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Sounds of Freedom: Fun Exploration of American Jazz, Blues, & Rock n Roll

ONE-TIME Mulit-Level Workshop for Violin, Viola, Cello, & Bass

Celebrate America’s 250th by exploring some of the most impactful musical genres of the 20th Century. The Sounds of Freedom have emanated across America over the centuries. Get in the groove and play jazz, blues, & rock n roll... on string instruments! Have a blast learning in a string “band”! Experience the different approaches & stylistic nuances, and consider the historical and cultural significance of the music of these generations in America. Never played jazz, blues, or rock n roll? No problem! NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH THESE MUSICAL STYLES is NECESSARY. You’ll learn step by step and be jammin’ in no time! THIS YEAR ONLY!!! (This is a ONE-TIME OFFERING, & WILL NOT HAPPEN NEXT YEAR.)
APPLY NOW!

July 14-18, 2026 (Tues - Sat)

Held in Canandaigua NY (Finger Lakes Region in western New York State)

Travel In: Tues July 14  Casual, Fun Evening Cookout Starts at 6:15pm. Get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment.

Travel Back: Sun July 19  Activities go through Saturday. Stay around & relax before traveling on Sunday.

Happy 25th Anniversary, Scor! Join us for our 149th event!

Deadline: Save $300 off regular prices with Early Price, only through March 31. 

For pricing info, continue down the page.

Happy Anniversary! Scor! 25th, USA 250th

Come Celebrate 🎇 Uniquely American Milestones, Styles, & Composers. 



Explore the rich history of music-making in America. The many diverse & beautiful sounds of freedom have emanated across this land. 

It's hard to get more All-American than jazz, blues, & rock n roll! Enjoy a FUN exploration of these unique & pivotal American styles at this event! 

**Celebrate by making music together this summer!**

What is Sounds of Freedom like?

Violin, Viola, Cello, & Bass - Everyone can play jazz, blues, & rock n roll!

Do you enjoy jazz, blues, & rock n roll? Want to explore some unique styles and play really fun music with friends? How about improving your bowing techniques so you can sound better in any style? You'll explore melody, harmony, & accompaniment parts, & have loads of fun jamming and grooving to styles rooted in American history & culture. Learn fun jazz & blues tunes, & "rock out" to upbeat early rock n roll.

Did you come from a classical background, but want to try other styles? You've come to the right place! You'll learn the basics of jazz, blues, & rock n roll styles step by step, and find yourself getting in the groove in no time! And you'll even get to use sheet music!

Have you already tried other styles, but want to learn skills and techniques that will help you sound & feel better when you play? As long as you read music, you've also come to the right place! Plus, you'll have tons of fun playing and learning tunes with friends!


***Have you had a negative experience with other styles such as jazz, blues, or rock, where everyone around you is whizzing through a tune they all know and there's no sheet music, so you can't keep up?***

THAT WON'T HAPPEN HERE!

Many bands & jam sessions simply play well-known tunes, and people look at you funny when you don't know the tunes by heart. Well, at Sounds of Freedom, we actually teach technique and style step by step. We'll provide sheet music for each tune, so you won't feel lost or overwhelmed. We'll break down the instruction step by step so you'll be able to transform your playing during the week! We'll try a little playing by ear, step by step, so you can get the hang of it, without everyone whizzing by you on a mysterious tune! (And, we'll provide sheet music afterward so you can see what you were trying to play!)

Is this you?

Have you ever felt like...

  • I enjoy exploring new types of music.
  • Playing jazz, blues, & rock n roll could be so much fun, especially with others!
  • I'd love to learn how to actually play these styles that are so fun to listen to, and sound good too!


But...

  • I'm not sure where to go to get that kind of experience.
  • There are jazz & rock bands in my area, but they don't include string players.
  • Jazz & blues players don't provide sheet music, and don't show me how to do things better.
  • I've played some jazz, blues, & rock tunes, but it doesn't  sound like it's supposed to.
  • I'm not how to improve my playing in these styles.


Do you want to...

  • be immersed in learning, playing, and enjoying jazz, blues, & rock n roll?
  • try new styles that are extremely fun & can broaden your playing horizons?
  • learn step by step various techniques and tricks that can help you sound better right away?
  • have fun jamming on some jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes daily with friends & an instructor, and actually have sheet music to use?


Join us this summer at Sounds of Freedom!


What will I experience at Sounds of Freedom?

You will...

  • Experience the fun of daily learning and playing jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes with an instructor and friends!
  • Learn the differences between the various styles, and the tricks you need to sound authentic.
  • Learn and hone many technical and practical skills to boost your playing.
  • Dabble in step by step playing by ear (with sheet music to back you up).
  • Have fun exploring styles that are less common for string players to participate in, but just as fun!

What's unique about this workshop?

String players often get left on the sidelines when jazz, blues, & rock n roll are featured. But why should they? Many well-known string-playing artists have mastered these genres for decades! Come and experience a unique approach where you'll not only get instruction in each style, but the whole event will also be catered to you as a string player. It's not the same to learn jazz on a trumpet, sax, or keyboard as it is on a violin, viola, or cello. String players have unique challenges, but also unique strengths when it comes to these styles. Hear from string playing & teaching experts just what to do to get your groove on & enjoy playing fun jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes in the Groove Ensemble.

This workshop is very unique in that adult string players from all backgrounds can come to enjoy these groove-based styles without any prior experience, with sheet music, & with specific expert string instruction. And, it's only happening once, so if you want to experience a unique, fun exploration of jazz, blues, & rock n roll, build your skills, & groove with your string-playing friends, please join us!


What's the Atmosphere like at Scor!?

The atmosphere at Scor! is unique & special. It's a learning, growing, fun, exciting, supportive, encouraging, educational, low-pressure, challenging, inspirational, & transformational experience. And, it's tailored especially for adult string players like you & at your level by national leaders in the field of adult string education. Plus, you'll have a great time in the relaxed, fun atmosphere. So, you'll make music with newfound friends in ensemble, participate in unique & amazingly informative instructional sessions, and work with incredible, knowledgeable faculty. It's a special immersion experience created just for you!

Camaraderie

Are you hungry for some REAL HUMAN CONNECTION? How about MUSICAL CAMARADERIE? We all need connection with others. And music-making is something done in community with other people – an amazing gift we can share with each other. There is nothing quite like experiencing the beautiful unity of a piece played by many individuals, yet creating one sound of coordinated rhythm, pitch, harmony, emotion, & spirit. It's so special to be part of an ensemble, and in addition hang out, socialize, & FEEL CONNECTED TO A LIKE-MINDED COMMUNITY.

Faculty

National Leading Experts in Adult String Education

Don't miss working with our extraordinary faculty. After over 25 years of working with adult string players, WE KNOW ALL ABOUT YOUR PLAYING SUCCESSES, STRUGGLES, JOYS, & CHALLENGES. And we know exactly what to do to get you sounding great & feeling even better. So, get ready for your playing to soar to the next level!
Hear Faculty Perform & See Bios at Faculty Page HERE

Sounds of Freedom FAQs

  • Why is this event called Sounds of Freedom?

    We're celebrating America's 250th by exploring these incredibly impactful musical genres of the 20th Century.

  • What music will we play?

    We'll play jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes.

  • Do I need to have previous experience with jazz, blues, or rock n roll?

    Nope! We'll teach you everything you need to know step by step! You will need to meet a certain minimum level of playing and be able to read music. (See "Is this event the right level for me? below).

  • Will I be able to use sheet music?

    Absolutely! You'll be provided sheet music for all our playing, learning, and jamming sessions. We'll just dabble in playing by ear a little, step by step, but you'll have some sheet music to check in with. NO WORRIES!

  • If I'm a less advanced player, will I be overwhelmed by fast music so I can't keep up?

    No, you'll be just fine. You'll learn new tunes step by step. You'll be able to play a part and tempo that is comfortable and doable for you. The tunes won't be too hard, and there are lots of options for adjusting the levels so everyone is comfortable as we go.

  • Isn't jazz really difficult?

    Not necessarily. Jazz isn't easy or difficult by nature, it's just a style. It can be easy to play some jazz tunes, and hard to play others. We'll start at a level that is reachable & comfortable for everyone, and then offer more advanced options as we go for the more ambitious players.

  • Do I have to improvise or play solos?

    Nope! We'll be playing from sheet music as a group, so no worries! You'll learn some stylistic tricks & have loads of fun!

  • Should I wait to come until I'm better?

    NO! Instead, you should COME NOW SO YOU CAN GET BETTER. If you wait to come, you'll delay your progress, & miss your opportunity to build your confidence & get better NOW!

  • Will this event be offered next year?

    This event is a ONE-TIME OFFER and will not be offered next year. If you want to explore jazz, blues, & rock n roll in a fun, unique, one-time only workshop designed exclusively for adult string players, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

  • What if I want to do another event but I'm also interested in Sounds of Freedom?

    Join others who are coming to both! And... get $300 off the 2nd event!

  • Can violins, violas, & cellos play jazz? Isn't it only bass players?

    Absolutely, all string players can play jazz! Jazz is just a style of music, not a set of instruments. So, the style can be learned & experienced on any instrument.

  • Are there any famous jazz violinists, violists, or cellists?

    Yes! Famous jazz violinists include Stuff Smith, Joe Venuti, Christian Howes, Stephane Grappelli, Jean Luc Ponty, & Regina Carter. Jazz violinists will often double on viola or play electric 5-string, combining the two, but Clarence Gatemouth Brown is a jazz violist (check out his viola solo in "Leftover Blues" on YouTube). Well-known jazz cellists include Fred Katz & David Darling.

Scor! 2025 Campers Say...

(from last year's one-time event "String Theory")

"Scor! is amazing, because no where else can I come to play music, learn a lot, in a beautiful setting, with wonderful people, who play at my level (or don't mind when I don't : - ), all organized, taught and masterminded by Beth & Kyle, who are lovely people and wonderful teachers!"

"Really interesting & valuable camp for me."

"Everyone is welcome, all abilities & musical interests, no judgement! You WILL learn and have fun at the same time, plus meet lots of really great people. I look forward to Scor! Camp all year!"

"Warning -->Scor! becomes essential each year cause it is soooo fun and invigorates my playing!"


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Hesitant? Afraid? Terrified?

So many people say they are afraid (or even terrified!) to come to Scor!. How sad! What missed opportunity to experience profound and life-changing growth & transformation, to belong with a precious family, to feast & have loads of fun!


We asked campers at last year's one-time event: What would you say to someone who felt hesitant to come?

 Here are their words in their own handwriting...




Is This Event the Right Level for me?

Each event has been designed with certain levels in mind. Come an event that's right for you! You'll feel right at home surrounded by others at your level with your musical interests. The ensemble music & instruction is catered right to you, giving you the best possible musical, learning, and community experience.

At Sounds of Freedom, we accept participants at the Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, & Advanced Levels.

Is one of these levels right for you?

What about other levels?

For complete descriptions of all 5 levels, plus event recommendations for each level, see our In-Person Levels Page.

Sounds of Freedom Schedule

July 14-18, 2026 (Tues - Sat, travel back on Sun)

Tues: Travel in. 6:15 - 8pm Kickoff Cookout!

Wed 10:00-5:30

Thurs 10:00-5:30

Fri 10:00-1:00 Enjoy Area; 1:30-8:00 Rehearsals & Fun Dinner

Sat 10:00-3:30

Sun: Travel back

See below for more details!

Full Detailed Event Schedule

Tuesday (6:15pm-8:00pm)

Daytime: Travel into Town/ Check into Lodging

6:15 - 8:00 Welcome Cookout (FREE FOOD!)

Join us for a free get-to-know-you hang out and chill evening with a dinner cookout right at the Scor! Venue on Tuesday evening from 6:15 - 8pm. Meet your faculty & all your new friends, chow down, & relax after traveling.

Wednesday (10:00-5:30)

9:30 – 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 10:30 Orientation

10:45 – 11:45 Session: Intro to Jazz & Blues

12:00 – 12:45 Groove Ensemble Rehearsal: Jazz Tunes

12:45 – 1:45 Lunch Break

2:00 – 3:15 Session: Bowing Techniques for Jazz & Blues

3:15 - 4:00 Break - Enjoy the outdoors, chat, shop, practice, ask questions

4:00 – 5:30 Groove Ensemble Jam Session: play jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes

6:00 – 7:30 Dinner at Restaurant


Thursday (10:00-5:30)

9:30 – 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 11:15 Groove Ensemble Rehearsal: Jazz & Blues Tunes

11:45 – 12:30 Session: All About Instruments & Bows with Luthier from The String House

12:30 – 1:00 String House Exhibit Open

12:45 – 1:45 Lunch Break

2:00 – 3:15 Session: Style Explorations - Gospel, Jazz, & Blues Approaches & Techniques

3:15 – 4:00 Instrument & Bow Q&A/ Trying Session with String House

4:00 – 5:30 Groove Ensemble Jam Session: play jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes

6:00 – 7:30 Dinner at Restaurant


Friday (1:30-8:30)

10:00 - 12:00 Enjoy the Area Tourist Time

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Out

1:00 – 1:30 Arrive back at Venue

1:30 – 3:00 Session: Rock Out with Rock n Roll

3:30 – 4:15 Relax & Listen: Faculty Music Sharing Showcase

4:45 – 6:00 Groove Ensemble Jam Session: play jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes

6:00 – 7:00 Fun Dinner on Site

7:00 – 8:00 Sunset Social Hour: Conversations/Informal Jamming


Saturday (10:00-3:30)

9:30 - 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 11:30 Groove Ensemble Rehearsal: Jazz, Blues, & Rock n Roll Tunes

11:45 – 12:45 Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 Groove Ensemble Jam Session: play jazz, blues, & rock n roll tunes

2:30 – 3:30 Music Sharing Time

5:30 - 7:00 Optional Relaxing Dinner Out


Sunday

Travel back. Or... consider staying in the area a few extra days to further enjoy your music vacation!

*This schedule may change or have minor adjustments, but the start and end times each day will remain the same. Attendees will receive updated schedule info over email.

Schedule FAQs

When should I travel? Travel in on Tuesday in time for the Kickoff Cookout. Travel back on Sunday. (See top of page for more specifics.)

Should I plan to leave early? You have traveled all the way here. You've put forth all the effort of planning and invested in yourself. Why sell yourself short? Why miss out on the final hours of camp? Would you leave a lovely restaurant meal or treasured vacation before it was over? Don't think so. You'd milk it! Or would you leave your plane flight before it was over? (Not recommended! : - ) We know you're the kind of person that doesn't give up, and finishes what you started. So why miss out on the final hours of camp? You'll want to milk every bit of your Scor! experience, and get your money's worth. Plus, you won't want to miss out on the best part - the Final Music Sharing at the end of Saturday! Relax. Plan to stay and travel back on Sunday!

Should I plan to be available the whole time? The event schedule is designed to provide you with a fantastic experience. Make sure you arrange your schedule so that you don't miss out on any of it! That's how you'll get the most out of your experience. Don't try to go to work, or squeeze in other committments around your Scor! experience. Plan your schedule around the start and end times above.

Am I going to be playing my instrument for 6-8 hours a day? Not exactly. Amidst our rehearsals & classes, there is plenty of time in the schedule to rest, converse, and relax. And rehearsals and classes involve playing, but also stopping, listening, and waiting. The schedule is balanced so you'll enjoy lots of playing and learning, but also have the needed breaks to help your physical and mental stamina.

Where are Scor! Events?

In Canandaigua, in the western New York State Finger Lakes Region

Canandaigua (can-an-DAY-gwa) is a jewel in the nationally recognized Finger Lakes Region of NY, known for its 5 large finger-shaped lakes. Wineries & breweries abound, in addition to a variety of dining and shopping experiences, outdoor recreation, historic atmosphere, and loads of summer fun!
Imagine your Music Vacation: Play & Stay in the Finger Lakes!

Where's Canandaigua?

Canandaigua is situated in western New York State, about 35 minutes southeast of Rochester, 1.75 hours east of Niagara Falls, & almost 6 hours northwest of New York City. (Flying? It's Rochester NY - ROC.)

Discover Where to Stay, What to Do, & more area info for your Music Vacation!

What about the Scor! Venue?

Join us on the Mountaintop!

Make music and enjoy your Mountaintop Experience at our peaceful, inspiring mountain retreat, nestled in the bucolic Finger Lakes region of western New York State.
Learn more about Scor! Venue

What makes Scor! so special?

Scor! stands out from the rest. Here's why...

A Treasured In-Person Experience with Genuine Connection: Being together in person is indeed special. After several string workshops have disappeared in the past few years, it's more important than ever to connect with friends in person, play music together, & receive top-notch instruction & inspiration in this unique immersion environment. After everything we all went through just a few years ago pandemic-wise, who can put a price on in-person musical camaraderie & friendship? A treasured experience, to say the least.

Best Faculty Ever: Your faculty are the most experienced, highest quality, & most inspirational instructors in adult string education that you'll find anywhere. The expertise is unsurpassed... 25+ years experience & 130+ Scor! camps & counting. They know exactly how to help you gain confidence, sound better, & soar to the next level, guaranteed.

Inspirational Retreat: Scor! events are held in a premium location, with beautiful surroundings in a peaceful, serene environment. Come away with us! Escape to this gorgeous retreat, calm your mind, body, & spirit, and give yourself the chance to learn, hone, & grow in a beautiful & inspirational place. There's never been a better time to escape & play music!

Learning at Your Level: Scor! events are designed with your level in mind, so you'll have a terrific learning experience. You'll feel right at home surrounded by others at your level who share your musical interests, with music & instruction tailored just for you, giving you the best possible musical, learning, & community experience.

Vacation Destination: You're coming to a great location.... the renowned Finger Lakes Region of New York State, a hot spot for tourism, wineries, breweries, history, unique dining & shopping, and beautiful natural surroundings... Music Retreat Vacation, HERE I COME!

Best Customer Service in the Business: We've raised the bar & offer the most professional customer service around. We don't have volunteer, hobbyist, part-time, or fly-by-night staff and administration. In fact, we are the only fully professional adult string-focused operation out there. That means you'll be treated the way you want and the way you deserve - to a quality experience, receiving more individual attention, help, customization, interaction, substantial information, and thorough communication than anywhere else. You're in good hands, and we'll help you the whole way!

Invaluable Instruction to Transform your Playing for Life: You'll receive many hours of unique, valuable, key instruction that will unlock playing mysteries, reveal the secrets of professional players, and provide you with a musically enjoyable, transformational experience. A Scor! event is NOT JUST LIKE AN ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL!!!!!!! Most teachers, orchestras, and workshops just teach you how to play a given piece better. THERE'S SO MUCH MORE AT SCOR! Through a unique immersion experience, we help you develop skills, techniques, and approaches that professional musicians use. These are not normally taught in lessons or orchestra rehearsal, but they will help you improve immeasurably. It’s like the old saying, “Hand someone a fish, they eat for a day. Teach them to fish, they eat for a lifetime.” We'll teach you to fish (with technical & musical skills) so that you can apply what you’ve learned anywhere. Now, no matter what piece you tackle in the future, or what ensemble you play with, you'll have the ability to take your playing to new heights!

Pricing

Holding steady! No price increases since last year means a great deal for you!!

No payment is due with application.

Want to spread out your payments? Take advantage of our Installment Plan.

(Questions about application process? See See Application Process FAQs.)

If you haven't already, sign up for Scor! E-News HERE to receive exclusive coupons & discounts, info on deadlines, plus free classes & more!


Item Fee Description
Scor! Camp Tuition
(Included in Camp Package Pricing)

(Pat from Florida says "Scor! was well worth every penny!")		 *$1559 --> $1259 Save $300 with Early Price only through March 31!

Save $25 or more with Additional Coupon Savings Available Through E-News. Inquire about current coupon!
(No payment is due with application. Above discount automatically applies.)		 Tues - Sat: 5 fun-filled days of playing music together, top-notch instruction by national leading experts, relaxing with friends, & enjoying a music vacation! Why is Scor! so special? See above!
Meals during Scor!
 $180 Value (included in camp package pricing)
 Eating together is part of the fun of Scor!. Includes Wed lunch, Thurs lunch, Fri dinner, & Sat lunch. (Fri lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant. Breakfasts are often included with your lodging.)
**Camp Package**
 $1259 Tuition + $180 Meals = $1439
 One easy package for you to attend camp!
Installment Plan
(optional)
 $25

Split up your balance into 3-5 easy payments! See more info HERE.
Tues Kickoff Cookout FREE! Food, Friends, & Fun! Join us for a free get-to-know-you hang out & chill evening with a dinner cookout right at the Scor! Venue on Tues eve from 6:15-8pm. Meet all your new friends, chow down, & relax!
Friday Catered Dinner for Spouse/ Traveling Companion
(optional add-on) 		$54 Bringing a guest? Purchase a Friday dinner. We'll have a fun & scrumptious spread! (Plus, dinner on Tues is FREE for you & a guest!)
Quality Instrument Rental
(optional add-on) 		$125 Flying in? Rent a quality instrument & bow so you don't have to bring yours on a plane.
Optional Donation
(optional add-on)
If you wish to support Scor!, you can opt to include a donation to Scor! in your registration.
 $50? $100? $250? $500?
 Help us recover from devastating pandemic-era losses & build foundational infrastructure at our venue that will be used for years to come. For more info on Donations, CLICK HERE. (Scor! is a program of Symerge, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization & donations are tax deductible according to IRS rules.)

*TUITION OFFERED WAY (WAY!) BELOW COST: Scor! has endured vast and devastating pandemic-era losses from forced event shutdowns. We are walking the long hard (scary) road of seeking restoration & building again from the ground up. Our current actual costs per person to put on events are substantial ($2680!) due largely to pandemic debt. However, good news for you... we are not passing on those costs to you. You can come to Scor! at just over 1/2 of the actual cost (53%) as indicated in the table above. It's like a 50% discount right off the top. And more good news... prices are holding steady. No increases have been made since last year. We hope you enjoy this sacrificial REALLY GOOD DEAL! :-)

Staying Healthy at Scor!

Health Protocols & Policies for In-Person Events

Get lots of great tips on staying healthy both at Scor! and while traveling (from experienced travelers!). Check out our health protocols & policies, and find out more about the "back to normal" environment at In-Person Scor!.
Go to Staying Healthy

Looking for more info about in-person events?

Question?

Just ask!