Count Down To
Camp Coletrain
We hope you'll join us June 5-9, 2023 in Buena Vista, Colorado!
Let's make music ...
Experienced Instructors. Results-Driven Content. Epic Views.
Welcome to Camp Coletrain, an annual music camp produced by Coletrain Music Academy! Camp Coletrain is truly an immersive experience that offers the perfect amount of music, wellness, community, and adventure. Our workshops are for first-time beginners to advanced performing musicians looking to gain more knowledge on their applied instruments. Our music camp instructors are both experienced educators and avid performers who have helped countless students reach their musical goals. At Camp Coletrain we start each morning with an outdoor yoga session where we will set our intentions for the day and work on the areas of our body specific to our instruments. If yoga isn't your thing we encourage you to walk the river and explore the incredible trails Buena Vista has to offer. We also carve out time for students to explore our downtown cafes, food trucks, and shops. Each evening you'll have the option to attend a free concert spotlighting teachers, students, and local musicians. Our goal is for students to discover their musical spark at Camp Coletrain, that they walk away with more knowledge, confidence, and clarity around their instrument, and find themselves more relaxed after having spent some meaningful time in the mountains making epic memories that are certain to last a lifetime.
Get To Know
Our Camp Coletrain Instructors !
Our instructors don't just talk the talk. They walk the walk. They are educators, performers, music lovers, dreamers and doers, and they can't wait to work with you!
Coleman Smith
Violin InstructorColeman Smith is a world-renowned crossover violinist. Coleman, a 30-plus-year veteran of violin performance and education, blends an understanding of classical, jazz, folk, country, and bluegrass elements into his performances and workshops. Coleman started playing the violin at 3 years […]
Bonnie Culpepper
Piano + Vocal Clinic InstructorBonnie Lea Culpepper is an accomplished musician based in Salida, Colorado. Bonnie, who hails from New York, is a classically trained vocalist, as well as a songwriter, and pianist, and specializes in the styles of jazz, blues, and folk. She […]
Kathryn Phillips
Kids Clinic: Beginner Ukelele & Guitar InstructorAt the age of ten, Kathryn started learning guitar through a free class offered at her church. Finding that she loved to play guitar, she pursued lessons through high school and graduated college with a degree in both guitar performance […]
David Lawrence
Guitar + Song Writing InstructorBorn and Raised in New Jersey, David Lawrence specializes in the gypsy jazz and blues genre and is the band-leader for ‘LAPOMPE’ and New Orleans Blues inspired ‘Royal Street Ramblers’. With these projects, David has headlined the prestigious City Park […]
Charlie Mertens
Bass InstructorTelluride native, Charles (Charlie) Parker Mertens is a multi-genre bassist, cellist, and producer. He is currently the bass player for the award-winning international touring band Rapidgrass and The Bluegrass Journeymen. Charlie has performed with Thievery Corporation, Les Nubians, and Cyril […]
Alex Johnstone
Mandolin InstructorAlex Johnstone is the mandolin player in the internationally acclaimed, award-winning band Rapidgrass. He was also the Mandolin player in the band Spring Creek which ended back in 2012. Alex has been playing and performing for audiences for almost 20 […]
There's music in the mountains
for those who listen...
Come experience a Camp Coletrain Music Workshop
and see what all the buzz is about.
Classes, Breakouts, and Performance Oh My!
Camp Coletrain 2023 Agenda .
We run a tight ship at Camp Coletrain to ensure students get the most bang for their buck! We also want you to enjoy everything that Buena Vista has to offer so we've carved out some downtime so you can explore, shop, eat, drink, and adventure!
Students will receive their official agendas the week prior to Camp Coletrain, but here is a general overview of the flow.
Space is Limited
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Our Sponsors .
Behind every event are incredible partners and sponsors. We are so grateful for these businesses who champion the fine arts and support live music!
