​Welcome to the Amp Camp Facilitator Preparation modules

These short modules are designed to introduce some of the ideas, philosophies, and teaching approaches that shape the culture of Amp Camp. The goal is not to provide a single “correct” way to teach music, but to invite reflection, experimentation, collaboration, and conversation as we prepare for camp together.

At Amp Camp, we believe meaningful music-making can happen in many different ways. Throughout these modules, we will explore how musical environments can help students experience:

• contribution
• expression
• belonging
• enjoyment

These ideas shape how we think about participation, creativity, facilitation, and collaboration at camp.

You are not expected to already have all the answers or teach perfectly. In many ways, Amp Camp is a space for teachers to experiment, reflect, try new ideas, and learn alongside students and other educators.

​We’re excited you’re here and grateful you’re part of creating a musical environment where students can participate meaningfully, contribute creatively, connect with others, and enjoy making music together.

Module 1 — Teaching Through Participation

Begin Module 1

Downloadable PDF

This module introduces some of the foundational ideas that shape the learning environment at Amp Camp.
In this module, we will explore:

• participation-centered music learning
• meaningful music-making
• facilitation
• creativity and ownership
• the idea that teachers are learning too

At Amp Camp, we believe meaningful music-making involves more than performance alone. We want students to experience:

• contribution
• expression
• belonging
• enjoyment

As you move through this module, the goal is not to memorize a teaching method or arrive at a single “correct” approach. Instead, this module is meant to encourage reflection about the kinds of musical environments we create and how students experience participation within them.
Most importantly, this module is an invitation to think, experiment, and learn together as we prepare for camp.

Module 2 — Designing Musical Environments for Participation

Begin Module 2

Downloadable PDF

In this module, we’ll explore how different music learning environments shape participation, creativity, collaboration, ownership, and engagement. Rather than focusing on one “correct” way to teach music, this module invites us to think more intentionally about the kinds of musical experiences our classrooms and rehearsals are designed to create.

As you move through the video and reflection questions, the goal is not to evaluate your teaching or arrive at perfect answers. The goal is to begin noticing how structure, facilitation, emotional safety, and opportunities for student decision-making influence the ways students experience music-making together.

This module also continues the idea that Amp Camp is a space for experimentation and learning for coaches too. Participatory music-making can sometimes feel exciting, uncertain, creative, messy, collaborative, and deeply meaningful. Often all at the same time.

Module 3 — Facilitation Moves: Teaching Inside Participation

Begin Module 3

Downloadable PDF

In this module, we’ll explore five facilitation moves that help shape meaningful music-making environments at Amp Camp: redirecting, naming, structuring, scaffolding, and modeling.

These moves are not about controlling every musical outcome or following a strict teaching method. Instead, they are tools that help teachers support participation, creativity, collaboration, confidence, and belonging within musical spaces.

As students create, experiment, problem solve, and work together, teachers are constantly making decisions about when to guide, when to step back, how to provide support, and how to help participation continue moving forward.

The goal is not perfect teaching.

The goal is helping students experience meaningful participation through music.