Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamps

Maryville, TN  June 8-15 and June 15-22, 2008

You can Register On-Line Securely for the Gold Award Winning 2008 Kamp Series Now

by downloading the Registration PDF form and Mail or Fax it to Flatpik Central!

The On-Line Brochure

The Instructors      New for 2008      The Kampers Ages     The Fees     Class Structure      The Food      Driving Directions

Flying Directions       Flying With Your Instrument      Check In and Out        Area Hotels         Late Arrivals      

What To Bring         Tentative Schedule       Placement Level      The Band Scramble    

Miscellaneous Info      The Registration Form       Camping       Kids at Kamp    Scholarship Applications     Home

Our special Kamps are designed to gather musicians of all levels from around the globe with common goals- learning, playing, eating and sleeping music. Whether you are a beginner's beginner or a seasoned professional, each Kamp's classes and activities will inspire and challenge you. Our intent is to maintain a non-competitive, learning atmosphere that will encourage you to grow musically and seek out new ways of playing your instrument.

Steve has put together the strongest team of Guitar, Bass, Fiddle, Dobro (tm), Banjo and Mandolin instructors the world has to offer.    

The Instructors

The Fingerpicking Team: Pete Huttlinger and T.J. Wheeler - and just added - Chris Proctor

The Bass Team: Rusty Holloway and Missy Raines

The Fiddle Team: Bobby and Cathy Hicks and Barbara Lamb

The Dobro (tm) Team: Doug Cox and Stacy Phillips

The Old Time Banjo Team: Laura Boosinger and Jim Pankey

Special Guest: Robert Bowlin - a two-time National Fingerpicking and Flatpicking Guitar contest winner, has been a band member with legendary artists like Bill Monroe, Maura O' Connell, Kathy Mattea, the Osborne Brothers, and many more.

Vocal Instructor (Afternoon Elective): Cindy Gray

Slow Jam and Band Scramble Coordinator and General Kamp Liaison: Casey Henry and Cindy Gray

Jamming Instructor and Coordinator: Keith Yoder

Lap Dulcimer instructor: Mike Clemmer

Luthiers and Kamp Doctors: Virginia and Ken Miller

WEEK TWO June 15-22, 2008

The Flatpicking Team Week Two: Russ Barenberg, Kathy Barwick, Mitch Corbin, Mark Cosgrove, Beppe Gambetta, John Goldie, Chris Jones, Steve Kaufman and Chris Newman

Beginner Guitar Level One (non-rotation): Cindy Gray

The Mandolin Kamp Team: Carlo Aonzo, Butch Baldassari, Robin Bullock, David Harvey, Emory Lester, Don Stiernberg and Roland White

Special Guests David Grier and Matt Flinner: Follow this Kamp Bio Link

Beginner Mandolin Level One (non-rotation): Casey Henry

All of the instructors are well known for their individual and unique picking and teaching styles. They were carefully chosen for their talents- not only as musicians but also for their instructional expertise, easy-going attitude, and approachability. Hundreds of topics will be discussed, thoroughly examined and instructed. 

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New for the 2008 Acoustic Kamps

There are some incredible additions to the 2008 Acoustic Kamp. The changes and additions are directly taken from the past Kampers evaluations.

New Kamp Programs

Besides your two 2-Hour Classes each day Monday through Friday you can also participate in:

Structured Morning and Afternoon Jam Session with Casey Henry, Cindy Gray, Keith Yoder and Kamp Instructors

Jam Coordinator - Keith Yoder

Tune of the Day with Keith Yoder

Afternoon Voice Classes with Cindy Gray

Morning Lap Dulcimer Class with Mike Clemmer

Week Two Afternoon Bass Class with Dick Daniels

Week Two Afternoon Old Time Banjo Class with Tommy Jordan

Week Two Afternoon Fiddle Classes with Sarah Pirkle, Amy Melendy and Jimmy Davis

On Hand Both Weeks Licensed Massage Therapist - Liz Martin

Because you self determine your levels, you will see who is in your grouping or level and begin to introduce yourselves and prepare yourselves a little better for the family camaraderie that is about to occur. You will also get a chance to meet all of your teachers and split into the self determined levels of the classes. When you gather for this first time, take a look at your classmates name tags. On some name tags, you will see Bear Paws. The number of Paws represents the number of Past Years they have attended. The Past Kampers with Bear Paws will, along with the Kamp staff, be able to answer any questions you might have as well.

Kamp Photos: We've always included the Kamp Class Photo with your paid student registration at no charge. This year we are continuing to offer the Instructor Group Photo to you. You will see on the registration form a check box to indicate if you would like to reserve this classic photo.

Keith Yoder will be with us to organize, guide and instruct the Kampers in the arts of Jamming. Keith plays and teaches all the bluegrass instruments and will be on hand to help you all join in the fun of jamming together. He will also be teaching a "Tune of the Day" class. This was extremely popular last year.

Vocal Workshops Both Weeks: You asked for it so here we go. Cindy Gray will offer Vocal Workshops each day at the 4:15 to 5 PM slot each day. There will be different vocal training workshops each day. Kampers and Kompanions Welcome.

Week Two Fiddle Class: This Fiddle class is during our “break out” sessions from 4:15 to 5:00 every afternoon. Jimmy Davis, Sarah Pirkle and Amy Melendy will be teaching the classes. This will be a group class for beginners and intermediates. You must bring your own fiddle. This is for Kampers and Kamp Kompanions Only. Some very basic fiddle experience is necessary. Pre-registration required.  Kampers and Kompanions Welcome. $20.00 Charge.

Dulcimer Class available Week One and Week Two: Mike Clemmer has led our Lap Dulcimer Class for the companions. This year we are again putting Lap Dulcimer Classes in a time slot that all Kampers and Kompanions can attend. Pre-registration required.  Kampers and Kompanions Welcome. He will have Dulcimers for use and for sale. You'll love this added feature. $20.00 Charge. 8:30 AM Main Concert Stage. Be sure to let us know if you will need a lap dulcimer for the class.

Afternoon Old Time Banjo Class (Week Two Only): Tommy Jordan will host this class for all pickers and Kompanions to learn the art of Clawhammer and Drop Thumb Old Time Banjo Picking. Banjos required and will not be furnished.

Afternoon Bass Class (Week Two only): Dick Daniels will return to Kamp to teach us everything from the basics of Bass playing to understanding the fingerboard, producing better tone, bass walks. This class progresses through the week with numerous topic and hands on work. Basses required and they will not be furnished.

Master Classes: 4:15-5PM

The new name for this class is just what it is "Up Close and Personal" This was introduced in 2005 and was an immediate success. Several instructors will be available for student critique. Play for 5 minutes one on one with an instructor and he/she can tell you everything you need to know and work on for the next few months to help improve your skills. 8 Students to the session max. Sign up at the Kamp Store.

A Class for the very Beginner Guitar, Banjo and Mandolin Enthusiasts.

Beginners: Level One (Non-Rotation)

If you've ever said "I wish I could play an instrument" or " I could try out that instrument while my friend (insert your own companion title here) is working on his/her instrument" This is your chance to try it out. We are offering a class called "Beginners: Level One (non-rotation)". This is for the true beginner through the somewhat experienced beginner. From the person that has never played whatsoever to the person that knows a few chords but cannot change smoothly and is not comfortable playing songs yet, or the beginning student that may feel overwhelmed changing classes. Our typical Kamper rotates to all the instructors’ classes. This is not the case in the "Beginner: Level One" class. You will stay with the same instructor the entire Kamp. This takes away the overwhelming feeling of new instructors and settings. Instead you can focus on the instrument and learn all week with one brilliant instructor. Class structure is subject to change.

Casey Henry will be teaching Banjo Beginners Week One and Mandolin Beginners Week Two

Cindy Gray will be teaching Guitar Beginners both Week One and Week Two.

Open Mic. You asked for more open mic. time so the best way we could see adding more slots was to start open mic. at 7:00 PM each night and the concerts still will start at 7:30. This will give us twice as many slots.

Open Mic at Isaac's will be coordinated by Cindy Gray, Keith Yoder and Casey Henry and will start at 10:30PM to 12:ishAM.

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The Ages of our Kampers

We are often asked what the age group or average age of our students are. We usually tell them to walk into a grocery store at a busy time and look around. They will see mostly people in the 35-55 group. Then they will see 15-34 year olds and then the 56 and over group. This is how our Kamp student base is as well. We will have some minors but mostly 18 and older. Children under 18 need to have a guardian on campus and fill out a minor release form. Click here to download our minor release form. In 2005 we had more minors arrive to Kamp ranging from the age of 9 to 17. It was great to see. More kids perpetuates our music. Thank you for supporting them.

Guidelines for Families at the Gold Award Winning

Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp

Kids at Kamp and students with families have always been welcome at Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamps. Donna and Steve have worked hard to create a family fun atmosphere.  

Parental care and responsibility, especially for pre-teens and younger children, has helped insure that families continue to be a welcome part of Kamp life. Over the years the following guidelines have emerged. We ask you to follow them.

Children under eighteen years of age must attend our programs with a parent or an adult guardian assigned by their parent. The accompanying adult registers and pays the full cost of being at Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp either as a student or as a Kompanion, so they can either attend classes or attend all Kompanion related events.

Though our Acoustic Kamps are primarily designed for adults, children have always been a welcome presence. Despite the lack of children’s programming, more families in recent years have wanted to share the music and the unique Acoustic Kamp community with their kids. Children registering as students are welcome at all regular classes and events based on their experience and level of proficiency.

Click here for a PDF of our full Family Guidelines

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The Fees

The cost for each Kamper (Student) is $750.00. This fee includes all classes, concerts, workshops, meals, lifetime friendships and Maryville College dorm style housing. Off campus rates are available but we strongly suggest you stay on campus for the full feel and effect of the Kamps.

**** Scholarships are limited and available through the DU Scholarships Program (Dreadnoughts Unlimited)

By clicking this link you will be taken to their scholarship page - DU Scholarship Program

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Class Structure

Our Kamp's class structure is different from any other camp in the world. When you register in the Kamp with your instrument of choice, you don't just sign up or register for one instructor - as is the case with most music camps. You are signing up for all the instructors for your instrument. You are divided by level and rotate through each of the instructor’s classes. Our Kamps are designed to be large groups. The class size can vary by the instrument. The smaller Kamps have 8-10 in each class and the larger Kamps can have as many as 22 in the class. The structure of the class is such that the instructor can lecture and demonstrate the finer points of what makes that instructor tick, give personal hands on work and offer advice and technique. Our classes have always been lecture based. Our goal is to make sure you understand the techniques demonstrated by the instructor and gather as much information as possible to take home with you and work on when you get back into your daily practice routine. Upon Check in you will receive a large Kamp Manual with the written materials that the instructors want to go over for all the levels. Not just the level you sign in at. You are to understand the materials at Kamp and use this manual throughout the year.

The "Beginner Pickers: Level One" do not rotate classes. They stay with the same instructor through the week. Final Schedule Subject To Change.

***  See the helpful Level Guidelines ***

ALL students can attend the various afternoon breakout sessions. The Breakout Sessions are not divided by level or instrument.

Our facilities are on the campus of the spacious, scenic and historic  Maryville College in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Campus facilities include dormitories, cafeteria, concert hall, classrooms, Chapel, snack bar and "The Kamp General Store". The sleeping quarters will be in the College dormitories. There are two beds per room with shared baths. Pairing up of friends is possible but limited so let us know early. Limited suites for families are available by individual needs. Stair climbing and walking required.

Back by popular demand - Quiet floors or Jam Floors.

Choose whether you want to sleep or jam. 

Quiet Floors jamming curfew at 11:00 PM.

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The Food

Three healthy meals will be served daily in a large, buffet-style dining hall. The meals are provided by Chef Andrew Safewright accommodating all tastes including Low Carb and Vegetarian.

Family members (Companions) may attend the Kamp for an additional fee. This fee covers the evening concerts and room and board only. The Companions are not permitted in the class rooms for any reason except assisting a handicapped companion Kamper. See rate sheet on previous page or on the registration form.

In addition to the two – two-hour long daily classes, we are offering focused afternoon sessions and/or slow jam sessions. A panel of instructors will lead these sessions. They will lecture and take questions on specific topics. This session is not separated by level or instrument.

The evening Kamp concert series is open to all campers, companions and the general public. The concert series is included in the registration fee and is designed to really show off our instructors. They are mostly known for their concert performance so you will really see these stars shine. This is their evening to stretch out so your guess is as good as ours what to expect!

Note that the concert series is now becoming the grandest event of it’s kind in East Tennessee. Many Kampers tell us that the Concerts are worth the price of the Kamp alone. You can order the 2 CD Sets of the concerts called "The Best Of The Kamp Concert Series" currently with 6 Volumes dating from 1998 to 2004. Order Yours Today!  

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Driving Directions to the Acoustic Kamp

NORTH FROM CHATTANOOGA/ATLANTA

Take I-75 North towards Knoxville. Near Knoxville you will Merge onto I-40 East. Exit about 12 miles before Knoxville City Center on I-140 towards Maryville and the Knoxville Airport. Take I-140 for around 10 miles and you will exit onto 129 South towards the airport. Bear right onto 129 South. After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway).  Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and Bartlett Hall is on the near right corner. To get to Carnegie turn left, away from Bartlett and you will see Carnegie in front of you at the first curve. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

EAST FROM NASHVILLE

Take I-40 East toward Knoxville. Soon after the Lenoir City exit you will see  I-140 with a sign for Maryville/ Airport. Take I-140 for around 10 miles and you will exit onto 129 South towards the airport. Bear right onto 129 South. After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway).  Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and Bartlett Hall is on the near right corner. To get to Carnegie turn left, away from Bartlett and you will see Carnegie in front of you at the first curve. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

SOUTH FROM TRI-CITIES

Take I-81 South towards Knoxville. At the Asheville/Kentucky split, take I-40 West towards Knoxville. As you come into Knoxville, stay on I-40 West. You should take the Airport/Smoky Mountain/ Alcoa Highway/129 South.  As you exit, the road will split; bear to the left, following the airport signs. After you pass the airport, bear to the left at the fork and follow the signs for Maryville College through Alcoa. Continue straight through 5 traffic lights. At the 6th light you will see the campus; turn right onto 321 South (Lamar Alexander parkway). Follow 321 passing the first entrance to the college to the first light - Court Street. Turn left onto Court St. and the college entrance will be on your left. Enter the college and Bartlett Hall is on the near right corner. To get to Carnegie turn left, away from Bartlett and you will see Carnegie in front of you at the first curve. Parking is available across from Bartlett.

SOUTH FROM KENTUCKY

Take I-75 South towards Knoxville (stay in the middle lane) and merge onto I-275 South and then quickly onto I-40 West towards Nashville. Within a few minutes you will take the Airport/Smoky Mountain/ Alcoa Highway/129 South.  Use the  "South From Tri-Cities" directions once you enter I-40 West.

WEST FROM ASHEVILLE

Take I-40 West towards Knoxville. As you come into Knoxville, stay on I-40 West. You should take the Airport/Smoky Mountain / Alcoa Highway/129 South.  As you exit, the road will split; bear to the left, following the airport signs.   Use the  "South From Tri-Cities" directions once you enter 129 South.  

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Air Travel to the Acoustic Kamps

Here is the latest TSA link for air travel with instruments. At the top of the page, you will find Steve's tips for air travel.

If traveling by air, you will fly into the Knoxville Airport (TYS). The Kamp is about 5 miles from the airport and we can pick you up if your flight arrives between noon and 4:30 PM on your check in day.

Kamp shuttles begin at noon about every 20 minutes and will pick you up outside of the baggage area at the curb.

Look for the Maryville College Van

Returning to the airport should be just as easy. We start running shuttles back to the airport at 8:00 AM on check out day. This will get you to a 9:30 flight. Earlier departures require a taxi and we will help you make the arrangements during Kamp. You must sign up for the shuttle when you check in, or outside the Kamp Store.

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Check In and Check Out

Transportation to and from the Knoxville Airport (TYS)

Arrival Day: Check In is between 1-5 PM Eastern Standard Time. A shuttle will be provided for the 5 mile trip from the airport to the college. If you are coming in a day early and staying at (Kamp Hotel to be determined), we will need your flight number and time of arrival in advance in order to help with check in arrangements.

Dinner is scheduled for 5:30PM each day. After dinner we will have our Kamp Orientation Meeting at 8PM in The Main Stage area to go over schedules and allow you a first chance to meet and greet your fellow Kampers and Kompanions.

SHUTTLES: Please wait outside the airport on the lower level directly outside the baggage terminal. Look for the Maryville College van. Our friendly and highly intelligent staff will be waiting or on their way to meet you.

You will be responsible for your own lunch on Check In day. Dinner is included and will be served from 5:00—6:00 PM. There is not another food vendor open after dinner so be prepared.

Check Out Day: The Kamp is officially over at the close of the final concert Saturday evening. You are welcome to stay over that night, rest up in the morning and enjoy one last delicious breakfast meal in the cafeteria. You must turn in your room key by 9:00 AM EST in order to get your deposit back or not be charged up to $130.00. If you leave early, you can slip the key under the dorm keeper’s door and we will shred your deposit check. Let us know through the week sometime if you will be leaving early.

We will arrange the returning shuttle times Sunday morning to start at 8:00 am for an 9:30 flight. If you need to leave before a 9:30 AM EST flight- Cab service arrangements to the airport should be made. You can call AAA Airport Taxi 865-982-0381.  Please verify your departure needs before the last day of Kamp at the Kamp office/store so adequate shuttles may be arranged.

The Check Out Time is 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

If you need to stay longer we can stow your gear.

Again - Check in takes place between 1 and 5 PM at Bartlett Hall on June 8th for Week One and June 15th for Week Two. Many people try to get checked in at 1:00 and the line is out the door. You may want to come to the Check In Hall and then decide if you want to stay in the line or come back a little later. Our first meal service is at 5:00 PM on check in day.

You will first check in with Donna, Steve or another camp representative at the Kamp Check In Table in the Check In Hall and receive your Kamp Manual, T-Shirt and finalizing any payment if there is any and leaving your $100.00 refundable room key deposit. NO MONEY ORDERS OR CASH FOR ROOM KEY DEPOSIT. We do not mail back deposits, we shred them. We can also use your Visa or MasterCard for the deposit.

You then move over to the college's table for room assignments. You will then be directed to your dorm for your room keys.