concert for their friends, family and the public where you will hear a wide variety of rock music (for those in Rock Camp) and for those enrolled in Jazz Workshop you will hear jazz from the 50’s through today. You will also hear students perform original music which gets musicians thinking outside the box and the intersection of lyrics/telling a story and song structure possibilities.

So if you are looking for a music camp in New Jersey that is both fun and inspiring, you are in the right spot.

Summer Jazz Camp in New Jersey and Long Island, Jazz Workshop

Jazz Workshop is a music camp in New Jersey and the Hamptons that aims to take students to a higher level through mastering their instrument or voice, how to solo, how to understand harmony, and inspiring students to find their individual voice in music.

Let’s look at George Gershwin’s song, Summertime, as an example of how we can dive into the music.

1. As a baseline for improvising on this song we need to know that we are in the key of d minor, and everyone will play the triads for d minor, g minor, and A major, root position and with inversions.

2. We see in measure 2 and 3, that we have a ii-V-i pattern. The II-V-I and it’s minor key equivelent, ii-V-i, is a harmonic cornerstone to many jazz songs, particularly music of the American Songbook. So after understanding this we need to put this knowledge in our fingers, voice, and become fluent with playing II-V-I’s passages in different ways and in different keys.

3. What about improvising? Well, there are many approaches we can take. A macro approach, and a way to just start getting into the music would be to review the d and g harmonic minor scales, as well as the f major scale. The d harmonic minor scale (d-e-f-g-a-b flat-c sharp) can be used over measure 1-3, 7-11, 14-16 while the g harmonic minor scale (g-a-b flat-c-d-e flat-f sharp) can be used in measures 4-6. The F major scale can be used in measures 12 and 13.

This is only one of many ways to start creating your own melodies over the song. Initially it’s important to learn the building blocks (scales, arpeggios, etc..), but once you have this understanding, one needs to throw this knowledge out the window in a way, and start creating melodies and lines that come from your voice, your own creativity, what you are hearing into the music. Then the music really comes alive and will inspire you and everyone listening!

Music Camp in New Jersey and Hamptons, 3 Things to Know

I have seen a few different approaches to music camps/education.....At Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop, our summer music camp in New Jersey and the Hamptons, I can confidently say we are the 3rd approach, without a doubt!

1. A fluffy-music-appreciation type of experience - that's not us (I am having flashbacks to when my children were very young and we took a few of these classes).

2. A hardcore conservatory approach (i.e Manhatten School of Music, Julliard...this is great but it's meant for older students and is meant as a pre-professional, bootcamp approach) -that's definitely not us either......

3. Banff Approach (a great center for the arts in western Canada). This is us!

The environment is social, fun, friendly, and students are inspired to learn and create as much from their teachers as their fellow musicians. You are surrounded by teachers who are pursuing careers in music who love to share with others. An interest in music or anything I suppose, is something that should be nurtured and allowed to grow at the same time.

Rock Camp, Jazz Workshop Summer Music Camp in Lebanon, New Jersey, Hunterdon County

Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop bringsthe most talented musicians from New Jersey and New York to work with students at our New Jersey campus and Hamptons Campus who have a passion for music. Rock Camp happens from 9-3, July 11-15th, and Jazz Workshop is afternoon program from 3-5 pm that same week.

It does not mater if you are experienced or brand new to music, our goal is for you to be 10 notches higher after your experience with us in terms of knowledge, technique, and inspiration.

We have a few things that are always top of mind.

1. This is summer and everyone wants to have a fun and an inspiring experience! It is equally important to us that student love their experience with us because that will feed into their enthusiasm for learning and taking risks.

2. Staying nimble. Our days are full (morning band, morning lessons, electives, afternoon band, afternoon lessons, concert at the of the week), so students will be places in may different musical situations and we help them navigate and succeed in every one of them.

3. Our faculty. Our faculty are all performing musicians and also teach or have taught at Rutgers University, University of Miami, Rider University, Westminster Choir College, Raritan Valley Community College, and many other schools and colleges in the area.

Diving Into the Roots of Rock, Rock Camp & Jazz Workshop, Summer Music Camp in Long Island and New Jersey

At our music camp in the Hamptons, Long Island and New Jersey, we make sure to understand our roots and where the music comes from, the heroes, innovators, and creative spirit of those sung and unsung. So what makes Fats Domino of New Orleans so important in the growth of rock?

First off, Fats Domino was from New Orleans. Well, we know New Orleans as the birthplace of jazz, and of course blues is a cousin to jazz, living side-by-side. A piano style developed out of jazz and blues and Fats knew it well, Boogie Woogie. This involves a driving left hand pattern in the left hand and the right hand plays syncopated lines on top of usually played over the blues or a song with changes that reflect I, IV, V harmony of the blues. Great musicians of this style include Gene Ammons, Professor Longhair, Meade Lux Lewis, and later rock-n-roll musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Fats Domino. Professor Longhair’s music had something else to it, a distinctly New Orleans rhumba-rhythm infused in the music which was very influential to great musicians like Dr. John and Allen Toussaint.

In the 1950’s Fats was able to infuse his music with a triplet feel and his song “The Fat Man” went to #2 on the R&B charts. The site SPClarke.com explains it well down below:

“The Fat Man” is often referred to as the first Rock and Roll song, although such assertions will always be the subject of great dispute. As far as Fats was concerned, he was merely playing the same sort of music he had been playing in New Orleans for years. Referring to being called the “Father of Rock and Roll,” Domino, himself, later said, “Well I wouldn’t want to say that I started it, but I don’t remember anyone else before me playing that kind of stuff.” Whatever the case, Fats Domino was suddenly a Rhythm and Blues star.

This led the way to rock-n-roll hits like Blueberry Hill.

But we all know everything comes from something else, and when we peel things back we also have to give a shout out to the great musician Little Willie Littlefield. His song of 1949, It’s Midnight, pre-dates Fats Domino and he is credited as someone who helped popularize the triplet feel in the music.

Music just goes its own way, and if you like it becomes a part of you. It’s cool that the B-side of the 1985 Paul McCartney single "Spies Like Us", entitled "My Carnival" was recorded in New Orleans and dedicated to Professor Longhair. And if you listen to the Beatles song Oh! Darlin you hear how it’s rooted in the sound and rhythm of many of these innovative and creative shining stars of early rhythm and blues, boogie woogie, and rock-n-roll.

Rock Camp & Jazz Workshop, The Premier Music Camp for Summer 2022 in the Hamptons, Long Island and New Jersey

If you love music, you are in the right spot. Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop are two summer camp programs happening this summer in the Hamptons and New Jersey in which students of all ages, teens, adults gather to learn music in a fun and inspiring environment.

ROCK CAMP…..What We DO!

Meets 9-3 pm

At Rock Camp we start with a brief morning meeting where all students meet up and there is a 20 minute hands on workshop (one day could be polyrhythms, another day the music from another country, jam session, etc..).

- We then dive into morning lessons (instrumental or vocals). Students can choose a second instrument for afternoon lessons.

- Students then join their morning band (music chosen in collaboration with teacher, usually spans the history of the music, from the 50's/60's to a song that came out last month. Students also work on original music.

- We break for lunch and students then have time to relax and hang with their friends.....then volleyball, soccer, or they play with others on their own. Teachers also meet with students 1-1.

- Then we have electives, more niche topics (song writing, reading/writing, African drumming, harmony, improvisation, solo guitar, learning logic, sibelius, etc....).

- Afternoon Lessons.

- Afternoon Band, a different band and teacher than the morning.

- At the end of the week students then do a performance for family, friends, and the public.

Jazz Workshop…..What We DO!

Meets 3-5 pm

Jazz Workshop is a music summer camp and workshop in the Hamptons and New Jersey that meets in the afternoons and its goal is to teach students how to play jazz through:

• Lessons (private or small group).

• Ensembles, learning and playing music from the jazz repertoire (Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, and many others).

• Instruction on improvisation, harmony and chords, and learning to master your instrument as you grow as a musician and find your voice and sound.

Words of Wisdom for Musicians at Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop Camp in the Hamptons and New Jersey

Love these words of wisdom about making music from the trumpter Doc Severinsen....Something all of us at Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop in the Hamptons and New Jersey use a source of inspiration. I remember him as a flashy and charismatic trumpeter who was great at small talk on the “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” Glad I came across this to understand the real person and talented musician he is!

"Speaking to an auditorium of students, Severinsen was asked by one pupil what makes a trumpet player the best in his field. His reply was a masterclass in reveling in the beauty of music and the present moment.

“I think it’s what’s in you,” he replied. “How do you feel about other people? Are you nice to other people? Do you see the best in them? Can you cry when you play a melody that’s so beautiful it deserves every tear you can give? You’re so filled with joy, that it comes out in the form of tears. Release all the bad things you ever thought about, all the sadness you’ve ever had in your life is gone, and you’re joyous."

“That’s why I play the trumpet. I do it because I love it. You gotta have some humor in your life. Get a laugh out of life, and you’ll play better,” Severinsen said. “The happy people are the lucky people. Be happy.”

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/at-93-doc-severinsen-can-teach-us-all-some-things-about-remaining-creative-and-active/17744/

The Power of 7 Notes, Rock Camp in New Jersey and the Hamptons

7 notes make up the C major scale. It;’s simple, basic, and yet it’s nothing but simple. Why? Well, when played as a ladder of notes up and down, its sounds like a regular music exercise, but when one starts combing notes to be played at the same time, it creates harmony or chords.

Ok, cool, but so what? Well, if you play that same simple C major scale but now in triads (3 notes chords) up and down the scale you are entering another world. So instead of paying: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, (C) up and down, you now can play C-E-G (C Major triad), then D-F-A (D Minor triad), then E-G-B (E Minor triad), etc… up the scale and down. You can play the triads as one block or arpeggiate it.

Btw, once you you can go up the C major scale, then try the other keys. There are only 12 of them. You can either go up or down chromatically or follow the circle of 5ths pattern (C, G, D, A, E, B, F# (G Flat), D Flat, A Flat, E Flat, B Flat, F, C).

Ok, cool, but now what? Well, from these triads or blocks of sound, these can form the building blocks to creating new music, your music! Just experiment with different patterns within the scale until you find a progression that really speaks to you. Just have fun and stay curious.

Here is a really cool video of Paul McCartney (one of the great song writers of our time) getting into it. Enjoy!!

At Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop in New Jersey and the Hamptons, we’ll get into this concept as a way to explore song writing and improvisation.

Music Summer Camp and Classes, Rock Camp, in the Hamptons and New Jersey

Rock Camp and Jazz Workshop in Bridgehampton, NY and Lebanon, NJ bring some of the most talented musicians and teachers around the country to work with students of all ages to take their music to the next level.

Some students have little to no experience while other students are advanced. We make it all work with a combination of nimbleness and thoughtfully placing students together in groups, so students are playing with their peers, having fun, and learning along the way. We as a staff are also staying aware of everyone is doing socially and musically. You need to have both working in harmony, so students are making friends, learning, and gaining confidence on their instrument. Finally, we keep our enrollment numbers low so everyone has a ton of one-on-one attention throughout the day in morning lessons, morning band, electives, afternoon lessons, and afternoon band.

Summer Jazz Workshop in Lebanon, New Jersey and the Hamptons

This summer we are very excited to offer Jazz Workshop to musicians (beginner-advanced) at our Bridgehampton, NY and Lebanon, NJ campus. This summer class will meet 3-5 pm, Monday-Friday, July 11-15 in New Jersey, and then July 18-22 in Bridgehampton. Students will learn music with their peers in the middle school, high school, and adult division.

Our faculty has performed at jazz venues such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and festivals throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Our teachers love sharing their knowledge, and are currently teaching or have taught at Rutgers University, Rider University, Westminster Choir College, Raritan Valley, and a number of other schools.

Come as you are. All you need is passion for music and a desire to take your music to another level. See you in July!

The Roots of Rock Camp, the One of a Kind Music Camp in New Jersey and the Hamptons

This is our story.

Eleven years Rock Camp started as an idea in which for one week students, between ages 7 - 19, would learn music from performing musicians in a particular way. Rather than teach music classes in the way it is taught in school, students would learn in small groups and mentor with a variety of performing musicians and learn from their peers.

But the story actually starts earlier than this. Let’s rewind.

When I was a kid, I took piano lessons from a few different teachers. I loved music but I did not like the lessons. Rather than look at music as if one was exploring a new world, my early teachers had the view that I should learn nursery rhythms and little kid tunes, read simple notation, and then little by little progress to more challenging music. Sound logical. And yet even at an early age of 12 or 13 years old, I thought “why do I have to learn this little kid music and wait around for a couple years to get to the music I really want to play (at that time it was rock-n-roll)?” So I quit lessons with that teacher. Eventually I had a different teacher, but it was the same story. I quit again.

And then something happened, really be accident.

As I went through middle and high school, I was lucky to take an art class. The art teacher, Mr. Reed, has a beat up piano in his room (painted on the sides), all of the walls had student work, the ceiling too. This is where music came alive. He showed me and a group of other students how to play the music of Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Three Dog Night, and many many tunes in the rock and blues realm. We played duets. We played along with records. We later played in small groups, at school functions, at parties, at cafes, and we just kept learning. A new world opened up to all of us. Later, I was lucky enough to have Mr. Ellington as an inspiring band teacher. He would give us the keys to his room at lunch to practice, and introduced to the Beatles and groups like Yes.

So let’s fast forward years later. Every day that passes, I realize how lucky I was to have these great teachers in my life, and that’s the word - luck. So this is why Rock Camp exists. We want every student to have an inspiring experience, make friends, feel what it’s like to master something and perform it…….and if the music speaks to them, they can make music a part of their life as they grow up. Having a great music education, should not be a luck thing. It should be available to everyone.

At Rock Camp and Dance Intensive in New Jersey and the Hamptons, we bring the best and the brightest musicians and dancers to inspire students, whether they are beginners or have significant experience. All in the spirit of what happened in Mr. Reed’s art room.