Track Description:

Song writing 101
Class goes through basic music theory of harmonic structure, melodic structure, rhythm, and genre. Experiment using different rhythms with chord progressions to create sequences of music in different genres. Song form is studied through different genres of music and then we experiment writing in these forms.
Group writing dynamics. Students will be given a genre, and a subject matter to write about and come up with 2 or 3 sketches to vote upon the strongest example to use for the final project.

Recording Technology 101
Class will explore different DAW's that students may bring with them in iPads phones and laptops. We will cover basic recording, audio sweetening ( Dynamic effects like compression and limiters), and effects processing ( use of phasers, flangers, chorus, reverb, delay, auto-tune etc ). We will also use these tools when completing our song writing assignments. 

Exploring instrumentation
This breakout session will happen upon demand. This will give campers the opportunity to learn another instrument. Depending upon time and availability individual instrument lessons and the campers explore teaching each other and providing feedback on how it felt to teach someone, and how it felt to be taught by a peer.  We will also explore using soft synths ( instruments in the iPad ) during composition depending upon iPad availability.

Guitar & Ukelele clinic
Improving Guitar and Ukelele playing skills (for beginners, intermediate, advanced players)
Basics for fingerstyle guitar and ukelele
Tips on getting gigs based on skill levels
Arranging music for solo guitar or ukelele
Song writing basics
Using alternate tunings
Performance mastery: Getting a piece ready for performing or recording
Managing performance anxiety: Conquering nerves and managing stress as a performer

  
Final projects:
Either Hard copy CD's or Sound cloud upload of all songs and a group collaboration theme song will be composed and used in a camp video production for use in next season's camp PR drive.

Songwriting and Recording Instructors:
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J Eliott Wilson - Out of Brooklyn came this native son. Eliot started spinning records at the age of 13 and is a professional DJ. This passion turned into a career in TV film and music. After Several years working in television film and commercials he took up music as his full time endeavor. Now, at 53 he is a producer, DJ, AV/sound company owner, system designer, songwriter, father, and disciple of Christ. Notable work: The Cosby Show, Skyy World Tour, and A Different World. Owner of Sine AV Design & Native Culture Studio. Co-owner
Native Son Music.www.djnativeson.com www.sineavdesign.com 
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Jeni Englund is a singer/songwriter currently in the Philadelphia area. She
has spent years in the songwriting circuit, originally working with
producer Jeff Coplan (Anthem Entertainment) to create her 11
track debut album. From that time on, Jeni has continuously
written and recorded songs, collaborating whenever possible. She
has performed with her self-titled band, as well as duo and solo
performances. She also teaches for The Lincoln Park Performing
Arts Center’s Artreach program.

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