2024 registration is open! click here to register!

What is Otis Music Camp?

Otis Music Camp is a two week music camp for students ages 12 - 18 that takes place in June. This camp is designed to empower youth to find their voice, grow as musicians, get exposed to different aspects of the music business, and learn how to better navigate an ever changing music industry. Campers will be guided by our team of world-class coaches to write original music that will be recorded in our on-site studio, and then performed at the grand finale performance.

Find your voice

Students of all musical abilities can attend Otis Music Camp to gain knowledge and experience that will enrich their personal and creative growth. Our coaches meet students where they are and work to help them achieve the goals they set at camp, so they can get the most out of the experience. We aim to instill confidence in each student no matter what their personal or professional goals are.

No genre left behind

Whatever genre a student is interested in, we will help them explore it. In past camps, we have had students involved in Pop, R&B, Rock, Classical, Folk, Jazz, Rap, and more!

Our coaches come from all different musical backgrounds so students of any genre will have someone to help inspire them to grow as an artist.

A firm foundation

Students will receive instruction on the fundamentals of music theory, songwriting, and performance that creates a foundation for young artists to grow in their craft. Students will also learn about the fundamentals of the business, including copyrights, PROs, and money management.

More than just music

There are so many different roles outside of being an artist that contribute to the music industry. We create opportunities for students to learn about other parts of the industry like production, management, publishing, stage production, and more.

Express yourself

Music is a powerful form of human expression. We encourage students to express themselves every step of the way. We instill the message to students that you don’t have to be an artist to be a part of the music business and just because you are an artist, doesn’t mean you have to be in the business. You can do it simply for the joy it brings.

What parents are saying

“William came to this camp last year and he absolutely loves it. It gives William and opportunity to express himself creatively. William is very researched, he knows a lot about sports, he knows a lot about all genres of music, he knows a lot about history. So he doesn’t quite fit in, but here he’s around young people who are just like him, so that makes me feel so confident knowing that at least during the summer he’s able to be around children that enjoy the same things that William enjoys. So this camp is just wonderful… I love it and it’s just right for Macon and Middle Georgia.”

- Dr. Rhonda Green Barnes, Parent of OMC student

OMC Summer Songwriter Award

The best song from the camp will be selected to receive the Otis Redding Foundation Summer Songwriter’s Award.

The winner of the award will have the opportunity to record a music video for their song and have it released on digital streaming platforms.

The winner will also get red carpet treatment at An Evening of Respect on September 6th

2023 Recipient: Sophia Clarke

Check out other songs from previous camps

We don’t want finances to be a barrier to education

Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community through the education and empowerment of its youth. Prior to his untimely passing in 1967, Otis Redding was already awarding scholarships to young students continuing their education. We aim to continue Otis’ mission of empowering kids to pursue education opportunities.

We offer partial and full scholarships to students with financial needs

scholarship application

Otis Music Camp 2024 is June 3rd - 15th

Campers will experience:

• Music theory education
• Instrumental training
• Songwriting workshops
• Music business workshops

• Collaborative songwriting sessions
• Recording sessions
• Performance opportunities
• and more!

FAQs

This year’s OMC will be held at Mt. DeSales Academy in Macon, Georgia
OMC runs Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm with a finale performance on the Satuday of the second week (June 15th)
A full run of schedule will be sent to the parents of each camper
Students can be dropped off, at the earliest, 30 minutes before camp starts and be picked up 30 minutes after camp, at the latest
Yes! Lunch and snacks will be provided!
Not at all! While it is always a good thing to have musical skills coming into camp, we welcome students of all musical backgrounds and experience levels.
Unfortunately, we don’t provide housing for out of town students, but we have previously partnered with local hotels and Air BnBs to get discounted rates for out of town students that are accompanied by a parent. For more information email us at foundation@orfmacon.org