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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently-asked-questions. If you still need assistance, our contact information is in the right column of this page.

Thank you!

Q. What is Drum Fantasy Camp?

A. Drum Fantasy Camp is the world's leading drum education experience. It is a unique event where drummers of all levels and from all over the world learn from the very best drummers in the world - all in an intimate and personal setting. Classes are limited to just 20. Attendees spend one full day with each of our four instructors, attend an amazing concert, and attend three Jam Nights where they get to play with world-class musicians.

Q. What makes Drum Fantasy Camp different from other drum camps?

A. First and foremost, it's our instructors. Year-after-year, our drumming instructors are among the most accomplished drummers in the world. Their recording and performance credits speak volumes, and each is a world-class educator. Additionally, it's the musicians. No other camp assembles a band like ours. As an attendee, you get to watch and perform with top industry pros. We also offer an optional recording/production course with legendary recording/live engineer Dennis Moody!

Q. Where and when is the camp taking place?

A. The 2024 camp will take place at the amazing The Colburn School in Los Angeles, CA, from August 2-6.  The Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza will host our overnight guests. The hotel is just a few hundred feet from The Colburn School in a beautiful part of downtown Los Angeles, right across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Lots of great food options right outside the hotel and nice short walk to the camp!

Q. What does the camp cost?

A. Pricing is available on the camp information page (just scroll down that page).

Q.  What about COVID-19?

A. COVID-19 restrictions have not existed in Los Angeles for two years. But government policies can change. By registering for Drum Fantasy Camp, you will be agreeing to comply with all local/county/state COVID-19 regulations (including any rules instituted by The Colburn School/Omni hotel) during the timeframe of the camp, should any rule be instituted. You can view current guidelines here and we will keep registered attendees notified of any changes.

Q. How do I know if I am at the right playing level in order to enjoy and appreciate this experience?

A. Drum Fantasy Camp is designed for drummers of all levels. When you fill out the registration form, you will tell us about your playing level and we will use this information to place with a group of similar drummers.

The classes are intimate and cover broad concepts plus more focused individual topics. There are 20 or less participants in each class, so your input affects how the class runs. Even if you're not a high-level player, you'll love the camp if you enjoy talking it and learning about drums.

Q. What about food?

A. Food is not included as we don't want to make those choices for our guests. But food is everywhere in downtown Los Angeles! The hotel's restaurant is great, and there is a food court directly behind the hotel in the plaza outside. There are some amazing food trucks parked outside during the day. Further, The Colburn School has its own cafe right onsite.

Q. Is this an "overnight" camp?

A. This is your choice. Our hotel packages include August 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the hotel. Additional nights can be added at the group rate of $199 + tax. We offer a non-hotel package for those who do not need a room. You can add the hotel package at any time while rooms in our block last. Just write to us at questions@drumfantasycamp.com . Please do not call the hotel about reservations in our room block. They will not be able to help you.

If you would like a shared room, we can assign a roommate, or you can stay with someone in particular. The shared room saves you half the hotel cost.

Q. I can't stay for the whole camp. Can I come for only part of the camp?

A. Yes. You can choose one and two-day packages and combine them to fit your needs. Click here to read about camp packages. One and two-day packages have limited availability and usually become available in the spring. We stop offering them after designated spots have been filled - usually by July.

Q. What is the general atmosphere of the camp? Is it competitive? Am I good enough?

A. Drumming is part of making music, and music is not a competition. At Drum Fantasy Camp, you learn and share perspectives on drumming in the most positive and professional manner. And we have found that many past attendees have stayed in touch after the camp.

There is a lot of bonding and sharing of information at the camp. It's a great atmosphere.

Q. What kind of access will I have to the instructors?

A. Full-camp attendees will spend an entire day (six hours of class time) with each instructor. The entire staff will be available throughout the camp. Though they will need breaks just as all the campers will, you will find them hanging around between classes, during the jams, and in the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

These are great times to ask questions and get answers.

Q. How old do you have to be to attend this camp?

A. Drum Fantasy Camp attracts attendees from age 8 to 75. All are welcome, but there are a few guidelines for younger attendees:

Participants must be 18 years-of-age to stay overnight at the camp alone. Participants under the age of 18 may stay overnight if accompanied by a parent or approved family member.

Parents/spouses are not allowed in the classes - both to maximize space and minimiaze distractions. The hotel offers WiFi and parents/spouses are welcome to hang out with camp director Steven Orkin during the day! Parents/spouses are also welcome at the Jam Nights and concert.

Q. I want to bring a group of students. Is there a discount?

A. Absolutely. Please write to us at questions@drumfantasycamp.com to discuss a group discount.

Q. What should I bring to the camp?

A. Please make sure to bring your favorite pair of sticks, a practice pad, and a stand (if possible) to hold your practice pad. There may be some extra stands available and there are drum stores close by if you cannot travel with a pad/stand.

Q. Can I take photos and film at the camp?

A. You are encouraged to take photos and post them anywhere you want! Filming and audio recordings in classes are strictly prohibited. Filming of your performance (not instructors) at the Jam Nights is allowed but uploading that footage to YouTube/Facebook or anywhere online is forbidden unless the footage is made UNLISTED (not viewable by the general public or searchable in search engines).

Q. What styles of drumming are covered at the camp?

A. The curriculum of Drum Fantasy Camp focuses on building a foundation of solid technique, practice routines, performance, and music industry knowledge. Several styles will be addressed depending on the instructors and the attendees.

See the instructors page for more information about their experience and styles.

Q. Is the opening concert open to the public?

A. Yes - anyone can attend our concert and it is an all-ages show. Due to the size of the venue, seating is limited. Click here to learn more and get tickets.

Q. Who is running this camp?

A. Drum Fantasy Camp is owned and operated by Orkin Marketing and Management, Inc., a company that provides services to artists such as Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Mike Stern, and other top players. The camp has been designed by OMM with the direct input of the instructors, but is owned and operated privately.

Q. What if I need to cancel my registration? What is the cancellation policy?

A. Please see the bottom of the registration page to where we have our cancellation policy.

Q. I would like my company to be a sponsor of the camp. What is available?

A. Click here to contact us with your proposal.

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More Information

   
   
Questions?

Write or call and we will be happy to help you!

Steven Orkin
Camp Director
questions@drumfantasycamp.com