The Phil Dwyer Academy of Music (PDAM)

This unique and innovative summer music camp will provide a forum for amateur musicians of all ages to interact with a diverse faculty of professional musicians.

PDAM will run two camps this summer, one for high school students, and one for adults, each lasting for one week. The program will run out of The Old School House Arts Centre, with faculty and students performing both in-house concerts as well as community outreach performances at seniors’ residences.

August 7th to 12th, 2022

10:00am to 5:00pm + Friday Evening Concert

Students aged 14-19

The high school-age camp is for students interested in furthering their education in music and show potential to become professional musicians. These students will have the opportunity to work in a small group with instructors who are celebrated musicians and passionate educators. The students will also take workshops from industry pros and get hands-on experience in current technologies in recording, producing, and music writing software.

Basic music business/promotion knowledge will also be included in the curriculum. The camp will also include walks in nature, a trip to the beach, and other physical activities to ensure kids have a balanced work/play experience.

Learn more about the faculty here.

For the 2022 season the camp is a day camp and open to teens who attend schools from the local area including, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni and Courtenay/Comox. A maximum of 8 students will be picked to attend the camp.

The PDAM is supported by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia. This supports enables us to provide High School Aged attendees a $600 scholarship for the camp.

Fees $200

August 15th to 19th, 2022

10:00am to 5:00pm + Friday Evening Concert

Serious Adult Jazz Students

The adult camp is for accomplished amateur musicians who want to up their game and learn from high-level pro players.

Post-secondary music students are also invited to attend the camp.  

Fees $800