Power Chord Academy

Summer Music Program
Various U.S. Universities


		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info See Photos

For More Information, Contact
Summer Session Processing
Power Chord Academy
7336 Santa Monica Boulevard #107
Los Angeles, California 90046
800-897-6677 Ext. 80 (toll-free)
http://www.powerchordacademy.com

Type of Program: Music program
Participants: Coeducational, ages 12–18
Enrollment: 50–125
Program Dates: June and July
Head of Program: Natasha Noramly, Program Director

Location

Hosted by renowned colleges and universities across the nation, Power Chord Academy runs weeklong sessions in June and July. Sessions in 2008 are scheduled at St. John’s University in New York City, Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, Loyola University Chicago, Stonehill College in Boston, the University of Washington in Seattle, the University of North Texas in Dallas, the University of Maryland, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Lynn University in Boca Raton, and Macalester College in Minneapolis.

Background and Philosophy

For the first time ever, a program has been developed by top musicians across the country to promote the growth and development of beginning and advanced amateur musicians. Second to none in amateur-musician training, Power Chord Academy implements its critically acclaimed training regimen to introduce aspiring musicians to the next level of music—professional. Dedicated musicians ages 12–18 are put through the most inspirational, educational, and intensive week of their young careers. Never before has a program been so vital to the inherent success of developing musicians. Whether it is pop or punk, metal or blues, Power Chord Academy provides the essential technical training and fundamental knowledge necessary for success—and the greatest, most inspirational experience of an aspiring musician’s lifetime.

Program Offerings

The Academy’s educational program not only improves fundamental skills and teaches breakthrough concepts but also shows musicians step-by-step how to go from the garage to an internationally renowned professional touring band. Musicians gain hands-on technical experience in critical areas such as digital audio recording, songwriting, onstage performance, playing in bands, recording in a studio, making a music video, and playing concerts. Family and friends are welcome to attend on Saturday at noon to watch all the bands play the final concert. Through an intensive week of dedication, persistence, and hard work, musicians truly experience the level of commitment and focus it takes to succeed.
    Every week at Power Chord Academy, one professional touring band or artist—the Mystery Guest—performs a concert and hangs out afterward for a question-and-answer session. This special performance, closed to the general public, is open to attending Power Chord Academy musicians only.
    All musicians must provide their own equipment and label every piece. Equipment rentals are available. Lead vocalists must provide their own microphone and practice PA system, preferably medium-size amps (50 watts or more), and PA systems of 85 watts or more. Musicians must also bring a week’s worth of clothes, special clothes for the video (if desired), snacks, beverages, toiletries and hygiene materials, a pillow, twin-bed sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag, bath towels, and an alarm clock. Each student receives a CD of the studio recording session, a DVD of the concert, an MTV-style DVD, record-label submission, a private personal review, and the Academy’s Teen Musician Handbook, student contact list, T-shirt, and diploma.
    Taught by a highly recommended staff of professional musicians, lessons and workshops for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are available for an additional fee.

Enrollment

Power Chord Academy is designed for beginning and advanced musicians ages 12–18 who are confident, willing, and capable of working with other musicians. Musicians are strategically placed in bands according to age, experience, style, interest, and ability. Musicians are welcome to attend solo, with friends, or even as a complete band. Power Chord Academy is currently open to all instruments and musicians, including, but not limited to, vocalist/singer, drums, bass, guitar, keyboard/piano, DJ, electronics, brass, strings, and woodwinds.

Daily Schedule

All musicians check in on Sunday between noon and 2 p.m. and check out on Saturday after the closing concert, scheduled to end between 2 and 4 p.m. Below is a sample day at Power Chord Academy.

7:30
8:00
8:15
10:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
2:00
2:30
4:00
4:45
6:00
6:30
8:00
9:00
10:00
10:30

Breakfast
Roll call
Band jam session I
Songwriting seminar
Lunch
Break
Band jam session II
Fun activity
Band jam session III
Record label seminar
Band jam session IV
Dinner
Mystery Guest appearance
Band jam session V
Free time/fun activity
Quiet hours
Lights out

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Due to the intensive program schedule, there is not much free time for students. However, during this time, students participate in fun activities, play games, watch movies, and hang out with their friends.

Facilities

All universities are chosen for their safe and secure atmosphere. During the summer, there is little or no foot traffic on campus. Furthermore, Power Chord Academy is issued exclusive facilities for the program. Students stay on campus in residence halls; rooms and facilities vary by location. Boys and girls are housed in separate areas and supervised accordingly. Three all-you-can-eat meals are provided every day, and vegetarian options are always conveniently available. Each band has its own practice studio where musicians learn the importance of teamwork and leadership as they write, revise, and practice their compositions.

Staff

The staff comprises musicians who play or have played in major-label bands (such as Atlantic, Capitol, and Sony) and independent-label bands (such as Roadrunner, Sub-Pop, and Victory), professional audio engineers, music teachers, and industry professionals. All staff members are chosen for their unique ability to contribute to the Academy; most are returning and have strong experience executing the program. To ensure that all musicians receive maximum attention, the student-staff ratio never exceeds 9:1 (it was 5:1 in summer 2007). Each band is assigned 1 staff member, who works with the musicians to facilitate their progress throughout the week as well as monitor the well-being of each child.

Medical Care

All musicians must be covered by their own medical insurance policy and provide proof upon arrival in order to participate. Several campuses also require a signed medical liability waiver form. In case of an emergency, parents of attending musicians are provided with an emergency contact number.

Costs

Each session costs $1795. The registration fee is part of the session fee, and the remaining balance is due May 15. Discounts are available for returning students ($50 off), students who enroll a friend ($25 off each), and students on the honor roll ($25 off). Day students save $350 per session. Cancellations within thirty days of arrival do not receive a refund. Equipment rentals are nonrefundable.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Power Chord Academy. Students flying in must make shuttle arrangements to and from the airport. A few shuttle/limo services are listed per location online. It is highly recommended that students request a “gate meet” and confirmation number from any shuttle/limo service. Some families may choose to enroll their child in the brand-new discounted day-student program. Day students participate in all the same core activities as overnight/boarding students but need to be dropped off each day at 8 a.m. and picked up at 5 p.m., except for Sunday.

Application Timetable

Students can apply online at https://www.powerchordacademy.com/newsite/index.cfm?fuseaction=apply.step1. A registration fee of $350 must accompany the application form. Early registration enhances a musician’s chances of enrollment, but there is no deadline to register. Applications are accepted until the first day of the desired session, provided space is available.