2008 Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Attend the Mandolin Symposium?
Mandolin students of every skill level, from age 8 to adult, can attend the Mandolin Symposium. Players from all backgrounds will come to the Mandolin Symposium to learn from some of the greatest musicians and teachers that have mastered the instrument.

Special Housing Note!!
The University of California, Santa Cruz is a Conference Center. They require all attendees to reside on campus in student housing. (We are allotted a certain number of ‘local’ slots. See Registration for those fees). They have allotted 3, 4 and 5 bedroom apartments for our use. Each unit can accommodate three to five students. Stoves are not operable in the summer but each unit has a refrigerator, bedrooms and a living room. We will make every effort to accommodate your particular needs for quiet areas

Smoking and Alcohol are prohibited in all public buildings at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

When you register, you will have an opportunity to provide us with information that will help us place you with suitable housing. If you have friends who are also attending, and you wish to share an apartment, please let us know at the time of registration.

Are Audition Tapes required this year?
This year students will choose what electives and what level they wish to attend during the week so no audition tape is required to be included in any particular level class. The responsibility will be upon the students to choose which electives are appropriate for them.

How do I register?
Registration begins January 1,2008. Up to date information will be available on this website. Payment of $620 is required with registration and is refundable (minus a $100 Application Fee) until April 15, 2008.

Can I come for less than the full time?
Sorry but students need to attend for the entire five days of instruction. One of the great benefits of camp is the camaraderie that develops throughout the week and the ability to build on what is taught from day to day.

How about Food?
The University of Santa Cruz offer both vegan and vegetarian meals and any special needs may be arranged by connecting with Stephen at Ruffo@MandCamp.com or calling him at 360-385-6836.

What does our week look like?
Our time together begins on MONDAY at 7:30PM with a get together for all of our students and family members. You will have a chance to meet the staff, and ask any questions that you may have. This session will help you to decide which electives you may be interested in during your week.

Classes begin Tuesday morning at 9:30 with all students attending the first of a series of Music Appreciation Classes. These classes are extremely important, and will give students valuable insight into the creative thinking process of the instructors and those whose work we will observe. After music appreciation, you will attend the first elective session of the day. We will then break for lunch. Each afternoon, our staff will offer several elective courses on a variety of topics. You are free to choose any class that interests you.

Our teachers are very excited about creating a camp that will be an enriching and challenging learning environment for all levels of players. Whether you are a burning bluegrass player, a hot swing cat, a classical mandolinist or a beginner just learning the basics, we want you to feel that we accomplished our goal by providing you with all the valuable tools, inspiration and information necessary to help you become a better musician.

When do I arrive and when should I leave?
Registration is open from 3PM to 5 PM on MONDAY at Kresge College on the University Campus. Follow signs for the Mandolin Symposium to get to Kresge College and there you will pick up your Room keys, parking pass and your meal ticket. Dinner is included on Monday evening. Classes begin after breakfast on Tuesday morning. The last activity of the camp is Saturday night, when we have our final concert in the wonderful University of Santa Cruz Music Center Recital Hall. Check out time of your room is 1:00PM on Sunday morning. Breakfast on Sunday is included with your Housing

Does The Mandolin Symposium offer scholarships?
Our ability to offer scholarships is dependent on contributions to our scholarship fund. Please see the Scholarship page for more information.