SummerSongs West

It isn’t easy to describe a transformational experience, precisely because the experience goes beyond words. But that is what I got, when I was simply looking for more tools to jumpstart me out of my writer’s block.
Wow.
Penny Nichols has created the safest environment I’ve ever been in as a songwriter. I felt like I was 14 again, in the artist’s camp of my dreams, and I never wanted to leave.
It is profoundly moving to watch people blossom in this environment. I would recommend this program to all songwriters at ANY level in their development.
As long as I can afford to go, I will be there.
It is worth twice the price.

I absolutely love both the summer and winter camps that SummerSongs does in Cambria. As a regular teacher at SummerSongs West and WinterSongs West, I get to share in the creative juices too, playing and co-​writing, as well as teaching and learning. And it is the most fun that I have all year.
One thing that sets these camps apart from the others is that they are not geared toward making money in the music business. The emphasis is on personal creativity, so this includes ALL SONGWRITERS, not just those trying to hear their songs on the radio. And when we listen to student’s songs, we offer constructive comments rather than the criticisms that might stifle honest creativity.
And the fun in contagious! If you want to work on your songwriting, singing, playing… or if you’re thinking that you’d like to learn any of the above from scratch… Book yourself into one of these camps. Ask anyone who’s been there, you’ll have fun. Go to
and follow the links to the California camps or the upstate New York camps. Penny Nichols runs both all of them the same way, helping the student in whatever way we can.

Often described as a «life-​changing experience «by those who attend, SummerSongs is an amazingly nurturing environment for songwriters of ALL levels. Gifted teachers share songwriting tools, as well as vocal coaching, and instrumental techniques… in a spirit of warmth, community and encouragement. All in a gorgeous, sea-​side setting… on a wooded bluff overlooking the Central Coast.
And all this plus: healthy, yummy food… comfortable bunks… lots of late-​night song circles… and the nicest bunch of cool people you’ll ever meet!
Jackie M.

A fantastic place to learn songwriting, performing, and musical skills. Very supportive environment. Located in a beautiful area with lots of nature around.