Blues music is one of the the original forms of American music and also an influential foundation for contemporary pop and rock music around the world. Its origins trace back to Africa and Southern Plantations, and it retains a redemptive and transcendental quality from its roots in the songs and field hollers of American slaves and ex-slaves. Blues has roots in religious music, but without Muddy Waters and Bessie Smith, there would be no Rolling Stones or Janelle Monae. Its soulful expressions and innovative stylings have inspired countless of contemporary musicians and artists alike and still make blues music one of the most important (and fun) genres for young musicians to study today.

With this in mind, CMC Atlanta’s Blues Camp takes a historical and contemporary approach towards the blues. Through a combination of private lessons and group activities, students will be immersed in original, early blues music of the past as well as its manifestations throughout musical history. Campers sing, play instruments, and study blues music theory, songwriting and also explore improvisation, one of the most important tools for a blues musician, in group performance projects. Camp includes private lessons (voice or instrumental) and culminates with an informal in-house showcase at each camp location.

If interested, campers are also eligible to join either or both of our two CMC Atlanta Summer Showcases: one will be held at Seven Stages on Saturday, June 30 and the other on Friday, July 20 at Atlanta Music High School (in the North Druid Hills/Brookhaven area). Logistics of the optional Summer Showcase participation are worked out with each camper’s family upon registration. Since we group by age and skill level, beginners and more experienced musicians alike are welcome in our camp.