• Bluegrass Camp

    Aug 13-Aug 17. Ages 12-16

Registration is open!

More info and registration

About Bluegrass Camp

Campers at our teen bluegrass camp will learn the foundations and traditions of bluegrass. Students will receive instruction specific to their respective instruments, and will also have the opportunity to play in a bluegrass band. We’ll also focus on singing, songwriting, fiddle tunes and more!

Our camp is geared towards beginner and intermediate players and will include instruction for guitar, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass and banjo. We may be able to accommodate additional instruments, please inquire!

 

What are prerequisites for Bluegrass Camp?

Guitar, mandolin, banjo: 1+ years of playing experience, can play G, C, D, D7, A7 chords, can strum/play along to simple 2-3 chord songs, and can play simple melodies and read tablature

Fiddle: 1+ years of playing experience, can play simple melodies using the D and A Scale, and can read music

Upright Bass: 1+ years of playing experience, and can play simple patterns to 2-3 chord songs in keys of G and D

Register now

Financial Aid is available, up to 100% off price of camp.

Download application

FAQs

Can a student register for another camp and/or all camps?

Yes! Students can sign-up anytime for another camp session before it starts or the day of if it is not sold out. Many students take at least 2 sessions and some take multiple sessions. You can register on-line or call our awesome front desk at 303-777-1003 ext 2.

Where does the Bluegrass camp takes place?

Swallow Hill Music
71 E Yale, Denver CO 80218
Map (Click for Google Map)
303-777-1003

Where do the Saturday concerts take place?

Keep an eye out on your email. Performance venues change depending on the week.

What should Bluegrass Camp students bring?

Part of the Bluegrass Camp experience if for students to learn how to use their musical gear. Students should bring any accessories that are essential for playing their particular instrument including (but not limited to):
· Instrument (guitar, banjo, etc)
· Instrument Strap
· Tuner
· Lunch and Snacks
· Signed Medical Forms
· Notebook to write in

What is provided?

·

Does Swallow Hill Music sell or rent any equipment?


Swallow Hill has guitar picks and guitar strings for sale. Swallow Hill does not rent instruments but has some acoustic guitars and amps for students that need to borrow them at camp only.

Is there a time to meet the camp staff?


Yes! Parents and guardians can come in before camp starts to meet with camp staff Monday-Friday. Please call the front desk at 303-777-1003 ext 2. to schedule.

What kind of medical and emergency information I need fill out?


You will fill out a medical and emergency form as part of the online registration process.

What should students do for lunch?


Bluegrass camp students should bring a bagged lunch (and snacks if desired) that does not require refrigeration. School Café is not open for food service during camp. Students are required to stay on the Swallow Hill campus during lunch and entire camp.

Do you allow peanut, tree-nut, or dairy products at your camp?


Campers may bring peanut, tree-nut, and/or dairy products in their lunches, although we do encourage parents to limit the use of peanuts or tree-nuts in their children’s lunches. Swallow Hill can, in no way, guarantee a 100% nut-free or allergen-free environment, and therefore cannot be labeled as an allergen-free or nut-free school or camp. We ask that all Bluegrass Camp parents discuss allergies beforehand.

Is there a uniform?


No.

Who do I contact if my Bluegrass Camp student is going to be late or miss a day of camp?


Contact the front desk @ 303-777-1003 ext. 2 or tell the camp director, Emily Lewis. If possible, please let us know in advance of all absences or tardy arrivals to camp.

What are your student drop-off and pick-up policies?


We are very strict about our pick-up and drop-off policies! Students are to be dropped off between 8:45 and 9am. Students are to be picked up from summer camp between 3:00pm and 3:15pm.
Students have the option of taking additional private lessons on their instrument after camp from any of Swallow Hill’s instructors. For more info or to register please call 303-777-1003, check our website SwallowHillMusic.org, or stop by the front desk.

Can I pick up my child early from Bluegrass camp?


If you need to pick up your child before 3:00 PM, please contact the front desk at 303.777.1003 ext 2. When doing an early pick-up please come into our building and check-in with the front desk. They will locate your child and sign them out.

Meet our camp director!

Emily Lewis

Emily began her musical studies on the piano at five years old halfway around the world in Nagoya, Japan, but her true musical passion lies with the violin. She switched over at age nine, became a Suzuki-trained fiddler, and never looked back! High school brought her first experience teaching private lessons, which she has continued through to today.

Emily graduated in 2006 from the University of Colorado with a Master of Music. She studied with Jennifer John, serving as her graduate assistant. She also studied with violinist Ed Dusinberre of the Takacs Quartet, and violist Erika Eckert. Emily received her Bachelor of Music degree in music education in 2004 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying with Tyrone Grieve, and served as the UW Symphony concertmaster for two years.

As a teacher, Emily's main focus is classical violin, using the Suzuki books as a guide, as well as a few other method books. She also incorporates other styles of playing, such as fiddling, into lessons. Emily has also taught middle school and high school orchestra, coached numerous chamber ensembles, and guided small group classes through fiddle tunes. Her philosophy is to listen to what the student needs, and tailor lessons and classes to each student.