What Parents and Musicians need to know before coming to the
Summer Music Academy
ENROLLING NOW FOR 2011!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at 803-206-8939 or email us at info@gmgmusiccenter.com. We are located at 1053 Sparkleberry Ln. Ext. Columbia, SC 29223.
Please note that there are only 32 slots available in each session. Click here to REGISTER today!
Tuition Costs - The Summer Music Academy lasts for four weeks and the weekly payment is $150 along with a $55 non-refundable registration fee.
Payment Options
You may choose FlexPay which allows you to begin paying small installments prior to the start of the summer camp. Other payment options include 4 or 2 installments once the camp begins or you may choose to pay in full.
Dates
Session I (Ages 13-18) June 4th - June 29th
Session II (Ages 7-12)
July 9th- August 3rd
What to Bring?
All musicians need to bring a sack lunch and 2 snacks daily. Musicians playing the guitar must bring their own instrument (including the amp if it is electric). Drum sets, keyboards, and microphones are provided.
If your child will need to take medication, you must complete the medication form prior to your child coming to the SMA. Any medicine must be in a clear plastic bag, in its original container, and accompanied by clear dosage instructions written on the medication form. All medicine that needs to be taken during camp hours must be registered with the Director prior to the first day of the Summer Music Academy.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
Drop off occurs any time between 7:30am-8:30am. No student may be dropped off earlier then 7:30am, as there will be no supervision prior to that time. The Summer Music Academy begins at 8:45am.
Dismissal is from 3pm-3:15pm. No child will be allowed to leave the Summer Music Academy with an unauthorized person. Parents wishing to get their child(ren) at any time other then the designated dismissal time are instructed to inform the Director and are required to sign him/her out. If your child is driving it muat be stated on the application so that staff will know.
Lunch/Snacks
We ask that parents send a sack lunch and 2 snacks. Lunch is at 12:00 noon everyday (please remember to pack a bag lunch and 2 snacks for your child). The Lunch Break is for 45-minutes. **Lunch and Snacks are not provided by the Summer Music Academy. Important! Foods that need to be microwaved, perishable food items, such as milk, eggs, poultry, fish, or shellfish, are not allowed at the Summer Music Academy. Please do not send these items with your child. No one is allowed to leave the premises of GMG Music Center for lunch.
Overview of the Summer Music Academy
On the first day the SMA staff will evaluate all students and divide them into bands based on their playing experience, musical taste, and maturity. All placements are final and are not subject to change. Each band will choose a set list from the list SMA songs, which they will rehearse under the direction of a SMA counselor. Bands will learn the techniques necessary to play their chosen songs and learn how to work together as a group.
Band mates work together each day, learning to compromise, negotiate, and operate as a band. They have to learn to work with other musicians to decide how to do everything from naming the band, choosing what style of music to play, and
learning how to practice effectively. As a parent, it is important that you emphasize the need for your musician to work as a team member.
One of the most valuable experiences for our musicians is that they come to realize the challenges involved with being in a band, as opposed to being a solo-performing artist. Musicians work throughout the duration of the Summer Music Academy with their band as well as the opportunity to spend time in rehearsal, practicing both in an ensemble setting and in the GMG Performance Center.
Students will attend Recording/Songwriting Class and Master Class together. Master Classes are one of the highlights of the Summer Music Academy. We bring in music industry veterans to speak with the youth. We also invite bands, band managers, and popular local radio personalities to speak to the musicians about their take on the music industry. This is a great chance for young musicians to ask questions and learn about the many career opportunities in the music business.
Musicians also attend Instrument Group Lessons. Guitarists will go with the guitar instructor, drummers with the drum instructor, etc, to learn performance tips and practicing techniques from our talented and experienced teaching staff. Musicians are encouraged to bring questions specific to their instrument, so that they can take advantage of their teacher’s vast knowledge base.
The four week session culminates in a concert series performed by the musicians. All the learning and practicing will be put on display for parents, friends, and family during the concert series. The Summer Music Academy reserves the right to change the time of the concerts to better accommodate its musicians.
All musicians will design a band logo, participate in a photo shoot that will be displayed at the premier SMA concert series at the end of the four week session. Students will also participate in daily recreational activities, games, and a songwriting class! Groups will rotate between rehearsals, recreation, master classes and live stage performance.
Concert Series
During the last week of the camp, students will participate in a concert series. All musicians are encouraged to participate in the perfromances. The locations of the concert series will be announced soon. Parents, friends, and family are invited to attend.
The Summer Music Academy Merchandise
Summer Music Academy T-shirts are available for order immediately for $15. Please note that additional Summer Music Academy shirts will be available for sale after the start of the camp, however sizes may be limited. In addition to T-Shirts students can order photos from their photoshoot and band posters.
The Summer Music Academy Referral Program
Please remember to tell everyone about the Summer Music Academy! Every new family you refer to the Summer
Music Academy earns you $20 off of your child's SMA tuition. There is no limit to the number of referrals you may claim. In order to cash in, simply make sure that your name is listed as a referral source on any new registration. *Please note: If your referral does not list your name in the “referred by” blank at the time of registration we will not be able to credit your account!!!
General Information
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted during the camp. If you wish to contact your child, please do so by contacting the office at 803-206-8939.
During camp, any general concerns should be addressed by contacting the Director or Assistant Director of GMG Music Center.