Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What skill level do I need to attend?
A: All levels are welcome — and we mean it. Whether you've been playing for two years or twenty, Big Jersey camps are designed to challenge and support you. Beginners work in a supportive environment where no one is judged for being a beginner. Intermediate and advanced players get stretched. The small-group format means instructors can adapt to wherever you are.
Q: Do I need to bring my own guitar?
A: Yes. Please bring your own guitar. You'll be playing it constantly, so bring the instrument you're most comfortable with. Acoustic/archtop guitars are especially suitable as they can be heard without an amp. If you play a soidbody, you may want to bring a small amp to be heard. If you're flying, check with your airline about instrument policies in advance. In some cases, it may be possible to rent a guitar from a local guitar shop.
Q: What does a typical day at camp look like?
A: Days typically begin with Frank's legendary Morning Warm-Ups, which get everyone playing together and set the tone for the day. From there, the schedule includes instructor-led small ensemble jams (rotating groups), masterclasses on specific topics, Q&A sessions, and informal playing time. Evenings usually feature student and faculty performances, jam sessions, and plenty of hanging out with fellow players and instructors. The formal schedule ends, but the playing often doesn't.
Q: How many students are at each camp?
A: We keep student/teacher ratios deliberately small — with a maximum of 5 students per instructor/group. This is central to what makes Big Jersey different. Small groups mean you actually get time with the instructors. You're not watching from row 40; you're in the circle.
Q: How much does camp cost?
A: Tuition varies by camp. The NJ Summer Camp is $1,825. The Colorado Mile High Camp is $2,150. The Italy Soave Camp is $3,250 (which includes hotel and most meals). Hotel accommodations are separate for the NJ and Colorado camps, with discounted group rates provided at registration. See each individual camp page for full pricing details.
Q: What's included in the camp fee?
A: Every camp includes tuition for all sessions, a camp t-shirt, and pre-camp materials (song lesson videos and two live Zoom sessions with Frank so you arrive ready to play). Soave also includes hotel and most meals. For NJ and Colorado, hotel is separate (discounted group rate provided). Full inclusions are listed on each camp's individual page.
Q: I'm a beginner. Will I be in over my head?
A: No. This comes up a lot, and it's worth saying clearly: beginners are genuinely welcome. You don't need to be able to solo fluently or know all your chord substitutions. If you love jazz guitar and want to improve, you belong here. Frank and the faculty are natural teachers who create an environment where everyone feels capable and inspired. Many of our most enthusiastic returning campers started as beginners.
Q: Can I bring a non-guitarist companion?
A: Yes! This is especially relevant for the Italy camp, where a guest can join for a fee that covers their hotel (double occupancy), all meals, the community concert, and the wine tasting. Additional optional day trips (Verona, Venice, etc.) are also available. See the Soave Italy camp page for full guest pricing.
Q Can I attend for just part of the week?
A: Camp is designed as a full-week immersive experience, and that structure is central to what makes it work. The growth that happens isn't just in each session — it's cumulative. Campers build on each other day by day, and the community that forms over the week is a big part of what people rave about long after they leave. Because of that, we're not able to offer partial-week pricing. Tuition reflects the full experience, and we'd hate for anyone to feel they got a fraction of what camp has to offer. If a full week opens up in your schedule, we'd love to have you.
Q: What else should I bring?
A: Extra guitar strings, a small portable music stand, pencils/pens.
Q: Are there amplifiers available?
A: No. If you would like to bring a small amp, you may. Amps are not necessary unless you bring the type of guitar that requires one to be heard.
Q: Do I need to rent a car?
A: No. All activities will be in or adjacent to the hotel.
Q: How do I register? Is there a payment plan?
A: Each camp page has a 'Reserve' button that takes you to the registration form. A $250 deposit is due at registration to hold your spot, with the balance due before camp. Full payment policies are listed on each camp's page.
Q: Can Frank Vignola host a camp where I live?
A: Possibly! Frank and the Big Jersey team have hosted camps in New Jersey, Colorado, Cuba, Georgia, the US Virgin Islands, and Italy. If you're interested in bringing a Big Jersey camp to your city or venue, reach out via the Contact page.
Q Can I attend for just part of the week?
A: Camp is designed as a full-week immersive experience, and that structure is central to what makes it work. The growth that happens isn't just in each session — it's cumulative. Campers build on each other day by day, and the community that forms over the week is a big part of what people rave about long after they leave. Because of that, we're not able to offer partial-week pricing. Tuition reflects the full experience, and we'd hate for anyone to feel they got a fraction of what camp has to offer. If a full week opens up in your schedule, we'd love to have you.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.