Program Information

The complete five-day, on-site experience: a minimum of 14 classes, exclusive performances, private lessons, jam sessions, recording studio, instrument room, recreational facilities, and the full slate of evening events – the Instructors Concert, The Big Dance, the Campers Concert, and the Grand Jam.

This program includes 2 morning classes (60 minutes each) in one of our five programs (Fiddle, Piano, Guitar, Step-Dance, or Vocal). Registration also includes 2 evening events:

• The Instructors Concert
• The Grand Jam

Ages: 8 and above
Level: ALL
Where: Lakefield College School
When: July 6 – 9, 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 11:45 am
Cost: $290.00

Chaperone required for students under 16, unless arrangements made with the Music Camp Office.

This program is a great opportunity for children to experience music in a dynamic and immersive way. Over the course of 4 mornings, participants will be exposed to a variety of instruments, musical styles, dancing, and songs.

See full Children’s Program details →

Instructors at Leahy Music Camp are musicians and artists who are skilled and knowledgeable in a variety of styles and genres. Participants will not only develop their own skills and technique, but benefit from the environment at Camp, which is filled with expertise, inspiration, creativity, and support.

Depending on the instructor, participants may learn by ear or note….maybe both. Participants can expect to learn new music, improvisation and accompaniment skills, creative approaches to music, and writing/composing strategies.

The fiddle program is intended for people who want to improve their technique, learn new music, and expose themselves to new styles and ways of playing. Depending on the background of each instructor, participants can expect to focus on:

• new music, tunes and styles
• ornaments
• bowing
• practice tools
• writing, arrangement, improvisation
• live performance & stage presence
• group performance

The piano program is intended for those who would like to expand their world on the piano. Participants will work with a variety of teachers who all play different styles. Special focus will be placed on technique, accompaniment strategies, writing, arranging, improvisation, and more.

The guitar program is intended for those who want to improve their skills on the guitar and expand their versatility with this instrument. Focus will be given to:

• specific tunes & styles
• chords, melody picking & guitar lines
• accompaniment strategies
• rhythm skills & strumming patterns
• fingerpicking
• improvisation
• strategies for practicing
• writing, arrangement & interpretation

The Dingwall Bass Program — proudly supported by Dingwall Designer Guitars — is for electric and upright players who want to anchor the groove and grow as musicians. Whether you’re picking up the bass for the first time or refining your craft, our bass faculty will help you lock in with any ensemble and play with confidence. Participants can expect to focus on:

• laying down a solid groove and locking in with the rhythm section
• walking bass lines, root–fifth patterns, and tasteful fills
• tone, technique, and right/left-hand control
• playing by ear, reading charts, and learning tunes quickly
• supporting Celtic, trad, folk, and contemporary styles
• improvisation and stepping out for a feature

Bring your own electric or upright bass. A limited number of Dingwall instruments may be available to try at Camp.

The step-dancing program is intended for those who are new to the world of step-dancing and for those who are experienced and want to take their dancing even further. Focus will be given to basic technique and style as well as to new steps, routines, and creative approaches to this very rich traditional style of Canadian dance.

The vocal program is intended for those who want to become stronger vocalists for personal or professional reasons. Participants will have the chance to sing and learn a variety of styles as well as gain tools that will give them longevity as singers. Instructors aim to help students find, develop, and strengthen their true unique voice.

Afternoon classes (electives) are set up so that students have the option to try something new as well as learn and develop in familiar areas. The Camp offers different electives every year depending on the musicians/guests teaching at the Camp – bass, drums, mandolin, accordion, writing/composition, recording, private lessons, lectures, special presentations, and more.