What is included with the Session Fee?
Each Session Fee includes housing, meals, and the costs for all student activities outlined in our materials. Each student receives the following:
- Studio Recording CD
- "MTV" Music Video DVD
- Concert Video DVD
- PCA 50+ Page "Teen Musician Handbook"
- Private Personal Review & Analysis
- Record Label & Talent Agent Submissions
- PCA Student Contact List
- PCA Summer Session T-Shirt
- PCA Diploma
What if my child has never played in a band before?
Power Chord Academy is designed for beginners as well as advanced students. Regardless of your child's musical experience, maximum benefit will be derived.
Does Power Chord Academy accept singers/vocalists?
Yes! Voice is the most dynamic instrument as well as the hardest to play!
What is the Student to Staff ratio?
The Student to Staff ratio will never exceed that of 9-1. During the session, all bands will practice in one centralized location. Each band will have its own practice room where it will compose, revise, and practice songs. Power Chord Academy Staff Members will be present at all times moving from room to room providing advice and facilitating the progress of the bands. All attending musicians will receive focused attention from all Staff members. Last Summer's Student-to-Staff ratio was 5-to-1.
Who are the Staff members?
Power Chord Academy Staff members consist of musicians who play or have played in major label and independent label bands, professional audio engineers, music teachers, and industry professionals. Record labels that our staff have been signed to or worked with include major record labels such as Atlantic, Capitol, & Sony, etc as well as premier independent record labels such as Epitaph, Roadrunner, Sub-Pop, Victory, etc. All Staff members are chosen for their unique ability to contribute to the Power Chord Academy program. Each band is assigned one Staff member who will work with the band to facilitate their progress throughout the week as well as monitor the well being of each child. However, all Staff members will contribute to each child's experience. For security reasons, all Staff undergo a thorough background check and an extensive interview process. We hire the best and that is a big reason why our program is the best.
What are the safety precautions?
Power Chord Academy Summer Sessions are hosted at college Universities. All Universities are chosen for their safe and secure atmosphere. During the Summer months, there is little or no foot traffic on campus. Furthermore, Power Chord Academy is issued exclusive facilities for the program and the Staff is highly attentive to all environmental conditions. A safety plan is discussed with all attendants during orientation and clear procedures and expectations are addressed. Campus Security is also available at all times.
How long has PCA been around for?
The 2011 Sessions will mark Power Chord Academy's 13th Year of Operation!
How will the dormitory living be implemented?
All students will be housed in the University's dormitory. Boys and Girls will be housed in separate areas and will be supervised accordingly.
What facility spaces are used?
Power Chord Academy is currently held at the Universities listed on the Location & Travel page. Over 20 state-of-the-art facility spaces are utilized to implement Power Chord Academy's regimen including classrooms, practice rooms, mid and large-sized rooms as well as a concert hall and performance theatre. To maximize our program's effectiveness, each band gets its own individual practice space where they will learn the importance of teamwork and leadership as they write, revise, and practice their compositions.
What will be the daily schedule?
Here's an example of a typical day at Power Chord Academy
7:45 Breakfast
8:15 Role Call
8:30 Band Jam Session I
9:45 Songwriting Seminar
10:45 Band Jam Session II
12:00 Lunch Break
12:45 Band Jam Session III
1:30 Fun Activity
2:30 Music Industry Guest Speaker
3:45 Band Jam Session IV
5:00 Dinner
6:15 Mystery Guest Concert
8:00 Band Jam Session V
9:00 Free Time / Fun Activity
10:00 Quiet Hour
10:30 Curfew
Who do we contact in case of emergency?
In case of an emergency during the camp, parents of attending musicians will be provided with an emergency contact number.
Are there other activities?
Due to the intensive program schedule, there is not much free time for students. However, during the free time that is available, students can participate in fun activities, play games, watch movies, and hang out with other students.
Who will play in my child's band?
Your child will be paired with other young musicians based on age, ability, experience, interest, and style.
Is my child too old/young?
There is always an even mix of students ages 12-18 attending. Furthermore, your child will work in groups with students of the same age. Both young and old, beginning and advanced have consistently succeeded and had a great time doing so!
Do you have any video footage?
Definitely! You can click here and watch a Behind-the-Scenes Video from past Sessions!
What styles of music are accepted?
Power Chord Academy is designed for musicians of every musical genre!
What about drugs?
Power Chord Academy strictly enforces a drug-free atmosphere and lifestyle. Violators of any rules will be dismissed immediately.
Can my child play with a friend?
Yes! The online application has an area to list friends you would like team up with!
What is the atmosphere like?
The atmosphere at PCA is highly energetic, but most importantly: clean, safe, non-competitive, community-oriented, and fun-spirited!
What is the best Session location to attend?
Power Chord Academy implements the same program content and activities at every Session. Regardless of location, each student will leave with a wealth of new knowledge and a fun, action-packed experience!
I heard on the radio that "Artist XYZ" will be performing at your program. What week/s will they be performing?
For privacy and contractual reasons, we can not provide the dates of attending artists nor guarantee that the specific artist you have in mind will be present during your child's Session. That is why we call it the Mystery Guest Appearance!
Is the Registration Fee part of the Session Fee?
Yes. The Registration Fee is inclusive in the total Session Fee cost.
How many Sessions should my child attend?
We recommend asking yourself "How much does my child like to play music?" If your child has a light interest in music, then one Session will most likely provide a sufficient experience. However, if your child has a strong passion for music, we highly recommend a multi-Session stay per Summer. Power Chord Academy's expansive curriculum provides an exclusive and unique multi-week schedule. Students attending multiple sessions not only maximize their industry exposure and substantially expand their original song repertoires; they are also placed into accelerated groups, where they receive more focused attention and learn new vital information each week. Our biggest complaint is that each session seems to go by in a flash and students wish they could have stayed longer!
Do you have any parental testimonials I can read?
Yes! Please click here to read more.
How will my child be supervised?
All campuses have 24-hour security and students may not leave the campus at any time. Campus security is on duty at all times. The program is structured heavily with activities from 8AM-10PM. Students are supervised and accounted for during each activity. Each band will have one Staff Member/Counselor who will oversee the band's progress during the week and provide guidance, advice and serve as the band's producer during the Session. We implement stern rules & regulations to ensure our students are supervised and accounted for at all times. Please understand that as a professional organization, ensuring the safety and well-being of your children is our #1 priority!
What if my child wants to play guitar or bass and sing lead in his/her band?
Your child can definitely play guitar or bass and sing in their band! They will need an amp for their guitar or bass and a PA system to amplify their vocals. As a lead vocalist they will also need a microphone, cables and mic stand. Guitar or bass amps should be a minimum of 50 Watts and the PA system a minimum of 80 Watts. Equipment rentals are available!
Can my child attend Power Chord if we live outside the U.S.?
Definitely!! Students attend PCA from all over the world including Europe, Asia and Australia! Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Power Chord Academy.
When are the contest winners announced?
Contest winners are announced immediately after entering to win a free session at PCA!
What is the quality of equipment rentals you provide?
While our equipment rentals vary by vendor they are usually mid to high end brand name rentals.
Does my child have to haul their equipment from their dorm room to their practice room everyday?
No. Your child's equipment is locked in their practice room at the end of every jam session.
Will my child need to know how to read music before attending Power Chord?
No, reading music is not a requirement before attending PCA. In fact, most attending students do not read sheet music!
Do I have an option of driving my child to PCA each day instead of having them board overnight?
Families may choose to enroll their child in our brand new discounted "Locals Only" day-student program. Day students will participate in all the same core PCA activities as overnight/boarding students. Students attending PCA's "Locals Only" program will need to be dropped off each day at 8am and picked-up at 5pm, except for Sunday (check-in) at 12pm-10pm, Friday 8am-10pm, and Saturday 9am-2pm (check-out). Day students will only miss evening seminars and activities M-W. Call for details.
