The Big Picture

What's a typical day at CCMC like?

First, note that all activities are voluntary. Each day begins with breakfast in the dining hall. Then there are two class periods, followed by lunch and a third class period. After that there’s a break when you can jam, practice, swim in the river, hike, or take a nap. In the late afternoon there are one-time workshops, another break, and then dinner. Each night is a different activity—concerts, a dance, open mics. See the schedule for the week.

I won’t know anyone; will I be the only first-timer?

No, there are new campers every week. In the first few days, camp provides activities designed to help everyone meet one another and find people with similar musical interests (at 5 p.m. the first day, there is an orientation for new campers). Returning campers are eager to make music with new as well as old friends.

Is everyone who goes to CCMC from northern California?

No. CCMC alumni have come from many states (as far away as Massachusetts and Hawaii), Europe, New Zealand, and Japan.

The Music

Do I have to audition?

No. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience or playing ability.

What if I'm a beginner?

I used to play guitar but I am out of practice. Will I be able to keep up?

We try to balance beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes so that each class period has at least one class at each level. CCMC attracts a wide variety of students, from the absolute beginner to very advanced players, from people who never play outside of their bedrooms to people who perform regularly. If you’re ready to dust off your guitar and change its strings, then come play some tunes with us!

Do I need to know how to read music?

No. Most classes emphasize listening and hands-on instruction. Reading tablature is helpful (since many instructors provide charts) but not necessary. (For a crash course in reading tab, see this article on the Acoustic Guitar magazine website: http://www.acousticguitar.com/lessons/notation/notation.shtml.)

I don’t play guitar but I do play ______.  Will there be something for me to do at CCMC?

Yes! Camp offers classes in at least three or four other instruments, such as the acoustic bass, mandolin, banjo, dobro, and fiddle, and occasionally pennywhistle, harmonica, or accordion.

Band classes in many genres—including swing, blues, and bluegrass—always welcome other instruments. We have regular campers who play no stringed instruments but (for example) play saxophone or sing.

CCMC classes span a wide variety of musical genres, not just folk. You will almost always find classes in bluegrass, swing, country, and blues, as well as more specialized styles, including Brazilian jazz and Celtic. (See classes from previous years.)

Who are the teachers?

Professional musicians, composers, performing artists, and music teachers who have been chosen for their talent, teaching ability, accessibility, and commitment to encouraging everyone to play to the best of their ability, whatever their level of proficiency.

Do I have to sign up for the classes I want?

No. Just show up at the class location at the appointed time. (You’ll receive a class schedule when you arrive at camp.) At the Meet the Teachers gathering the first night of camp, you can ask questions and decide which classes you want to take.

What’s an “instigator”?

One or two teachers are the designated jam-starters. They facilitate beginner jams, help out in classes, and help musicians and first-timers connect with other players with similar interests.

What’s a “camp instrumentalist”?

One or two teachers are dedicated to providing instrumental and stylistic support on a variety of instruments for classes, jams, and other musical events at camp.

Accommodations & Food

1. What is the facility like?
   

2. CCMC is held at a retreat facility in Placer County, about 3 hours east of San Francisco. The 400-acre site is in the Sierra foothills in a pine forest. All meals and performances are in a central dining hall.
   

3. Where will I sleep?
   

4. You have three options:
   

1. 1)A bunk-bed cabin with a toilet and shower. Some cabins house 10 people, some 12.
   

2. 2)Your own tent (use the communal bathroom and shower facilities)
   

3. 3)Your own small camper or van (if space allows). There are no electrical hookups. Camper, van, and RV space is allotted on a first-come basis.
   

4. Some cabins are designated women-only or men-only; some are designated quiet (no merry-making after 11 p.m.).
   

5. Do I need to make a reservation for a sleeping area?
   

6. Spaces in a cabin are assigned before camp, based on campers’ preferences. After you register for camp, you may request a particular cabin and/or roommate(s); we do our best to accommodate everyone. There are plenty of tent spaces (specific locations are first-come, first-served).
   

7. Do I need to bring bedding?
   

8. Yes, either a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket, and a pillow.

   

   The cabins and the lodge have bunks beds with thin mattress pads.
   

9. Is there motel or hotel nearby where I can stay instead?
   

10. No, there are no off-premise options.
    

11. What will I eat?
    

12. Camp tuition includes three meals a day, plus evening snacks. We attempt to meet the needs of vegetarians and other special diets. If you have highly specialized food needs, you may want to bring those items with you. Some refrigerator space is available for food storage. If you want to keep food in a tent or cabin, store it in a container (such as a plastic box with a tight-fitting lid) that won’t attract or fall prey to furry four-legged visitors.
    

13. I have medication that requires refrigeration; is there a place to store it?
    

14. Yes, camp has several refrigerators for camper use.
    

Transportation

1. Where is CCMC?
   

Camp is held at a retreat location in Placer County, about 3 hours east of San Francisco. Maps and driving directions are mailed to all registered campers about a month before camp begins.

1. How do I get there?
   

You may drive to camp; parking spaces are limited and there is a $25 parking fee per car. We encourage carpooling and can help you find a ride or riders.

If you live too far away to drive, you can fly to the Sacramento (SMF) airport and we'll arrange a ride for you.

Registering & Attending

1. How do I sign up to come to camp?
   

See our registration information.

1. What should I bring to camp?
   

See the list of items to bring and not bring.

1. Can I bring my electric guitar or bass?
   

1. What if I forget to bring __________?
   

The nearest store is a quite a distance away, so make every effort to bring everything you need with you (check the list of items to bring). The camp office usually has extra necessities such as toothbrushes and shampoo, and the camp store sells some basic items—picks, strings, batteries, and so on—in case of emergencies. Someone (it could be you) usually makes a mid-week trip to town to pick up supplies.

1. Do I need to bring money?
   

The camp store sells some musical supplies (see previous question) as well as other merchandise (teacher and student CDs, CCMC shirts). Some classes might require you to purchase additional materials. If you drive, the parking fee is $25 per car. We accept cash or check (no credit cards).

1. Can I bring beer, wine, or other alcohol?
   

Yes. We ask that you drink alcohol from an opaque container, such as a travel cup. (A flask is not an opaque container, nor is a paper bag.)

1. Why an opaque container?
   

Reason #1: Respect for others. Some campers cannot or choose not to use alcohol. An opaque container helps those who don’t want alcohol “in their face,” without infringing on your freedom to enjoy the beverage of your choice.

Reason #2: The trash factor. If everyone walked around with beer bottles, camp would be littered with them, and we don’t have the staff (or the desire) to pick them all up. However, if you take your beer from the refrigerator and pour it into a container, you can recycle your empty—on the spot!—in the bin next to the refrigerator. Likewise, if you pour your beverage at your campsite, the bottle is in your space, not everyone else’s.

We greatly appreciate everyone's cooperation in using alcohol responsibly.

1. What if someone needs to reach me (or I need to reach someone) while I’m at camp?
   

There are three phones at camp that friends and family can use to call you; if you’re not near the phone when it rings, someone will take a message. You can also call out from these phones using a calling card (or by calling collect). We send the phone numbers to registered campers. Some cell phones may work in a few locations.

1. Will there be a doctor at camp?
   

For most weeks of camp, a doctor or nurse attends camp and is on call for medical emergencies.

You may also be interested in reading comments from attendees. If you have further questions, please contact us.