Levels for Play, Sing, or Dance

Each program at Leahy Music Camp is designed so that students are met at the level they play, sing, or dance.

Variety of Styles

Instructors are musicians and artists who are skilled and knowledgeable in a variety of styles and genres. Students will not only develop their own skills and technique, but benefit from each instructor's experience in the music industry. (A really dynamic learning opportunity!)

Depending on the instructor, students may learn by ear or note…..maybe both. They can expect to learn new music, ornaments, improvisation and accompaniment skills, creative approaches to music, and writing/composing strategies. They will also have many opportunities to experience music in new ways by playing and working with others….in small and large groups, pairs, and on their own.

Program Information

Classes Morning Afternoon Daily Schedule

Classes

There are a variety of classes to attend at Leahy Music Camp. Participants will be assigned two classes each morning (in an area they choose to receive primary instruction) and take two elective classes each afternoon. All classes are organized by skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) so that participants can learn and move at the same general pace. Students have the option to change levels or classes when they come to Camp.

Morning

Primary Areas of Instruction

All of the music programs at Camp include two focused classes each morning, in one primary area of instruction. There are five areas from which to choose and participants will make their choice when filling out their registration forms online. The options are: fiddle, piano, guitar, singing, or step dancing. (If you choose fiddle as your primary area of instruction, you will attend two fiddle classes each morning and be taught by two different teachers). All classes are arranged by level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). You will attend classes with other people who are at the same general level as yourself. Participants will work with a variety of teachers in each program and have the option to change levels/classes if they think they would be more comfortable moving at a slower or faster pace.

Afternoon

Electives

Afternoon classes (electives) are set up so that students can try something new as well as learn and develop in other areas. Students will have two electives every afternoon and will choose them when they arrive at Camp. Every year we offer different options depending on the musicians and guests teaching at the Camp. Here are some electives that you can expect to see:

Bass Fiddle/Violin
Drums Piano
Mandolin Guitar
Accordion Singing
Writing/Composition Dancing
Recording - step
Private Lessons - swing
Lectures - square
Special Presentations
And more….

Daily Schedule

Daily Schedule

8:30 - 9:00 Breakfast (for participants staying onsite)

9:00 - 9:15 Announcements
9:20 - 10:20 Class 1
10:30 - 11:30 Class 2

11:40 - 12:25 Lunch and Free Time

1:00 - 2:00 Class 3
2:15 - 3:15 Class 4
3:30 - 4:30 Musical Event

5:00 - 6:00 Dinner

6:00 - 8:00 Free Time (practice/jam/swim/canoe/sleep/soccer/tennis/tease Frank/etc.)

8:00 - 10:00 Evening Event

Programs Fiddle Piano Guitar Singing Step-dancing More

Programs

The music programs are comprised of two morning classes that participants are assigned (based on their registration information) and two afternoon classes participants choose on their own. The goal of the the Camp is to support musicians in specific areas in which they want to develop, but also to expose them to other possibilities and opportunities that they may not have had a chance to consider before. With so many musicians, artists, experts, and musical resources in one place, the hope is that participants can access as much as possible.

Fiddle

This program is intended for people who want to improve their technique, learn new music, and expose themselves to new styles and ways of playing. Participants will work with a variety of instructors who each specialize in one or more styles of music. Students will learn in a group setting with other participants who are at the same general skill level and have a chance to play in a variety of settings of their choice (ensembles, jam sessions, band performance, solo, recording studio, etc.).

Depending on the background of each instructor, participants can expect to focus on some of the following areas:

new music/tunes/styles
ornaments
bowing
practice tools and conditioning
writing, arrangement, improvisation
live performance – stage presence
group performance/playing

Piano

This program is intended for those who would like to expand their world on the piano. Participants will work with a variety of teachers who all play different styles. Special focus will be placed on technique, accompaniment strategies, writing, arranging, improvisation, and more. Students will learn tools that will open up a world of possibility when playing by themselves or with others.

Instructors strive to help students develop their own voice and personality on this instrument and at the same time, expand their knowledge of the piano. The goal is for participants to become more comfortable creating and experimenting on their own, and playing music with others.

Guitar

This program is intended for those who want to improve their skills on the guitar and expand their versatility with this instrument. Teachers will focus on technique and share expertise with different styles and approaches to playing. Depending on the instructors each year, students will be exposed to different styles of music and ways of playing the guitar.

Focus will be given to:

specific tunes and styles
chords, melody picking, guitar lines
accompaniment on the guitar
rhythm skills and strumming patterns
fingerpicking
improvisation
strategies for practicing
writing, arrangement, interpretation

chords

riffs

melodies

fingerpicking

accompianment

solos

Singing

This program is intended for those who want to become stronger vocalists for personal or professional reasons. Participants will have the chance to sing and learn a variety of styles as well as gain tools that will give them longevity as singers. Instructors aim to help students find, develop, and strengthen their true unique voice.

Focus will be given to:

Personal coaching
Group/choral singing
Voice technique & conditioning
Harmony
Songwriting and interpretation
Solo singing and performance
Recording
Live performance – stage presence, microphone technique

Students are asked to come with at least one song to sing and work with.

Step-dancing

This program is intended for those who are new to the world of step-dancing and for those who are experienced and want to take their dancing even further.

Focus will be given to basic technique and style as well as to new steps, routines, and creative approaches to this very rich traditional style of Canadian dance. Participants can expect to be challenged in new ways and have a lot fun!