The Music Center at UCSC is considered to be among the best of any university music facility in the country. At Soundwall campers attend classes and rehearse in this state of the art facility.
At some camps students rehearse in dorms.
Our final concerts feature professional sound and lighting systems. These concerts are held in the UCSC Music Center's 396-seat Recital Hall, a fabulous performance space.
Other camps hold their concerts in multipurpose rooms.
Soundwall campers don't need to bring or rent equipment. Contributions to our non-profit allow us to provide Mackie sound systems, DW drums, Zildjian cymbals, Shure microphones, and SWR and Line 6 amps. Campers bring only their basses, guitars and drum sticks.
Other camps require students to bring or rent all equipment.
Instructors
We've had the same instructional staff for the past ten years. Teachers are working professionals - two are published authors, several have music degrees - one graduate degree. The majority of the staff are over 30.
Many camps hire a much younger, less experienced staff.
Camp Size
Our camps have a maximum attendance of 70 per session. With a staff of 14 the student/teacher ratio is excellent.
Larger camps don't allow for as much personal attention.
Academics
Campers attend classes in theory, technique, rock music history and songwriting.
Other camps curriculum only provide for day long unsupervised jam sessions.
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