This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Kids & Family

Help your child choose the right summer camp singing experience!

Performing Arts Workshops (PAW) explores the difference between Musical Theater and Voice Recording camps!

If a summer camp offers multiple vocal programs, they’ll typically include two varieties: musical theater focused on singing for live staging, and the recording arts focused on voice and technology. Learning to be a musical theater standout and learning to be a recording artist offer two very different perspectives on singing camps.

On a typical day of PAW’s Rock the Mic camp, campers stand in front of a microphone and sound filter, guided by their teacher through the complex runs and beats of a pop hit or the soulful emotion and harmony of a rock ballad, riffing off the styles of the other campers in their duet or trio. On a typical day of PAW’s Musical Theater camp, on the other hand, campers learn how to blend their voices in ensemble songs, project their voice to an audience for their solos, and hold a note while landing dynamic dance moves.

Of course, both camps have the same core curriculum, like any reputable singing camp, including vocal warm-ups, pitch, proper breathing techniques, scales, and phrasing. In fact, the main difference between Rock the Mic and Musical Theater camps is style!

Find out what's happening in Marina Del Reywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Often parents call into the PAW office to ask, “My child loves to sing—which camp would you recommend?” In order to offer the best advice to parents, we explore what kind of passion for singing their child has. Sometimes kids love to sing, but aren’t ready to go live—Rock the Mic would be a great option for them to develop their voice and confidence as singers. Sometimes kids have tons of experience with stage work and want to enhance their technique and create something tangible to take home and share with their friends—Rock the Mic would be a great option for them, too, because they can focus on their individual aptitude, and bring home a CD of their vocal stylings!

If we were to offer one piece of advice to parents of eager vocalists, it would be to discuss with your child the different opportunities in vocal studies, and see what most excites them. Whether it’s Musical Theater’s teamwork and excitement, or Rock the Mic’s focus on how to make every unique voice shine, they’ll know what decision is right for them—or whether they want to round out their singing summer and try both!

Find out what's happening in Marina Del Reywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Performing Arts Workshops, winner of “Best Summer Camp” in LA Parent Magazine, offers an enriching day camp experience for children. Their camp programs include Rock The Mic, Musical Theater, Filmmaking, Guitar, Magic, Photography, Stage F/X Makeup, Camp LOL & Camp WOW – a debate camp for kids! It’s the ultimate arts experience for kids ages 5-15.

PAW teachers are nurturing, skilled instructors who have or are working towards their Bachelors or Masters degrees in their respective disciplines. Their teaching experience and knowledge, combined with the PAW philosophy, provides students with a level of training comparable to private studios and conservatories.

Trusted for over 30 years, PAW has 9 camp locations to choose from including; Brentwood, West LA, Manhattan Beach, RPV, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Pasadena, Northridge, and Studio City. For camp information call us at (310) 827-8827 or check out our website at www.PerformingArtsWorkshops.com.

Performing Arts Workshops ~ the ultimate ARTS experience.

Part Art…Part Play…ALL FUN!

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?