Q: "Is this a "folk music" camp?"
A: Yes! But remember, Louis Armstrong said "All music is folk music. I ain't never heard no horse sing a song." We agree. In our experience, the word "folk" most often gets used to describe music that uses acoustic instruments. It may be traditional (music so old nobody knows who wrote it) or original (it has a known author). Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger & Joan Baez were all songwriters just as much as they were interpreters of traditional music. Modern "indie" musicians like Feist, Sufjan Stevens and The Low Anthem will play the occasional traditional tune. What does all this mean?? It means we take a broad perspective on music and we try to see more connections than boundaries between genres.

Q: "Is this a "trad music" camp?"
A: We (Laura & Kristin) got our start playing traditional fiddle tunes and songs, and we are still constantly inspired by the timeless lyrics and rhythms that draw people instinctively to this music. We wouldn't be happy at a camp that didn't have some connection to the traditional music that gets people out on the dance floor! Last year we had a square dance, a ceili dance, and a couple nights of cajun and honky tonk music. We also scheduled elective classes and private lessons in various traditional styles on banjo, guitar & fiddle. That said, this is not the camp for a person who wants to learn one specific traditional folk instrument or genre. It is the perfect camp for a person who has some interest or experience with traditional music and wants to explore writing and arranging your own music for at least part of your time this week.

Q: "Is it a songwriting camp?"
A: It can be if you want it to be. Most of the faculty are songwriters as well as instrumentalists. There will be instruction and experimentation with writing both instrumental and vocal melodies as well as writing text for songs. We will offer time for guided writing and sharing of new material everyday. While everybody will experiment with writing or composing something, especially in morning classes, we know that some people will be more interested in learning other people's songs and how to play them; some will want to use this week as a personal songwriting retreat with the added bonus of the opportunity for feedback and inspiration. Both approaches are just fine.

Q: "I don't sing. Is this camp just for songwriters and singers?"
A: Instruments and voices have equal billing. Whether you're most interested in tune writing, tune accompaniment, song accompaniment, instrumental improvisation or just instrumental arrangement and composition within songs there will be classes and instructors to lead you as you explore.

Q: "What if I don't sing or play an instrument?"
A: First, this camp is a fine place to come even if you don't want to play music at all. (For instance, if you're a spouse or a kid of someone who wants to come and play music!). You can swim, kayak, canoe, hike, do yoga, or just sit and listen to the music. Second, if you don't play but you want to start, that's just fine. The morning class periods will have an option for basic instruction on the most common instruments like guitar, banjo, fiddle and other instruments based on interest and our ability to find a teacher for you. Check in with us to discuss if you're an absolute beginner. Afternoon electives will be available for all levels. Just be prepared to be a little over your head sometimes. (That can be inspiring if you approach it in the right way). Note: If you have been meaning to get started on an instrument we do recommend taking a few lessons on that instrument before camp, so you can get the most out of your week with us.

Q: "What if I'm an advanced musician? What will I get out of this?"
A: Come. Think of this as a week-long master class where you get to interact, experiment, study, and even collaborate with other professional musicians who will be on staff and/or attending the camp as students. This island is an ideal getaway for a writer who just wants to spend time in a remote cabin writing new material (in fact, that's how Laura and Kristin found this island in the first place!). We will inspire you and you will no doubt take home some new friendships with your peers in the music scene.

Q. "Music isn't my profession but it's been a passionate hobby for years and I'm pretty good. What will I get out of this?"
A: What a great place to begin your week. Think of this as a week to take your excitement into overdrive in a way that you just don't have time for around the edges of your full-time job (whatever that may be). The new concepts, songs and tunes you will learn will keep you inspired all year. Come with an open mind and fuel your fire or take a journey you didn't expect.

Q: "What if I have kids?"
A: If they're four years old or older, bring them along. If they already play music, we'll place them in the same classes as the adults because our experience shows that young and old musicians have a lot to learn from each other. If they don't play music, we'll find tutors to help them experiment during morning classes. That said, we can't offer all-day "babysitting" for young kids. Your child is welcome wherever you go so long as they're not disrupting class, but you'll be responsible for keeping an eye on them while they're not in music class.

Q: "What if I'm a teenager?"
A: Come along!! If you're under 18, your parents will need to designate a guardian to look after you. This could be a parent or another trusted adult at the camp. We strongly believe that teens are just as well-prepared and have just as much to offer as adults in music class and in the camp in general. We love your energy. There will be other teens at camp to hang out with. Please come!

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