FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)


  • What is A cappella Boot Camp?

    A cappella Boot Camp is a 5-day highly intensive seminar where you learn to produce your own spectacular a cappella recordings.

  • What if I don't know anything about microphones or recording or anything?

    No sweat! We'll start from square one, teaching you everything you know about equipment, tracking, how to get good takes in the studio, and even editing skills. We'll also teach you how to work with the best a cappella studio engineers in the business, who can help mix and master your music to today's highest professional standards.

  • Do I need any gear?

    Not for this seminar. The seminar takes place at the state-of-the-art VOCOMOTION Studios just outside of Chicago, Illinois, and we'll have all the mics and cables and computer software and compressors and everything you could ever want. You'll put your own voice on the tracks and your own fingers on the console. After the seminar is over, you'll probably want to get your own gear. We'll walk you through everything you'll need and just exactly how you'll use it. And luckily, every ABC student gets an exclusive generous discount at Sweetwater Sound, one of the largest music equipment retailers in the United States, so it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

  • What if I don't have an a cappella group?

    No problem! Solo artists make their own a cappella recordings all the time! Ever heard of Bobby McFerrin or Andrew Chaikin? You can make some incredible music on your own.

  • Can't I just pay someone to track my music?

    Sure, of course. Studio engineers love getting paid to track music; it's easy money. But you can do that yourself, saving you thousands of dollars, and giving you more time and latitude to lay down a better track.

  • Am I too advanced for this seminar?

    That's a smart question to ask. If you already know how to produce award-winning a cappella albums, then maybe yes. But if you want to learn how to do a ton of recording on your own, turning your recordings into some of the best stuff out there, all while saving a truckload of money, then you ought to sign up and join us! And don't forget that our seminar is limited to just 7 students, so you'll get an extremely customized experience. We'd love to have more students, but if we keep it small, we can meet your individual needs of your individual experience and your individual voice. Whatever you need, we'll make it happen.

  • Will you show me how to mix my own music?

    As you'll quickly see, mixing is more than just buying plug-ins and pushing buttons. It's about developing a familiarity with the recording software and technology and refining an advance sense of musicality that comes with years of experience. So we won't talk a ton about mixing because it's hard to learn in just 5 days. But while you're in the studio, you'll watch Freddie work his magic, and you can ask literally any question you want. If you want to be a great mixer, feel free to ask questions, and we're happy to get you started.

  • How much does ABC cost?

    Tuition is $999 per student. To reserve your spot in the class, send a non-refundable deposit for half the tuition ($500) to: VOCOMOTION, 8800 Bronx Ave - Suite 103, Skokie, IL 60077. The remaining $499 of your tuition is due on the first day of the seminar (or earlier).


    That may sound like a lot at first, but remember that many a cappella albums cost over $10,000 to create from beginning to end. At A cappella Boot Camp, we'll teach you how to track and edit your own music, saving you thousands of dollars on every single album. And since you're doing it yourself, you won't be limited by studio time. That means infinite takes until you get it right! Our mission is to help you produce better recordings for less money. You can't afford not to attend.


    If you're a part of an a cappella group already, make a case to your group (or your school!) why attending ABC will ultimately save you thousands.

  • How can I sign up?

    Visit our Enlist Now! page and let us know you're interested. Your spot in ABC will be officially reserved once we receive your deposit. To ensure you are a part of our next seminar, send a non-refundable deposit for 50% of the tuition ($500) to: Freddie Feldman, VOCOMOTION, 8800 Bronx Ave, Suite 103, Skokie, IL 60077

    The other 50% of your tuition is due on the first day of the seminar (or earlier).

  • How can reserve a spot for myself?

    The way to reserve your spot in ABC is pay half the fee as a non-refundable deposit.

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We currently accept check or PayPal. Sorry, no trades :-).

  • What are the travel and lodging accommodations for ABC?

    Your tuition covers use of VOCOMOTION Studios; 5 days of intensive, customized instruction; all the goodies in the Survival Kit; and a lifetime membership in the private A cappella Boot Camp Forum where ABC alumni can discuss recording techniques, share deals on gear, swap tracks, and more.


    Because each ABC student will be coming from a unique place and have individual needs, we opted not to raise tuition to include travel or lodging. But we'll certainly do our best to help you arrange these.


    For those who are flying to the seminar, we advise you to fly into O'Hare Airport (ORD). ABC will take place at Vocomotion Studios, just over 20 minutes away in nearby Skokie, IL.


    There are a number of reputable hotels within a 3-minute drive of the studio.


    Since there are only 7 participants in each seminar, we're happy to do all we can to help figure out logistics. Visit our Contact Us page to start the conversation.

  • What if my question isn't answered here?

    If you can't find your answer here, feel free to send us an email any time. We will try to respond to your concern as soon as possible.