Power Chord Academy Music Camp

PARENTAL TESTIMONIALS

"I would certainly give the PCA the strongest possible testimonial. Not only did Austin's musicianship increase exponentially after each program, his self-confidence, his outgoingness, and the scope of his world-view also increased by leaps and bounds with each session he attended. As would be expected (or hoped), after his first session, Austin's garage band metamorphosed into a working band with consistent gigs around the area. With each subsequent session, the stage presence and professionalism of the band increased noticeably. But beyond the Rock and Roll, Austin has matured into a 'go-to guy', the person his peers (and often his teachers) turn to when they want to get something done. Austin has been recruited as coach for several area bands who want to tighten up their act. Austin has been called on (too) frequently to organize a show when his school or local organizations decide, often at the last minute, that some live entertainment would be nice at an activity. He has recorded, arranged, and produced local artists and school musical groups. Even outside of music, people have begun to turn to Austin when they want to launch a project and get it moving. I credit Austin's PCA experience with shaping and molding this "... we can DO this..." attitude. Confidence, competence, and a willingness to stand in front of the world and risk it all...You all do a tremendous job of fostering the skills at the root of success and happiness...As a parent, I can't tell you how comforting it was to see the care that was taken by the PCA staff to insure the safety and well-being of the kids under your supervision. For Austin's first PCA experience, I deliberately chose a location which I knew was a sleepy setting in the middle of nowhere. After seeing the organization and attention of the staff at this first location, I had no qualms about sending Austin to the middle of NYC or downtown Washington, D.C. I could relax and enjoy the week, knowing that Austin was very, very well looked after. Austin is off to college in the fall. He has received a scholarship to pursue a degree in music, music production, and audio recording. And, YES, you all did have a great deal to do with this." - Thom, Pennsylvania

"My son has been to 5 Power Chord sessions in the last 4 years. We googled "rock and roll music camp" and found it! It was exactly what we were looking for, he was 12 at the time, playing guitar and loving metal music. His experiences at this camp have been one of profound growth. Each session he attends he comes back more centered and mature. The sleep away at college aspect has taught him accountability for his behaviors and he really loves being treated like a "grown up". He has learned tolerance, acceptance and respect of others (even his parents!) After his first two sessions (first year back to back weeks) he decided he wanted to become a producer. He was humbled by the talent at the camp and realized he had a long way to go to be a performer. I thought at first he might not want to go back but he said, "NO! I just need to practice more!" Since those first 2 sessions he has held to his goal and he is ALWAYS practicing. I don't know about you, but I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up at age 12! He has learned the music business is difficult and he needs to go to college as well as pursue music. His passions may lead him in another direction, but we believe that just having a goal at this age is incredible. This has not just been a way for us to keep our kid busy during the summer. Powerchord has been instrumental in shaping him as a young adult and headed him in a very positive direction too. We are truly grateful for his opportunity there and he will keep coming every year until he is too old, he absolutely loves it... Thanks to all who have influenced our child. We couldn't recommend the program more highly." - Carol, Arizona

"I was so impressed with every aspect of your awesome program (the professionalism of the staff, the incredible opportunities for my son, the one of a kind program and the exceptional facilities!!) This was the best investment in my son's development as both an individual and a performer that I could have made! POWER CHORD RULES!!" - Jan Walsh, California

"Power Chord Academy was a wonderful experience for [my son]. He got to experience many things that he would have never gotten to otherwise. When we dropped him off at The University of Washington we were comforted immediately that he would be taken care of and at the same time left to be independent in a safe way. Jesse will be returning next year and wants to go for 2 weeks this year. This experience also made him decide to attend the University after high school. Can't get that kind of stuff at regular camp! Thank you Power Chord!!" - Helen Larson, Washington

"Power Chord Academy Summer Sessions are an exciting and educational experience for any teen with a desire for music. My 14 year old daughter attended for the first time in 2007, and did not want the week to end. She not only experienced the life of a musician but made many friends who share the same interest in music. She is an extremely talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist; who for the first time met teens who share the same passion. What a phenomenal experience! The PCA staff were all extremely experienced, caring, and helpful in so many ways. Keep up the good work and the world will keep music in it's heart forever!!" - Rhea Thompson, South Dakota

"My son had a great time at PCA. He really enjoyed working with other young musicians, and learned a lot about music, teamwork, and self-expression. The Washington University campus was very convenient for us, and my son was impressed by the great counselors, variety of musical experiences, and beautiful campus. He can't wait to go again next year! I was very impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, as well. Thank you for offering this fine alternative to traditional summer camps." - Kathy Martin, Missouri

"My daughter loved attending Power Chord Academy, she says she had the best time in her entire life. She made great friends, gained confidence in herself and abilities and learned so much. She is looking forward to next year!" - Leah Hammel, Illinois

"My son had an excellent experience at Power Chord Academy this summer in [San Francisco]. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly and professional in their behavior. My son learned so much about the music industry and enjoyed the lectures as well as all the time to play and creative music. I hope he can attend again next summer. I highly recommend Power Chord Academy." - Sara Palmer, North Carolina

"This was Mark's 2nd summer attending PCA. He thoroughly enjoyed the band he was assigned to and also loved hanging out with the guys in his suite. He said the classes were highly informative and the overall experience just keeps getting better each year. He's looking forward to attending PCA again next summer, and we're looking forward to sending him." - Diane Duralde, California

"My son had a great time. He said it was the best thing he has ever done. He has told all his friends and I played his CD at work for my co-workers. It is amazing! He loved his time there and had nothing negative to say about the experience. He has grown and changed so much. Thank you! He is definitely planning on attending again next year." - Vicki Rinkerman, Connecticut

"This summer my son Alex had the opportunity to attend PCA for the first time. He had only been playing the guitar for less than a year, so he wasn't sure how it would be for him. Well, I can tell you he had a BLAST!!! After the first day he wanted to stay for the second session, but there were no spots left for lead guitar. The accommodations were great; the kids were busy all day either learning their songs to play for the concert or attending seminars. Supervision was outstanding! The kids are held to high standards and are encouraged to have fun but behave appropriately. The highlight of the week for Alex was meeting one of his favorite bands at the Friday night concert for the students. He can't wait to go back again next summer and hopefully stay for two sessions this time." - Maren Milton, New York

"My daughter's confidence in her ability to improvise, compose and work as part of a musical team was greatly enhanced by her experience at Power Chord Academy . She intends to study music in college, and we were hoping that Power Chord Academy would serve as a sort of "testing ground" for her ambition. Her dream of being a professional musician was affirmed at Power Chord Academy . She especially benefited from the private lessons and one-on-one advice of her keyboard instructor. I've never see her shine the way she did on stage during the final concert. Thank you for an experience that has touched our whole family." - Judy Pancoast, New Hampshire

"My son, who is 15 and plays guitar, attended two sessions in Chicago during the summer of 2004, and one session in New York during the summer of 2005. His description at the end of each session was that the camp was "amazing!" It is not always easy to find ways for young musicians to express their talents and to play in a band with other equally-talented musicians. Power Chord successfully matches each camper's skill levels and musical interests to form bands that really connect and manage to play well together - it truly is amazing to watch the concert at the end of each session - a real tribute to the counselors and the directors of the program." - Emilia Roll, New Jersey

"Power Chord Academy was a great experience for my 15 year old son who plays drums. He was able to meet kids who were of "like mind" as well as kids from all over the country. He still keeps in touch with the many friends he made during that week in Chicago. The Studio recording experience was his favorite as he often says "We nailed it". The DVD recording is a great way to "bring home the memories" and well worth the extra cash. We are expecting to send him "off to camp" again this year. One word of advice for any parents of drummers, rent a kit from Power Chord, it's so much easier than bringing your own! - Frank Teger Norwood, NJ

"As our daughter said when we picked her up, "I know I say this all the time, but that REALLY was the best time I've ever had." And it was. The kids worked unbelievably hard and accomplished an unbelievable amount, from hammering out band dynamics to composing to recording to performing. In less than a week, she gained a thorough understanding of what it takes to put together a band, and the experience seems to have moved her to a new level of creativity. I appreciated the way the PCA staff respected the kids and set high standards but gave the kids ownership of their work. The result was an amazing outpouring of exciting, accomplished music. - Marcia Ruff, Pleasant Ridge, Michigan

"Jackson was probably the youngest kid in his session last summer but he had a great time and blew our minds in the final concert. We really never expected much and there are some really talented kids in the program. It was cool that they all bonded as a group and supported each other. He is going back next year and his older brother is going too! We think it is a great learning experience."  - Ross Patrick, California

"Power Chord Academy was so much more than we thought it would be. We really didn't know what to except. I had written to several parents for references, called the University, talked with PCA employees to get an idea of what to except. All I can say it was FANTASTIC! My son who is a drummer absolutely loved it. He plans on going back next year too. He keeps in touch with the guys he was in the band with plus others. I was totally impressed as a parent in the quality of leadership and instruction the kids received. I would recommend to anyone thinking of sending their child to this camp to do it! It's very safe and secure and you couldn't ask for better counselors. Thanks to all who made my son's summer vacation complete!"  - Dana Cooper, Nebraska

"My 17 yr old son is a music enthusiast and plays his guitar almost daily. His sophomore year in school was very challenging emotionally, physically and spiritually. We really wanted to provide him with a positive experience during the summer to help put the past behind him and to build his self-esteem. Power chord academy was the perfect answer to our prayers. The whole experience of traveling alone, living in the dorm, immersing himself in creating music, putting something together with a group of musicians he did not know was wonderful. He was so impressed with the instructors and the students. He really loved the whole experience and hopes to be back this summer. He came away feeling successful and as though he had accomplished something he valued. I think it made a huge difference in his approach to this school year. - Lynn

"2005 was the second summer that our daughter attended Power Chord Academy but this time, it was for 2 weeks, and she is counting the days until Summer 2006. We have always been impressed with Power Chord Academy. They have found a unique way to blend fun with the serious side of learning and experiencing the music business. What a great opportunity for a budding musician to spend the time honing a skill, learning the ropes and getting to blossom as an individual. Power Chord does a great job matching musical interests while respecting each individual's talents. To say that the Power Chord Academy ROCKS is simply an understatement!" - Kate Parrott, Michigan

"Dear Friends, My son Chris attended one of last years Chicago sessions of Power Chord Academy. It was a great experience for him. It gave him some independence as well as a wealth of information on what it is like to be in a band, including the hard work, co-operation and sometimes compromise needed to be successful. The days were very full with little time for anything but music! I felt it was a very eye opening experience for my son and will be sending him again! Keep Playin' & Never Give Up! - Cindy Dickey

"Our daughter attended Power Chord last year as a first year attendee (she was also in her first year of guitar). She was incredibly enriched by the experience. She participated in composing and performing activities at a level which she had not previously experienced or imagined. The experience has grown her as a performer, enhanced her stage presence skills and she will be returning again this year (and next year and the year after)."      --Rhonda Hamborsky, Grosse Pointe, MI

"My 14 year old son described the camp as "AWESOME and INCREDIBLE!" He can't wait until next summer. He made good friends and met a lot of great kids. He said the camp counselors were supportive and always helpful and seemed to love what they do. The single most important lesson was how to network. I am glad he finally has a place that encourages his love for music and allows him some independence at the same time.   The final performance for the families demonstrated how much hard work had been put into a busy week. I highly recommend this camp for anyone."  -

Stephanie Hughes, Maryland

"Feedback from the Rooney House: Mom was a little nervous dropping off her 14 year old who came alone from Dallas TX, but 7 hours later got a call from Tyler, and after seeing the mystery guest band, he was so excited!!! Turned out to be one of the best weeks of his life, new friends, great music, and the hardest part for him was driving away when it was all over!"

"Our daughter attended a Summer 2004 session in Chicago. She had a great time learning and meeting friends who shared her interests in music. - Martin

"Your school rocks!!! It was a great experience for my son, and if you are considering sending your child, don't hesitate! Do It Before It Get's Too Late! Plan your vacations around the camp, as it is well worth it. Recording a CD and DVD was a great final touch as we showed everyone we know. Enroll Your Child, they will have an experience of a lifetime. Sincerely, Suzanne Brookman

"Power Chord was everything my son imagined and more. I was amazed at the quality of the talent and dedication of the attendees. It's 6 months later and we still play the compilation CD all the time. Mary - son, drummer, age 15

Our daughter Meg says that PCA "Rocks so hard!" and we couldn't agree more! Every aspect of this week-long music experience was first rate! Beginning with our discovery of their incredible website to the "Final Concert" on the last day, we were completely impressed and overwhelmed with the level of professionalism of this Summer Music Program. PCA has taken our daughters' musical studies and motivation to a whole new level! The information and training she received was honest, realistic and motivational. From the time she returned home, she has been counting the days until next years' camp! The added bonus is the friendships made. She communicates on a regular basis with many of her "Rock Camp Friends" and says that next years band is already in the makings! Her only regret is that it was only one week long. . . this summer she'll be staying for two! - Mike and Michelle Fingert - Camarillo, California

"My son loved his week at Power Chord Academy , and we were very pleased with the location, the staff, and the level of supervision provided for the youngest campers. He made friends with kids from all over the country, and loved being part of a community that shared his passion for music. He wants to go back next summer and bring along the members of his band from home." - Lucinda Cummings, Minnesota

"The Power Chord Academy was an excellent experience for our son and from what we could tell it was great for every other kid attending. Our son still raves about the counselors and all the insight they shared. It's great the way each band bonds and comes together to achieve great music and kinship in just one week. Our son wishes he attended both sessions and can't wait until next year, he is even recruiting friends. As parents we think the staff was excellent and the music great." - Noreen Buckhout, New York

"This was the second year for my daughter at PCA and she can't wait to go again next year for 2 weeks! Her on-stage confidence has doubled since she has attended camp. The closeness of fellow campers has made her friends from all over the country and world. They also seem to keep on coming back to PCA as they recognized my daughter and her band, and another band even played the song she had written the previous year! This was an experience she'll never forget." - Marlene Tolfa, California

"My son, Russell is an avid guitarist, who attended the Summer 2005 Power Chord Academy session in Chicago . This was his first experience with PCA, and his first time so far away from home. In addition to having some independence, meeting new friends and having some good clean fun, he was thrilled with every aspect of the week-long session. He returned home with such a comprehensive knowledge of the music industry, as well as a greater appreciation of the music business and the people involved. I could clearly see that his passion for guitar and music had increased, as well as his self-confidence and motivation to perform on stage and "keep on playin!"  He loved to be able to write, record, perform on stage and make a music video. I was so proud when I saw him play in the final concert. The staff was outstanding and I felt my son was in a safe and secure environment. He continues to play guitar everyday and stays in contact via computer with his PCA friends. We can't wait to do it again!"  - Connie Akerley, West Virginia