Instrument Immersives at Amplify Music Summer Camp

Join a Band at Camp!

Learn an Instrument

Form a Band

Write a Song

Perform at the Showcase
Group instrument instruction and band practice are designed to engage all skill levels. Our instructors develop lesson plans that are challenging and fun for everyone, from total beginners to experienced musicians. With mentorship at the center of our mission, instructors focus on developing leaders with life skills such as communication skills, problem-solving, empathy, and assertiveness. Check out our blog post to learn more about the skills youth learn in the band immersive.
Meet Nicole, Songwriting and Band Instructor
I’m Nicole, I’m thrilled to be joining Amplify as a Rock Band Intensive instructor. Outside of camp, I’m a professional musician and songwriter signed to the indie label Voracious Records. Additionally, I work as the head of music at Fusion Academy Santa Barbara. Outside of music, I am an avid dancer, nature lover, and boxer.

Choose Your Immersive
FAQs
These are the current immersive options, but campers are exposed to other instruments in some of our music workshops. Private lesson packs are available as an add on too! If you don’t see the instrument you want to learn, send us a chat or email.
Usually, but we can’t guarantee it. If the immersive is already fully enrolled, or switching out of your class leaves only 1 or 2 students, we can’t accommodate a switch.
We encourage guardians to help their campers choose the immersive that feels right for them at the time of registration. We encourage campers to focus on the instrument they chose. Working through challenges builds resilience, one of our core values in helping campers develop leadership skills.
I feel you! Our advice is to not really worry so much about that the first week and practice living in the moment of each day. There’s a lot to learn, fun to be had, friends to make, and new things about yourself to discover. Then, if you’re still feeling nervous, talk to your instructor, coach and band mates. They will help you come up with a plan that feels right to you!
Signing up for an instrument or vocals immersive will allow you to learn and improve skills in your instrument and then apply those skills at band practice each day. Rock Band Intensive focuses entirely on band practice and is better suited for musicians experienced in their instrument and who wants to write an original song and learn some cover songs.
Instructors work hard to figure out how to form well-rounded bands with a good balance of instruments and similar skill levels and style. For instance, we almost never form bands with two drummers. We definitely listen to campers who have a strong opinion about who is in their band, but sometimes compromise is necessary. Ultimately the instructors make the final decision. Camp is all about trying new things and making new friends. Band coaches are especially trained in helping band members speak up, listen, and practice compassion and respect–all part of being in a real band outside of camp too!
Yes! We have enough equipment for everyone, but if you have a guitar, bass or amp that you love, you can absolutely bring it!
We’re so grateful you trusted us with her, and we absolutely loved having her in our Amplify community. Please give her a big hug from all of us..we can’t wait to see her back next summer!
It’s especially wonderful to hear she made real friends and strong bonds with both campers and staff, and that she learned a lot while she was here. Creating a place where kids feel connected, inspired, and supported through the arts is exactly what we hope for.
We’re deeply grateful for your recommendation, and we’d love to welcome her back anytime. Please send her a big hug from all of us at Amplify! 🎶💛
And hi right back to you, we’ll definitely pass your message along to Rory. 😄 They're awesome and will love hearing you’re their biggest fan.
We miss you too, and we can’t wait to have you back at Amplify again soon!!! 🎶✨
I’ll never forget picking her up that first year: she was literally surrounded by about ten friends and didn’t want to leave! 🤷🏻♀️ And that was her first sleepaway camp experience. She talked about camp nonstop for weeks afterward and counted down the days until she could go back.
This year was just as incredible — even better, actually — because some of the same kids returned, and the sense of community was so strong.
The music program is fantastic. She plays several instruments, and the camp gave her opportunities to grow, explore, and truly enjoy herself.
If you’re considering a camp for your child, send them here. You’ll never look for another camp again — I promise.
Your pickup story from her first year is the absolute best, ten friends around her, not wanting to leave, after her first ever sleepaway camp?! That’s camp magic right there. 🥹 And the fact that she’s still close with so many of those friends says everything about the bonds that form here.
We love hearing that this year felt even better because of returning campers and that strong sense of community. Watching those friendships deepen over multiple summers is one of the most special parts of what we get to witness.
And we’re thrilled the music program has supported her growth across instruments while still keeping the joy front and center..that balance of challenge, creativity, and fun is what Amplify is all about.
Thank you for trusting us with your daughter and for sharing your experience so thoughtfully. Please give her a huge hug from all of us, we can’t wait to welcome her back home again next summer! 🎶💛
We’d love to welcome her back next summer for even more creativity, friendship, and fun. Thank you again for sharing your experience! 🌟
What means the most to us is knowing she’s in a space where she’s truly safe to explore who she is, surrounded by people who genuinely care for her. Camp Amplify strikes the perfect balance of engaging classes and open time to dream, create and just be a kid. Such a special place.
We’re grateful you feel the campus, the programs, and the community offer a truly safe and nurturing space for her to explore who she is. Creating an inclusive environment filled with care, creativity, and connection is at the heart of everything we do.
Your description of the balance between engaging classes and time to dream, create, and simply be a kid captures our mission perfectly. Thank you for trusting us and for sharing such thoughtful words. We can’t wait to welcome her back to this special place again. 🌟
For my daughter, it was her first-ever sleepaway camp, and she struggled with homesickness at the beginning. But thanks to the support of the amazing staff and the friends she met at Amplify, she gradually opened up and fully immersed herself in the camp experience. She doesn’t even want to leave from Amplify at last.
My daughter—who loves music deeply—joined the camp all the way from Korea, and the long flight was more than worth it. It became a precious, lifelong memory for her. Beyond music, the camp offered diverse opportunities such as swimming, skateboarding, and art. Above all, I felt it was truly meaningful that the children learned, communicated, and grew together through their shared experiences. Naturally, my daughter says she will join the next camp without hesitation, and she hopes to see her beloved staff and friends again.
She will cherish the meaningful memories and lessons she gained from Amplify. Thank you once again to everyone—staff and campers—for making this such a wonderful and unforgettable journey.
First-time sleepaway camp can be such a big milestone, especially so far from home, and we’re grateful she felt supported by our staff and surrounded by friends who helped her settle in, open up, and fully embrace the Amplify experience. Watching campers grow braver, more confident, and more connected is one of the greatest joys of what we do.
We’re thrilled that she was able to explore her love of music while also discovering new activities like swimming, skateboarding, and art. The shared moments, creativity, and community are truly what make Amplify special, and knowing she didn’t want to leave at the end is the highest compliment we could receive.
Please let her know that her Amplify family already misses her and would be absolutely delighted to welcome her back next summer. Thank you again for trusting us, for your incredibly kind words, and for being part of this unforgettable journey. 🌟
Even before campers arrive, we want every family to feel heard, welcomed, and cared for. Building that connection early is an important part of creating a great experience, and we’re thrilled it’s coming through in your interactions with our team.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Amplify and share the full magic of camp with you! 🌟
It means so much to know she felt safe, welcomed, and supported by both the staff and fellow campers — creating that kind of environment is at the heart of everything we do. Watching young people explore who they are through music, play, and community is exactly why Amplify exists.
We’re so glad E had a great time, and we would be honored to welcome her back again. Thank you for trusting us and for sharing your experience! 🌟
Watching young people arrive shy, unsure, or nervous, and then slowly open up, express themselves, and shine through their creativity, is one of the greatest joys of camp. The fact that Amplify felt natural for you from the beginning, and that you found a place where art, music, fashion, and self-expression came easily, is exactly what we hope every camper experiences.
We’re honored that Amplify has been part of your growth, your voice, and your confidence. And we’re especially grateful that you found community with other girls who understand you and share your passions. That sense of belonging is truly beautiful.
Thank you again for sharing your story it means the world. 🌟 P.S. you would make such an incredible staff one day. I really hope you'll apply when you're old enough.
We love knowing she’s still talking about camp weeks later and eagerly waiting for the showcase recording, that final performance is always such a special moment for everyone involved.
We can’t wait to welcome her back next summer for even more music, creativity, and confidence-building fun. Thank you again for your kind words and for being part of the Amplify family! 🌟
It means everything to hear that the experience was healing for your inner child. Creating a space where girls and gender-expansive youth feel seen, powerful, and celebrated is at the core of what we do, and performers like you make that magic possible.
We would love to have you back in the future and support more opportunities to uplift young creators together. Thank you again for being part of the Amplify community! 🌟
Your generosity, especially as someone giving on a fixed income, is incredibly moving. The fact that you choose to honor your friends by supporting young women and gender-expansive youth says so much about your values and the love you bring into the world. That kind of giving truly multiplies, and we see the impact every day in the confidence, kindness, and courage our campers grow into.
We’re so grateful for the way you champion boldness, creativity, and judgment-free learning for the next generation. Your support helps Amplify remain a place where young people feel safe to try new things, express themselves, and discover who they are.
Thank you for believing in this mission and for helping make the magic possible. 💫
It’s wonderful to know she loved spending time with old friends, making new ones, and jumping into all the fun activities. Creating a safe, joyful environment where kids can try new things, connect, and enjoy the outdoors (away from screens!) is exactly what we strive for.
We’re so glad her first camp adventure was a great one, and we hope to welcome her back again soon! 🌟
We put a lot of care into getting to know each camper before they arrive, and hearing that you felt seen and supported through the registration process is exactly what we hope for. Every young person deserves a space where their needs, talents, quirks, and whole selves are understood from day one.
We’re also so glad your daughter connected with the magic of Amplify — from the beautiful setting to the food to the professional-level tools and instruction. Thank you again for sharing your experience — and we’re beyond excited to welcome your family back next summer! 💫
Hearing that she’s found her people — other creative, passionate youth who inspire and support each other — is exactly what we hope for. Those friendships, shared moments, and artistic sparks are the heartbeat of camp.
We’re so grateful for your trust and can’t wait to welcome her back for her 4th summer! 🌟
The electives, the pool time, the friendships… it all makes summer feel pretty magical, and we’re so glad she feels the same.
We can’t wait to welcome her back next year for even more creativity and fun! 🌞🎶
Hearing that she connected with the teachers, activities, and even the food — and that check-in felt smooth and reassuring — is exactly what we strive for. Creating a space where girls can explore their creativity, build confidence, and grow naturally is the heart of Amplify.
We’re so glad her confidence carried forward into her life, and we’d be thrilled to welcome her (and her younger sister!) whenever the timing works out. Thank you for the high recommendation — and for encouraging others who might be on the fence. It truly means the world.
Hope to see your family again soon! 🌟
I loved Amplify. I went for two weeks and immediately wished I had gone for another two. I met so many awesome kids, the instructors were outstanding, and the campus was next-level.
Some Highlights ✨
– The food. It was surprisingly really good and they had really good vegetarian options.
– The talent show. This was probably my favorite thing at camp. My friends and I did Hamilton karaoke and it was so fun, all the practice leading up to it too. I got to play some of my original songs as well which was super fun, and seeing all the talents the other kids have was really inspiring.
– The final showcase! It was so fun and special! Especially all the little moments getting ready leading up to it. They are things that I'll treasure forever.
– Self Care Sunday: not necessarily self care sunday itself, but the fact that we got to sleep in.
– Field day. It was awesome!
– My band, The Janky Starz. I feel SO lucky that I was put in this band because it is seriously THE BEST.
I loved all the instructors and councilors but my favorite instructors were Nicole (AKA Papa Star, our RBI teacher.) and Rory (Feminism elective). Both of them were so supportive and felt like people I'd feel comfortable talking to about anything even though I only knew them for two weeks. Nicole taught me so much, was so supportive, and I had the absolute best time with her and the rest of my band. Rory was the person who I immediately trusted and I felt like I could go to him about anything.
The few downsides (which were not big and just personal things. I would still recommend Amplify to everyone)
– I had to wake up at 7am. Which is 3 hours earlier than I normally wake up.
– Beach day. I just didn't feel like leaving campus. Actually, no. I'm mixed about beach day. I didn't feel like leaving campus but I did end up mostly having fun (AKA choreographing a performance of Non-Stop at the beach. Then singing Hamilton with my friends the entire way there and back and I'm pretty sure we annoyed the entire bus. Either that or they thought it was a good show.
Overall I loved Amplify and I can't wait to go back next summer. I would absolutely, without hesitating, recommend it to anyone who likes the things we do there. Huge thank you to all the staff for making it the best summer ever! 🎉
The camp was well-organized and extremely responsive helping us feel comfortable choosing this camp for our daughter's first extended time away from home.
Thank you so much for this beautiful message—it means the world to us! Knowing that Amplify is a space where your camper feels fully accepted and seen is exactly why we do what we do. We’re so honored to be part of your family’s summer and so grateful for your trust in us. Here’s to many more seasons of growth, creativity, and joy (and less screen time 😉)! 💛🎸🌈
Thank you so much for this beautiful message—it means the world to us! Knowing that Amplify is a space where your camper feels fully accepted and seen is exactly why we do what we do. We’re so honored to be part of your family’s summer and so grateful for your trust in us. Here’s to many more seasons of growth, creativity, and joy (and less screen time 😉)! 💛🎸🌈
Thank you so much for this beautiful message—it means the world to us! Knowing that Amplify is a space where your camper feels fully accepted and seen is exactly why we do what we do. We’re so honored to be part of your family’s summer and so grateful for your trust in us. Here’s to many more seasons of growth, creativity, and joy (and less screen time 😉)! 💛🎸🌈
When she returned home her relationship with her phone changed , she expressed feeling so much better not having it . The creative activities Amplify offers are the dopamine the kids need to replace the screens .My daughters talents are rekindled & her voice is powerful ! What an absolute gift this camp is to all young women !
Forever grateful mother 💝
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words! It’s truly an honor to be part of your daughter’s journey and to watch her confidence, self-expression, and musical skills grow each year. The fact that she’s asking to stay even longer this summer says everything! We’re so grateful for your continued trust in Amplify and can’t wait to welcome her back for another empowering and joy-filled session. 💛🎶🌈
It’s always shocking to me how much they do in a two week span.
My oldest has always been a pretty shy person even struggled with social anxiety, but when I saw the pictures of her performing on stage! rocking out on an electric guitar, it nearly made me cry tears of joy. Her new found confidence really helped with the first weeks of a new HS, she also continued her lessons in base.
My two younger daughters also discovered their passion for photography and song writing. I love this camp because of the space they have created for these girls, they bond, and grow together, and they are exposed to music in fun and relevant manner to their age. My youngest made so many friends, even has “besties” who she talks to via text on regular bases but she lives on the another side of the country, yet they are still close and the friendship only grows then they reunite at camp, which always makes camp that much more exciting. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to send my daughters here, and will continue to.
My daughter attended Amplify Sleep Away Camp and had an absolute blast! The counselors were amazing and created an unforgettable experience. This camp provided her with memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommend for any parent looking for a fantastic camp for their child.













