Rock 'n Roll Camp for Girls: How to Start a Band, Write Songs, Record an Album, and Rock Out! [Paperback]

Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls (Author), Carrie Brownstein (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 11, 2008

Girls, get ready to rock! Since 2001, the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls has taught legions of girls, ages 8 to 18, how to let loose and rock out. This book brings the camp's inspiring, hands-on approach and advice from its all-star crew of female musiciansto girls everywhere. Fun and informative features offer instruction and tips on how to play instruments, write songs, publicize a show, sing your heart out, and much more. Featuring a short history of women in rock, 50 awesome illustrations and photos of young bands, and contributions by members of Sleater-Kinney, the Gossip, Mirah, and others, Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls will have readers turning up their amps in no time.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book benefits the Portland camp and helps provide future programming.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Whether offering advice on how to find the "right" guitar or deconstructing the notion of selling out, Rock 'n' Roll gives girls a much-needed space to redefine themselves by embracing ideas sorely lacking in much of today's young female demographic. The book makes concepts such as self-worth and originality, which are coming-of-age values parents often struggle to convey to their kids, more accessible in the language of power chords and lyrics. Venus magazine

JOHN JAMES, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST
Playfully illustrated and smartly empowering, the nearly 200 pages can take a young girl from rock dreams to putting out a CD and going on tour, holding hands through picking an instrument, writing your first song, forming a band, and booking an all-ages show.

TYEE BOOKS
Do I ever wish someone had given me this book 10 years ago, before I began a lifelong streak of joining crappy Blink-182 cover bands with guys who wanted nothing more than to wank on the guitar. This is an honest, useful how-to for young ladies interested in making innovative rock music in the vein of Sleater-Kinney and old-school Riot Grrl...

About the Author

The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, a nonprofit organization devoted to building girls' self-esteem through music creation and performance, is located in Portland, Oregon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (June 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811852229
• ISBN-13: 978-0811852227
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.6 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #481,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great books for young girls July 6, 2009

By Tracy

Format:Paperback

This book was a great book for my daughter. She has been reading it ever since I gave it to her. After reading part way through she has decided to start playing the guitar. If you have a daughter who is musicly talented then get this book for her.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too October 30, 2008

By TeensReadToo

Format:Paperback

The actual, real Rock'N' Roll Camp for Girls teaches girls ages 8 to 18 how to make music and start a band in just a short amount of time. And now they're teaching you.

ROCK'N'ROLL CAMP FOR GIRLS covers more than what you might think. Not only does it cover all of the things mentioned in the title, it also gives you step-by-step instructions on how to play instruments like the guitar, how to pick one out, self-defense methods, and so many other things.

I'm not in a band, I don't plan to start one, and I've never even touched a guitar in my life, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Yes, there were a ton of essays about guitars and other things that were pretty much written in a foreign language to me, but there's so many other articles in this book! I absolutely loved those on writing songs, but I think
my favorite ones would have to be on self-defense because, let's face it - no matter who you are or where you live, you're most likely going to need to know some of that at least once in your life.

So, whether you're in a band, interested in starting one, a genius at playing guitar, or musically challenged, I recommend picking up this book, even if it is only for the self-defense tips!

Reviewed by: Harmony

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring-meets girls on their level & gives them tools they need July 9, 2008

By April Whitney

Format:Paperback

I saw the film "Girls Rock!" in March and was blown away by the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls. Their organization gives girls the tools they need to play an instrument, start a band and play/record music. The book is written by the crew that puts on the original Camp, so their 7 years of experience is palpable. The Camp and book are much more than a rock star fantasy camp, it is a place where girls can build confidence, self-esteem and discover a means of self-expression.

The book, like the camp, addresses ideas and situations that impart real-world knowledge for the girls that other books would ignore altogether. It discusses how to promote a band, book gigs and even set-up a mic & PA system. All things that an independent band must do to get by. The "hidden" lesson here is how to be self-reliant and promote oneself, which is something these girls will need in their lives, be they musicians, doctors or a stay-at-home moms.

The camp has been so successful that it has spawned 12 other camps throughout the US and some foreign countries. Some camps also hold sessions for women, called Ladies Rock Camp. Evidently the need is there and the camps (which are always sold out) are fulfilling it. This book is a great resource for those who can't attend a camp, want to hold their own camp (what a fun summer activity!) or those who are curious about music and need a helping hand.

I HIGHLY recommend this book for girls ages 7-18 (and even ladies, too!).