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What safety measures are in place for in-person camps?

• All campers and staff are required to wear face masks.

• Rock Camp staff is fully vaccinated.

• Daily temperature check and symptom screening for staff and campers.

• Instruments and high-touch points sanitized daily.

• Campers will be assigned their own instruments for the week.

• Only one vocalist allowed per band.

• Limit of 10 campers per week.

• Air purifiers in each room and gathering space, windows open where possible.

• 6 feet of physical distancing at all times.

What will virtual camps look like?

We are coming up with ways to facilitate virtual camps and have been meeting with other music nonprofits to share information and generate some great ideas.  We will assess every possibility in the coming weeks and send out updates as we have them.  What we do know about virtual camps: 

• They will be shorter in duration each day (9am-noon) and likely require some parent involvement (helping tune instruments for example). 

• We will have rental instruments available as our capacity allows.

• Camps will be four days in length, from Monday through Thursday.

• In lieu of our usual end-of-camp performance, we will have a virtual Show and Share/Open Mic open to friends and family of campers.

What is My Voice Music Rock Camp?

Summer Rock Camp at MVM Studios offers a unique experience for Portland-area youth aged 9-13. Over the span of our week-long camps, participants create a band, and then write, record, and perform their own songs. At the end of the week, every camper goes home with a recording of their music—and so much more: confidence, pride, and a new community of friends.

Where and when do Rock Camps take place?

Virtual Rock Camps take place over Zoom meetings. Two sessions will be offered in 2021: June 21-24, and June 28-July 1.

In-person Rock Camps will take at MVM Studios in the Sunnyside Community House at 3520 SE Yamhill St, Portland, 97214. Four sessions will be offered in 2021: July 19-23, August 2-6, August 16-20, and August 30-September 3.

What makes My Voice Music unique from other rock camps?

Unlike other rock camps that focus exclusively on performance, at MVM Rock Camps, campers create a band, and then write, record, and perform their own songs—all in the space of a week. My Voice Music is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, that amplifies young voices and ignites self-discovery through music. As our name suggests, our vision is that all youth have the opportunity to find and share their artistic voice. Our programs are guided by three core beliefs: † being a part of, and contributing something positive to, a community is transformative and empowering; positive relationships provide guidance and foster a sense of social accountability; and engaging, relevant, and challenging experiences can connect with individuals in a unique way and teach skills that can be used for a lifetime. This approach makes My Voice Music Rock Camp an opportunity for personal growth and community building, in addition to music education and rocking out.

Can you tell me about your instructors? Are they trained?

Our Rock Camps are run by professionally trained instructors, who happen to be awesome musicians, too. They’re assisted by student teachers (many of whom are former campers) whose enthusiasm, maturity and leadership helped them earn invitations to return in this key supporting role. All staff and student teachers participate in intensive pre-camp training and ongoing learning and supervision throughout the summer.

Do kids need prior music experience to be in Rock Camp?

Nope! Kids with any level of music experience are guaranteed to learn, grow and have a blast at MVM Rock Camp.

Do kids need to have their own instruments to be in Rock Camp?

No instruments needed! MVM provides all the instruments, though rock campers can bring their own instruments if desired.

How big are your camps?

Virtual camps can accommodate up to 15 campers. In-person camps in 2021 will be limited to 10 campers per week.

What is the student-to-instructor ratio?

All sessions have at least a 1:3 staff-to-student ratio. Each camp is run by our experienced Rock Camp director, who is assisted by carefully selected student leaders. All staff and student leaders go through extensive, ongoing training on best practices when working with youth.

What measures are in place to ensure my camper is safe?

We have a “rule of three” at My Voice Music: There are always three My Voice Music participants or staff in any room at any time. Our restrooms are individual rooms with locks. Students go with a staff person to use the restroom, and staff waits outside. All of our high school interns are trained on best practices for youth programming and receive ongoing training and supervision throughout the summer. Sunnyside Community House is a locked, secure building; in order to gain entrance, you have to be let in by a staff person.

I saw that “Play It Forward” message on My Voice Music’s materials. What’s that about?

By paying full tuition at My Voice Music, you automatically provide access to music programs for youth who can’t afford it. Learn more about our Play It Forward scholarship model.

I’m not sure my family can afford the full cost of Rock Camp. Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are always available for My Voice Music programs, no questions asked. Click here to view our discount options.

Can my child and their friends all be in the same band?

We divide campers into bands with the goal of creating an equal representation of experienced musicians and newbies across each group. This means there is no guarantee campers will be placed with their friends though we will try to accommodate requests. This approach assures each band can thrive during the songwriting, recording and performance opportunities at camp! There are opportunities for friends to join a band together exclusively through our "Band on Demand" classes (See more on our classes registration page).