2024 Summer Camp registration is now open!

Everyone’s favourite music camp is returning this summer to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

Register Now

Build a Band Summer Camp

Ages: 9-12
Location: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, Calgary
Duration: One week
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Ever wondered what it takes to be in a band and jam out? National Music Centre's Build a Band Summer Camps focus on learning how to play musical instruments and performing as a group. We will guide you through the process of songwriting, performing, and marketing your band. From a recording studio tour to daily workshops on jamming, riffing, and creating music, this program wraps up with a live performance where campers will show off their newfound skills as a band!

Basic musicality/musical knowledge is recommended.

Dates

Build a Band is a one-week program running in July and August 2024:

• Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 19
• Monday, July 22 – Friday, July 26
• Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9
• Monday, August 19 – Friday, August 23

Details

• PRICE: The cost of the camp is $425 (+ GST) per week.
• DROP-OFF/PICK-UP: Camps run from 9 am to 4 pm. Early drop-off (8:00 am to 8:45 am) and late pick-up (4:00 pm to 4:45 pm) can be arranged at an additional charge of either $30 (+GST) per day or $120 (+GST) for the full week.
• SIBLING DISCOUNT: Register one child for camp and get a discount of 20% (+GST) off per additional sibling.
• INSTRUMENTS: No need to bring your own instrument unless you prefer to do so!*

For more information, please email education@nmc.ca.

*NMC has a fleet of acoustic and electric guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, ukuleles and some miscellaneous instruments in between! If your instrument of choice is particularly niche, or is a wind instrument of any kind, we recommend that you bring it with you.

Photos by Brianna Ross.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What will campers be doing in Build A Band?

  Campers will enjoy a jam-packed week in which they will create bands, write songs, make merchandise and learn the ins-and-outs of live performance. Band practice and songwriting will be interspersed with arts and crafts, outdoor time, tours of National Music Centre’s world class recording studios and demonstrations of our one of a kind living collection!
  

• How do I know if this camp is right for my child?

  At Build A Band, we recommend that all campers to bring some experience with musical instruments, as the program is centered upon collaborative musical exercises. Our camp is designed to engage campers in creating their own bands, providing hands-on experiences for your child to build upon their musical skills within an ensemble.

  To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all campers, we require that all campers treat their fellow campers, instructors and the spaces with respect. This includes adhering to instructions and guidelines provided by camp leaders and remaining with their designated group at all times. Instances of consistent disrespect will prompt a discussion with the camper's guardian and may result in early dismissal from camp.
  

• What should my child bring to camp each week?

  We ask that campers come to camp each week with healthy lunch, some snacks and a water bottle. Students are welcome to bring their own instruments, though it is not required!

  Indoor activities will be supplemented with daily trips to the park; for this reason, we ask that students come appropriately dressed for the weather.
  

• Our plans have changed. What is the cancellation policy?

  We understand that plans can shift unexpectedly! If needed, we're delighted to accommodate your child in a different week of camps (subject to availability) at no additional cost. For cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, a 100% refund will be issued. Cancellations made at least 14 days before the scheduled camp will receive a 60% refund, whereas cancellations within 14 days of the camp start date will not be eligible for a refund.