Calling All Campers!

The Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, N.Y., approximately 30 miles west of Woodstock, is big on music camps.  The Catskills vacation destination has hosted several camps over the years, including Carmine Appice’s Rockhalolics Metal Fan Camp, the Cross Styles Music Retreat with Yes’ Steve Howe, Todd Rundgren’s Musical Revival Camp, and Umphrey’s McGee’s sUMmer school. 

Three camps at Full Moon were announced this week, two of which will be led by guitarist/singer/songwriter Thompson in June.  Come August you can immerse yourself in the blues with your instructor Ford and his special guest Landreth.

Along with all the shoulder rubbing with the pros, each camp’s all-inclusive pricing includes meals and lodging.

In its third year, “Frets & Refrains” is a music masters camp featuring academic instructional elements with hands-on learning from Thompson along with other esteemed instructors.  Scheduled for June 23-27, days at the camp will include classes in songwriting, acoustic guitar, singing, sound production and guitar maintenance.

But the “Frets & Refrains” camp doesn’t close up shop at sundown.  The evenings will feature music films, open mic nights and opportunities to jam with the teachers as well as your fellow campers.

Thompson’s second camp this year at Full Moon will be his first “Band Camp.”  Set for June 30-July 2, the camp will focus on lessons of electric guitar, bass and drums.  Also planned for are seminars detailing the ensemble skills and processes needed to seriously live life as a member of a rock band.

Both camps offer levels for newbie musicians as well as long-time axemen.  Click here for info on “Frets & Refrains” and here for what you need to know about Thompson’s Band Camp.

If blues is your life then you’ll want to spend some time this summer at Ford’s Traveling Dojo Guitar Camp planned for August 4-8 at Full Moon Resort.  Open to all guitar addicts, the experience includes personal guitar instruction, interaction and performances.  The camp will also feature masters classes, one-on-one sessions and live performances.

“I’ve been wanting to do something like this for years because teaching is very personal to me,” Ford said.  “There is so much information out there – different players, pedals, amps, and guitars – that a lot of people have trouble finding themselves.  It’s my aim to help people connect to their own inner creativity as guitarists so that each participant can unlock their potential.”

Among the subjects Ford will be sharing his expertise are blues soloing, rhythm guitar and songwriting.  Ford’s rhythm section – consisting of bassist Brian Allen and drummer Wes Little – will conduct masters classes on groove, time and pocket.  Ford’s guitar tech, jazz virtuoso Rick Wheeler will hold sessions on jazz guitar.

Landreth plans on covering a wide range of topics including chordal tuning, melody, harmony, rhythm and supporting guitar.

But you need to begin making your plans now if you want to spend some August quality time with Ford and Landreth.  Click here for more information.