Summer Songwriting Day Camp

Monday-Friday, July 21-25 10am-4pm, with a break at 12:30pm-1:15 pm for lunch. Option for participants to stay till 6pm Monday-Thursday for coaching and music collaboration for an extra fee. Please see pricing.

Riverwalk Commons, a historic female-owned and renovated event-space in St. Marys, Ontario located at 84 Water Street S., by the beautiful Thames River.

Day camp.

The cost to attend is $577.43 (HST included). For participants who want extra coaching or after-hours attendance (until 6pm) , there are limited spots available at an extra fee of $226 (HST Included). Please see pricing.

While the capacity of Riverwalk Commons is 40 individuals, we are limiting this experience to 12 campers so that each participant can have an optimal experience and get 1:1 chances to work with Emm and Rachael.

3-time Juno Award Nominated / ICF Certified Coach Emm Gryner (holds a Certificate of Distinction in Vocal Pedagogy from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Rachael Frankruyter, B. Music in Vocal Performance (Western University).

6:1

The basics of songwriting, how to improve songwriting techniques, analysis of modern and classic songwriting, how to overcome writers block, positive ways to deal with criticism, how to work with others, appreciating nature, finding ways to get over nerves when performing.

It would be helpful if each participant has basic knowledge of music or at least some interest in writing songs/lyrics with an eye to perform or share them. No prior songwriting experience is necessary.

It would be advised for your child to bring their favourite instrument although we can provide guitars and keyboards for use as well.

Participants may be encouraged to collaborate but there will be no pressure to write with others if they do not wish to do so.

At 2:30 pm on Friday, July 25th anyone who wants to share their music will get the chance to perform at Riverwalk Commons.

Although this feature is not part of our day camp, participants can always follow up with Emm or Rachael to make plans to record their songs. This is not included in the fee and will be considered a separate coaching opportunity.

There may be special guest speakers but at the time of this posting none are confirmed. The focus really is on the participants getting creative.

Participants can be dropped off at 84 Water St S in St Marys each day at 9:45 a.m., no more than 15 minutes before the start of the day. Should your child need to be dropped off earlier you will need to connect with the organizers for special requests and extra fees may apply.

The day will finish at 4pm each day and participants can be picked up at 84 Water St S. If your child is interested in staying longer or participating in coaching until 6pm, an extra charge will apply. (See ticket prices). Overflow parking in Canadian Tire lot. Please exercise caution.

Your child should bring a notebook, pen, water bottle, lunch and snacks. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are preferred. Although refreshments will be available at the performance on Friday, we will not be providing snacks or meals.

Upon registration you will receive paperwork that allows you to stipulate your child's needs including dietary restrictions, allergies, medications etc. Enrolment is not complete until health forms and waivers have been signed.

Phones will not be allowed to used for texts, calls or surfing the internet during songwriting time. Participants will be asked to set their phones to silent during the hours of 10-12:30 and 1:30 to 4pm.

A strict policy of respect and tolerance will be established from the beginning of camp. Any campers unable to follow these rules will have their parents notified and we will ask for them to be picked up.

Riverwalk Commons is a public space, equipped with smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detector and built to code with two exits, two washrooms and clear signage for exits and fire extinguishers. Emm is trained in CPR and the hospital is 1.1 km away.

An emergency medical contact, stipulated on your registration form and health waiver, will be contacted in the case of participant sickness or injury. Emm Gryner is fully insured as is Riverwalk Commons.

There is no obligation nor will their be pressure to share any songs written during this week.

Yes! Both Emm and Rachael are educators and happy to speak with campers about musical development after this inspiring week.

Campers can have up to 3 guests at the showcase. This is an acoustic showcase at Riverwalk Commons. If we have not reached maximum attendance, more guests per performer may be allowed.

Refunds are not permitted but you may transfer your purchase to another individual within 28 days of camp start date.

This camp is designed as a supportive space for girls and gender-diverse youth aged 12-17.

Yes! Emm, our main host, holds a current CPR & First Aid certificate and both hosts are Vulnerable Sector/Police Checked. Copies of these documents are available upon request.