Susan Anders has coached thousands of singers in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Her instructional methods and apps have been used by singers and harmonizers worldwide. She’s been writing and performing songs since she grew up in Berkeley, and has released multiple albums throughout the last thirty years. The New Yorker called her “A soulful, commanding voice,” and her most recent release, 13 Women, was deemed “stunning” by Noteworthy Music. Her songs have been recorded by many artists including the Four Bitchin’ Babes, The Irrationals, and The Viper Creek Band. Susan recently moved to Bend, OR, after living for twenty years in Nashville.

Songwriting: Inspiration and Craft (all levels) Come ready to write: Every day we’ll do some in-class prompts and writing games to get our creative mojo ignited. Then we’ll look at some of the tenets of writing good lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions. Studying craft helps us with the all-important rewriting part of songwriting, when we can take a song from good to great. Let’s learn some rules, then talk about when it makes sense to break them.

Vocal Style and Improv (level 2 and up) Every day after a quick vocal warmup we’ll sing a song or two, then look at a bunch of ways to stylize them a little or a lot with phrasing, ornaments, tone textures, the works. We’ll also do a fair amount of call-response, singing games, and circle singing to increase your vocal improv confidence and stylizing skills. We’ll sing songs in a variety of styles: Americana, jazz, folk, blues, and pop. No disco. Pre-requisite: Please be able to sing marginally in tune. Ballpark is fine.

Kat Austin is a Northern California native and a classically trained soprano. She has taught voice, guitar, and theory for 10+ years, both as a private instructor and as faculty of the Young Artists’ Conservatory of Music. She has appeared in roles such as Susanna in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Papagena and First Lady in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, and Poppea in Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea, among others, and has been a featured soloist for works such as Mozart's Mass in C Major, Faure's Requiem, and Handel’s Messiah. In addition to her classical career, Kat is also the front woman and guitarist for up-and-coming folk rock band Katalysst. She is currently performing her sixth season with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and holds a degree in Vocal Performance from UC Davis.

Beginning Guitar (level 1) A class for complete beginners. All you need is enthusiasm (and a guitar!). Watch how fast you can start making music, using only a couple chords to play some of your favorite songs. We’ll cover the basic tools and tips you need to create a strong musical foundation that will serve you well beyond camp.

Advanced Vocal Troubleshooting (level 3–5) Are you struggling to be a better singer? Is something holding you back from your full potential? We’ll examine many of the pitfalls that plague singers and learn how to navigate them using proper technique and musical choices. There will be lots of targeted troubleshooting, so bring questions and songs you want to work on.

Marco de Carvalho is a Brazilian musician originally from Rio de Janeiro. He graduated from the prestigious Music Conservatory of Rio de Janeiro under Juarez Carvalho and Sergio Vale, where he studied composition and harmony under Luiz Eça and Ronaldo Miranda. Marco has been a performance guitarist, composer, and arranger for thirty years and plays an extensive repertoire of music from Rio, as well as his own compositions. He has played with many musicians in Brazil and the U.S., and has recorded on numerous CDs and soundtracks.

Intro to Rio-Style Guitar (level 2) This class will introduce players to the bossa nova style from Rio. We’ll develop techniques for both the left and right hands. Tudo bem!

Intro to Rio-Style Harmony (level 3) For players with a solid understanding of theory and harmony, this class will focus on chord voicings and alterations that better facilitate the harmony of a song. We’ll learn to build chords on our own—without having to memorize them—by visually understanding the fingerboard in a vertical and horizontal way.

Stevie Coyle is one lucky bum. His dad brought home records from the radio station that didn’t fit the Spanish-language format. Lots of records. Guitar records. His grandmother was in Vaudeville. His mother played mandolin. String-meister David Lindley played in a bluegrass band that rehearsed right next door and gave Stevie his very first lessons. Stevie’s course was set very early. Not even several years of playing Folk Masses every Sunday could quash his musical spirit, and in high school, he began fingerpicking, inspired by that first Hot Tuna album. He co-founded whiz-bang string band The Waybacks, and toured nationally and internationally with them for seven years. They collaborated with Lloyd Maines, Michelle Shocked, and Bob Weir (of The Grateful Dead). Stevie toured as a solo act for five years after that. And ten years ago, he opened his own high-end acoustic guitar shop—Mighty Fine Guitars, in Lafayette, CA—and is now thrilled to be once again collaborating with fellow former Waybacks Glenn Houston and Chris Kee as The Quitters.

Picking (level 2–3) Travis picking. Pattern picking. Alternating bass. Whatever you call it, let’s get you started (or re-started) on it. Learn how to execute finger-picking patterns, drive them into muscle memory, and finally, exploit “the pattern within the pattern.”

Advanced Fingerstyle (level 4–5) Get more intentional about your fingerstyle playing. We’ll decode that mysterious CAGED system that unlocks those nether regions way up the neck. We’ll also get you “singing into the fretboard” to figure songs out quickly, and you’ll learn the almost distressingly few chord progressions that will fit about 85% of the songs you want to play. Alternate tunings? Hmmm. You wanna?

Mandy Lynn Danzig plays almost anything with strings. During her shows—rollicking, joy-filled romps through traditional and original music—she flows effortlessly from one instrument to another, weaving in and out of songs with her effervescent storytelling. As a teacher, she is dedicated to the idea that the act of making music belongs in everyone’s life, regardless of skill. Classes are a supportive collaboration between student and teacher in pursuit of that goal. She is on Facebook and Instagram as MandyLynnDanzig, and can be found online at www.MandyLynnDanzig.com.

Start or Deepen Your Ukelele Playing (level 1–3) This class is a warm, supportive home for first-time players as well as folks who’ve already got the basics down. We’ll arm beginners with the skills to enjoy a lifetime of strumming, while giving intermediate players some skills and ideas to spice up their playing.

Exploring Alternate Tunings on the Guitar (level 3–4) Alternate tunings add depth, range, and unique chord and melodic possibilities on the guitar. Learn how to get started with alternate tunings, including how to find your way around chords in each tuning, different ways to think about harmony, and skills for working fills and countermelodies into your accompaniment.

Katie Glassman is one of the country’s most renowned and decorated Texas-style and swing fiddlers, as well as an accomplished songwriter, singer, and educator. She’s a four-time National Swing fiddle champion and two-time National Divisional champion. Based in Denver, CO, Katie toured and recorded with the renowned trio The Western Flyers—winners of the 2018 Best Western Swing Group (Ameripolitan Awards) and Western Swing Album of the Year (Western Music Association and the Academy of Western Artists) for Wild Blue Yonder. Katie is the founder, owner, and primary instructor at FiddleSchool.com, an online academy offering fiddlers around the world the opportunity to learn, improve, and progress in Texas-style fiddling, Western swing, and early jazz.

Western Swing Improvisation (level 3–5) We’ll learn some twin fiddle tunes to capture the styling, bowings, and embellishments of early Western swing bands like Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Then we’ll delve into the key ingredients for improvising a solo. You’ll be a Western swing improviser in no time!

Fiddle Tunes With Variations (level 2–3) The evolution of a fiddle tune is like playing the old game of telephone: As the tune gets passed down by ear, from generation to generation and from fiddle to fiddler, small melody changes naturally occur, variations are added, and the tune grows over time. But because respect for the original melody is an unspoken code in Texas-style fiddling, even the oldest tunes remain recognizable. We’ll look at the origins of fiddle tune melodies and follow them into countless variations.

Chris Grampp has played jazz, blues, rock, and traditional music in bands and as a soloist for many years in the Bay Area. He has studied guitar with Tuck Andress, Warren Nunes, and Davis Ramey, and has written lessons for Acoustic Guitar magazine. He has taught for many years at CCMC, the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, and music festival workshops.

On-the-Spot Arrangements (level 3–5) Each day we’ll break into groups and create real-time arrangements for pop, rock, folk, country, and swing tunes. Vocalists and all instruments are welcome. Lots of playing in class.

Daily Groove (level 2–3) We’ll practice rhythmic accompaniment patterns for blues, country, pop, swing, and rock, and pay special attention to right-hand strumming techniques. All chordal instruments (and bass players!) are welcome. Lots of playing in class.

Classical. Brazilian. R&B. Jazz. Afro-Cuban. Pop. Rock and Roll. Funk. Folk. Ed Johnson’s mastery of so many different styles, coupled with a passion for harmony vocal and horn arrangements, all factor into a magical blend of vibrant, original contemporary jazz that has won fans and airplay worldwide. As a vocalist, Ed is frequently compared to Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento, Kenny Rankin, and Michael Franks. As a guitarist and bandleader, critics often cite the sounds of Airto and Flora Purim. Ed has seven recording projects to his credit, in addition to producer credits for numerous artists. He currently performs and records with his Brazilian jazz ensemble Novo Tempo, as well as with the Americana roots band Cabin Fever NW.

Brazilian Ensemble (levels 3–5) Discover the rich tapestry and traditions of Brazilian music in a fun group setting! We’ll explore samba, bossa nova, choro, baião, and forró. All instruments (including voice!) and levels are welcome, and some percussion instruments will be provided. Learn parts that fit your level and we’ll put it all together in a dynamic group sound! Sheet music in both standard notation and tab will be provided, as well as an emphasis on learning by ear.

Love Is Harmony! (all levels) If you love to sing multi-part harmony, come join the choir! We’ll sing 3-, 4-, and 5-part arrangements in a variety of styles including rock, jazz, R&B, and folk. All levels welcome, with prior singing experience recommended. You can learn from written notation which is provided, or by ear, or both!

Adam Kulakow has played with singers, songwriters, and ensembles all over Southern California, where he has also worked for many years in film and TV. He currently performs, writes, and records with his Americana roots band, The Wholesome, and plays mandolin, guitar, ukulele, and banjo on their all-originals debut album, Alive Tonight. Adam is also part of the team at Katie Glassman’s Fiddle School and is a regular teacher and jam leader at their camps and special events.

Songs to Start Jamming (level 2) Get grooving on a variety of songs and styles, from folk and country to blues and classic rock. Learn the chords and strums that go with some of our favorite songs along with the occasional bass run, fill, or riff that can really light up a campfire jam. We’ll also explore some theory basics like notes, chords, and keys, so that you’ll deepen your musical vocabulary—and have more fun joining the jam.

Instigator Whether it’s finding (or starting) that perfect jam or helping you pick the right class for your interests and level, I’m here to help. I’m all about maximizing the camp experience, from slow jams to songwriting circles to party jams, keeping the fun in music while stretching ourselves and trying new things. Want support for a song you’re working on for class, coffeehouse or the student concert? Ask me! Want to talk music or camp? Let’s talk! Want to play a tune? Let’s play!

Ami Molinelli is a professional percussionist and educator specializing in American Roots, Brazilian, and Latin percussion. Her performance and recording credits include theater and television, and she's a freelance performing artist. She’s endorsed by Latin Percussion (LP) and Rhythm Tech. She is co-founder of the choro group Grupo Falso Baiano, which has three albums, and leads the Brazilian Jazz Collective group in San Francisco.

Rhythm Games and Percussion Ear Training (all levels) How do you play percussion with an ensemble? How do you read rhythm notation? What is the history/origin of some essential grooves from the African Diaspora (e.g., Bo Diddley, bossa nova, blues, hambone, clave)? This class is a mix of rudiments and games that showcase cultural contexts. Frame drums/instruments provided as needed.

Pandeiro: More Than a Tambourine! (all levels) This class will explain various Brazilian rhythms, styles, techniques, and yes… how to perform tricks such as rocking and "rolling" on your pandeiro, which we’ll use in conjunction with other percussion instruments. Styles include choro, samba, funk, 6/8, odd meters and more! Pandeiros provided.

Veteran Seattle guitarist Ron Peters has played professionally for many years, appearing with acts including The Manhattan Transfer, Jennifer Scott, Lance Buller, Stephanie Porter, The Northwest Sinfonietta, Pearl Django, and Sylvia Herold, to name a few. When not performing, he teaches privately and at music camps and workshops in the U.S. and Canada.

Bingo Chords (level 4–5) Chord extensions (like 9, 11, and 13) add color to your playing. Using some standard tunes as models, we’ll discuss how to use and alter extensions to spice up your comping and arrangements. Some theory background is helpful.

Left Hand Logic (level 2–3) Seeing the musical logic of chord progressions will help you navigate your way through any tune. We’ll analyze some tunes and common chord progressions, and learn how to “voice lead” the changes using compact, easy-to-play chord shapes.

Cindy Browne Rosefield is the Director of Instrumental Studies and the Coordinator of the Music Business Certificate at Las Positas College in Livermore, CA, where she also teaches Music Theory, American Cultures in Jazz, and History of Rock & Roll. Cindy performs and records with various groups, including Wake the Dead and the Tom Reynolds Conspiracy. She has toured extensively throughout Europe, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Canada, and the U.S., and performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Concord Jazz Festival, SF Jazz Festival, the California Jazz Conservatory, and many other jazz and folk music festivals around the world. She also serves on the Board of the Livermore Jazz Society, a nonprofit organization that hosts musical performances of jazz and other underserved musical genres through house concerts and local venues.

Basically Bass (level 1–2) Starting with the basics, we’ll work on left/right hand techniques. We'll explore all the possibilities of the bassist role, from side person to soloist, and even have some fun becoming a "melody" instrument through basic improvisation. Feel free to bring a song you’d like to explore. Open to all instrumentalists and vocalists to sit in and learn a few tricks of the bass trade.

Swinging, Groovin', and Soloing Bass (level 3–5) We’ll work on making your bass lines dance in different styles, including swinging two-beat and walking bass, Latin grooves, funky R&B, and rock bass lines. We’ll also dig deeper into the harmonic and melodic function of tunes and work on soloing concepts via a tune a day.

Originally from Goshen, Indiana, Ethan Setiawan won both the National Mandolin Championship at Winfield, KS and the Rockygrass Mandolin Championship. After studying with Don Stiernberg, Setiawan attended Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. On his new album, Gambit, Setiawan moves aptly between stylistic influences, harkening back to the experimental string band music pioneered in the early ’80s while presenting entirely original compositions. In addition to his solo projects, Setiawan is an in-demand side man, and can be seen playing with his band Corner House, Darol Anger, and Tony Trischka among others. He has taught the mandolin and assorted classes at Ossipee Valley String Camp, Ashokan Western & Swing Week, Great Lakes Music Camp, 317 Community Music Center, Club Passim School of Music, and TG Music.

Choro and Other South American Music (level 2–5) In this class for mandolinists, we’ll check out some South American music/folk forms as well as their modern extensions and innovations. Styles may include choro, samba, zamacueca, lando, and joropo, from Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. We’ll learn tunes, and break down the rhythmic and melodic bones that make these styles tick. Come prepared to learn a bunch of rhythms and tunes by ear!

Unsticking the Mandolin (level 3–5) For intermediate and above mandolinists, especially those who may want to move past that plateau they may have been sitting on for a while. We’ll do a comprehensive overview of mandolin technique and musical facility, including ideas for the right and left hands, chords, ear training, metronomes, composition, creativity, and improvisation. Our musical examples will mostly pull from swing and jazz, with some forays into the worlds of Dawg/New Acoustic music.

An explorer of the rich treasury of American roots music—bluegrass, jug band, country blues, wwing jazz, and vintage country music—Cyd Smith has blended these sonic ingredients into her own unique brew of songwriting and guitar playing. She is an explorer of the unexpected, lyrically, harmonically, and melodically. She is a treasured teacher at music camps for adults throughout the country, including Augusta Heritage Festival, Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, and many others.

Harmony in Songwriting: Coloring In and Out of the Lines (all levels) Have you ever noticed how an unexpected chord can make an ordinary melody extraordinary? Or deepen the emotional impact of a lyric? We’ll look at songs that skillfully use harmony to enhance the effect of melody and lyrics. We’ll make up a melody and experiment with different ways of coloring it in with chords. Then we’ll reverse the experiment and take an existing chord progression and write a melody over it, as a means of getting out of your comfort zone as a songwriter. This class is for songwriters and anyone interested in what makes you fall in love with a song.

First Guitar Solo (level 2–3) Ready to bust out with your first guitar solo? Starting where you are, you’ll learn how to use what you already know to play a coherent solo. We’ll use riffs, melodies, chords, and simple scales to launch you into confident lead playing.

Chic Street Man is a uniquely talented artist with an international following. His music transcends cultural and attitudinal barriers, bringing home his message of harmony and ethnic diversity through acoustic bluesy ballads, funky rhythms, and jazzy upbeat originals. Chic is also a celebrated communications facilitator and has presented for many organizations, including The Young Presidents Organization (YPO) in Austria, Switzerland, Australia, and the U.S. His “Freedom of Expression” workshop uses the stage to empower participants to strengthen their ability to connect with others.

The Freedom of Expression (all levels) Holding someone’s attention requires a willingness to connect. This class focuses on fun group exercises that explore “letting go and being yourself.” We’ll work on scat, rhythms, mic technique, and making eye contact. Participants are encouraged to be honest, relaxed, and enjoy risk-taking and the creative process. You’ll leave with a new confidence in your ability to communicate.

Country Blues (level 3) We’ll explore country blues fingerpicking, emphasizing double thumb patterns and syncopated rhythms and licks, with and without fingerpicks.

Daniel Ward grew up in New Mexico, exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, including Mexican mariachi, Spanish flamenco, world music, and jazz. By the time he completed a degree in classical guitar and composition, Daniel was also playing electric jazz, flamenco guitar with dancers, percussion, trumpet, lute, and world beat music. As a guitarist, he toured with Dance España, Maria Benitez, Yjastros, and Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra In 2009 he moved to Hollywood, and fell in love with the ukulele. He has become a premier ukulele performer known for his command of Latin and world styles, and performs and teaches at festivals across the U.S. and abroad. Daniel contributes lessons to both Ukulele and Acoustic Guitar.

Flamenco Training Wheels! (level 3) We’ll cover several techniques over the week, apply them to Flamenco forms, and explore using these incredible rudiments in music you already know, so you can spice up your playing no matter what your style is. If you have a nylon string guitar this is the class for it, but a steel will work if that’s what you got.

Ukulele Chord Melody (level 3-4) Learn how to make your uke really sing. We’ll cover how to wind melodies through chords and rhythm. It’s so satisfying to deliver a song through the strings alone, and not as difficult as you might think. Material includes short and easy-to-learn pieces and some familiar faves.

Olivier Zyngier has been performing and teaching bluegrass and swing guitar, mandolin, and bass for many years. He has been a member or leader of several bands, from world music (French, klezmer, Balkan) to bluegrass and country, jazz, and swing. He’s been a T.A. and teacher at various bluegrass camps and festivals. He teaches swing guitar and leads the bluegrass jam at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley.

Intro to Swing Guitar (level 3) Ready to move from bluegrass, country, or folk to swing? Learn how to get that swing feel and play those spicy chords and rhythms used in western swing, gypsy jazz, and the Great American Songbook.

Make a Band (level 2 and up) How does a band work? We’ll learn about band dynamics, practicing, choosing songs, finding keys and chords, and creating an arrangement—everything that makes it fun for you and the audience. Open to all instruments and singers of any style.