About
Rock & Roll Institute is a summer camp where campers start a band on Monday and play a show on Friday. The program focuses on playing in a rock n’ roll band, with an on-stage performance on Friday night. Instruments supported include guitars, drums, horns, keys, vocals, strings, percussion, and DJ, and campers are asked to show up with their instrument on Monday.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: 2026 Summer Camp with 4 weeks to choose from
Rock & Roll Institute states that its mission is to use rock and roll music as a vehicle to educate and inspire musical youth to forge their own musical path. The camp has an average 4:1 camper-to-instructor ratio and is run by experienced professional musicians and educators who have been active in the local arts community as performers, songwriters, private music teachers, band coaches, music producers, and teachers at both school district and college levels. Many instructors hold one or more college-level degrees in music, education, or both, and the organization notes that it has had a bass instructor since its very first camp 20 years ago.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Jessica Dobson, Camp Director Kevin Schwitters, and Founder Stuart Johnson. Staff examples include Kevin Schwitters, who holds a master’s degree in education and works as a high school English teacher, and Tony Crisman, who has played bass guitar for over 40 years, has taught for more than 25 years, and was voted Rockford’s “BEST BASS PLAYER” at the first Rockford Area Music Industry awards. Rock & Roll Institute is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
The camp provides optional performance opportunities for campers throughout the year within the community. Testimonials from a 2023 camper, the Executive Director, and a parent describe experiences with friendship, collaboration, and feeling understood at Rock & Roll Institute.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: 2026 Summer Camp with 4 weeks to choose from
Rock & Roll Institute states that its mission is to use rock and roll music as a vehicle to educate and inspire musical youth to forge their own musical path. The camp has an average 4:1 camper-to-instructor ratio and is run by experienced professional musicians and educators who have been active in the local arts community as performers, songwriters, private music teachers, band coaches, music producers, and teachers at both school district and college levels. Many instructors hold one or more college-level degrees in music, education, or both, and the organization notes that it has had a bass instructor since its very first camp 20 years ago.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Jessica Dobson, Camp Director Kevin Schwitters, and Founder Stuart Johnson. Staff examples include Kevin Schwitters, who holds a master’s degree in education and works as a high school English teacher, and Tony Crisman, who has played bass guitar for over 40 years, has taught for more than 25 years, and was voted Rockford’s “BEST BASS PLAYER” at the first Rockford Area Music Industry awards. Rock & Roll Institute is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
The camp provides optional performance opportunities for campers throughout the year within the community. Testimonials from a 2023 camper, the Executive Director, and a parent describe experiences with friendship, collaboration, and feeling understood at Rock & Roll Institute.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
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