About
Rock & Roll Institute focuses on band practice with a dedicated instructor for each band, along with a daily Master Class. The program also includes a Graphic Arts program and a Production program. Campers prepare for an end-of-camp performance, with optional performance opportunities within the community available throughout the year.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: One-week session from December 29th, 2025, through January 2nd, 2026; each camp day begins with a Master Class followed by band practice
• Price: Graphic Arts program enrollment requires a $100 deposit per week, refunded at the end of camp
Rock & Roll Institute states the mission “to use Rock and Roll music as a vehicle to educate and inspire musical youth to forge their own musical path.” The program operates with an average 4:1 camper-to-instructor ratio. Staff members are experienced professional musicians and educators from the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin area, with roles in the local arts community as performers, songwriters, private music teachers, band coaches, music producers, and teachers in regional school districts and at the college level. Many instructors hold one or more college-level degrees in music, education, or both, and Camp Director Kevin Schwitters holds a master’s degree in education and is employed as a high school English teacher. The leadership team includes Executive Director Jessica Dobson, Camp Director Kevin Schwitters, and Founder Stuart Johnson. The Rock and Roll Institute is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
The program highlights the idea “Start A Band On Monday...Play A Show On Friday,” and notes that campers are expected to show up with their instrument on Monday and play on stage in a rock and roll band by Friday night. Production enrollment requires a code provided by a Rock & Roll Institute member, and the Production camp requires commitment and attendance for each day plus the end-of-camp performance. The camp also states that instruments, “the noise,” and a “spirit to rock out” should be brought to participate.
Testimonials describe individual experiences, including a 2023 camper who reported meeting friends with similar interests and feeling a boost in confidence, an Executive Director who described gaining confidence, collaboration, and lifelong friendships, and a parent who reported that her daughter went from stage fright to fronting a band and singing within five days.
Last updated January 11, 2026.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: One-week session from December 29th, 2025, through January 2nd, 2026; each camp day begins with a Master Class followed by band practice
• Price: Graphic Arts program enrollment requires a $100 deposit per week, refunded at the end of camp
Rock & Roll Institute states the mission “to use Rock and Roll music as a vehicle to educate and inspire musical youth to forge their own musical path.” The program operates with an average 4:1 camper-to-instructor ratio. Staff members are experienced professional musicians and educators from the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin area, with roles in the local arts community as performers, songwriters, private music teachers, band coaches, music producers, and teachers in regional school districts and at the college level. Many instructors hold one or more college-level degrees in music, education, or both, and Camp Director Kevin Schwitters holds a master’s degree in education and is employed as a high school English teacher. The leadership team includes Executive Director Jessica Dobson, Camp Director Kevin Schwitters, and Founder Stuart Johnson. The Rock and Roll Institute is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
The program highlights the idea “Start A Band On Monday...Play A Show On Friday,” and notes that campers are expected to show up with their instrument on Monday and play on stage in a rock and roll band by Friday night. Production enrollment requires a code provided by a Rock & Roll Institute member, and the Production camp requires commitment and attendance for each day plus the end-of-camp performance. The camp also states that instruments, “the noise,” and a “spirit to rock out” should be brought to participate.
Testimonials describe individual experiences, including a 2023 camper who reported meeting friends with similar interests and feeling a boost in confidence, an Executive Director who described gaining confidence, collaboration, and lifelong friendships, and a parent who reported that her daughter went from stage fright to fronting a band and singing within five days.
Last updated January 11, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.