Mr. D’s Music Club summer camp is fantastic! The location is lovely and easy to drop off/pick up at. Each camp has its own song list which is shared the week before. We loved learning new songs (that soon became favorites), and it was so fun to hear them playing in the beautiful courtyard at morning drop-off. My daughter (age 8) had a blast each day and came home pretty exhausted. I think they did 7+ hours each of drama, singing, dancing, and art throughout the week. The kids were thoroughly immersed in creative activities from the start to stop of each day. At the end of the week, the kids put on an amazing performance. I loved that the focus was not on perfection or even memorizing every word to every song but on the joyful act of performing with others. Mr. D and Hailey have such lovely ways of holding the spirit of the camp, and the teachers/counselors were amazing. I highly recommend this camp!

Laura D.,  Oakland, CA - July 2023
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

My kids favorite camp every summer!! They look forward to it every year and so do we as parents. Hailey and Mr D run a fantastic program that is well-rounded, supportive, creative, and FUN! We love watching the end of week program and the kids have an absolute blast prepping and putting on their show. Really a great program that I couldn't be happier with it.

Kate N., Alameda, CA  - July 2024
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

This is a fantastic summer camp. My daughter (age 11) loves it so much she looks forward to it all year. She comes home each day excited and inspired. You can tell Mr. D and all the camp counselors really care about the kids and love their jobs. The kids learn to sing a variety of songs, perform a skit, create artwork, and learn a dance. The week culminates in an awesome performance where the kids can show off their hard work. It's been great for my daughter's confidence and general well-being. Highly recommend!

Eresea S..,  Oakland, CA - August 2023
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

What a wonderful week!
 
My 11-year-old granddaughter said she wants to keep coming to Mr D's Music Club every summer. She loved the music, the singing, the creative choreography, the theater skits, and all the many rehearsals. She made friends and has great memories. This is an excellent program. It's educational & it's challenging.
 
~ Jessie O., Oakland, CA - June 2024

Jessie O,  Oakland, CA - June 2024
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Our child (age 9) is a singing, music, and art enthusiast who adores this program. LOVES it!

The 4-hour session on Wednesdays is a great fit for our family, and the longer length session means they really get to settle in, make friends, and dive into the material. Stephen (Mr. D) and Hailey, who run the program, are fantastic - absolutely professional, experienced, talented, kind, and FUN. The team shared a Spotify playlist blending modern and classic music that evolved with the classes, which cranked up the practicing and engagement outside of class sessions. We enjoyed this so much that we signed BOTH our kids now that our youngest is old enough for the next 12-week session starting in January 2023. The kids are so excited, and so are we.

Thank you, Creative Spaces team - you have truly enriched our lives. ❤️

Elizabeth B.,  Oakland, CA - November 2022
The Creative Spaces

My daughter has loved Mr. D's! She started with Zoom ukelele lessons during the pandemic and has since done multiple summer camp weeks.

Most recently, she did the after-school program called Creative Spaces and really enjoyed it. Mr. D and the staff are warm and welcoming and really promote approaching the arts from a place of humor and fun. They get to do music, art, and dance, and the variety keeps kids engaged. There's great communication from the team. I highly recommend the summer camps and after-school programs.

Celest K., Oakalnd, CA - April 2024
Summer Camp & The Creative Spaces
5-Star Yelp Review

My daughter came home from Mr. D’s camp every day glowing with happiness. Our home became filled with the sound of music and her singing, and she eagerly anticipated going each morning to work on her show. Highly recommended!

Alex G.,  Oakland, CA - August 2021
Summer Camps

My 9-year-old son attended Mr. D's Summer Camp (3 sessions) and had a blast! He learned how to sing, act, dance, create set design (art), perform, and most importantly to me, cooperate, collaborate, and coordinate with each other.

With the opportunity to be included in a theatrical musical production, my son has cultivated self-awareness, self-confidence, positive self-image, and accountability, which has been super exciting to watch. Witnessing his transformation has been magical and more than we expected and much more than could have been asked for.

Thanks, Mr. D and Hailey! You have given us a priceless gift!

Sarah J. Emeryville, CA - August 2023
Summer Camp & The Creative Spaces
5-Star Yelp Review

I am a HUGE fan of Mr. D’s Music Club. The focus is always on fun and establishing connections with the kids, which helps transform their fears into confidence. In addition, the staff radiates values of fun, play, collaboration, and individuality. Mr. D’s Music Club nurtures self-confidence, social skills, cooperation, and creativity.

Todd B.,  Oakland, CA - July 2022
Summer Camp & The Creative Spaces

My son typically begins most things by saying they suck. But on day ONE of Mr. D's Music Club, he reported loving this camp! Unprecedented reporting! I was so excited to hear this and realized that he loved it because it combined all the things he loves (art, music, dance) but in a way that wasn't evaluative or prescriptive but instead was relaxed, freeing, inspiring, and filled with humor. Instead of being polished, right, or perfect, it's about being free to have fun!! What a breath of fresh air. Mr. D himself seemed very relaxed and accepting..oh, and he has a knack for choosing songs that the kids LOVE, but more importantly, they're actually good songs that parents can listen to as well. My son still requests them for dance parties at home. Highly recommended!

Ian S.,  Oakland, CA - August 2023
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Thanks to all and what a neat concept!

I’d like to say thanks to Stephen and all the counselors/directors. The performance today was very impressive! My daughter had a great time this week and what a great experience creating and contributing to the show! It was fun as a parent watching it come together through the week - seeing the artwork (Very cool!), the playlist ( Wow!), the daily communications ( definitely a fun and relaxed vibe!). And today I was pretty blown away- the stage looked amazing, the music sounded amazing, and above all, the kids really looked like they were having a blast!! So thanks to all, that was a very cool camp!

Greg F.,  Oakland, CA - Summer 2018
Summer Camp

Dear Mr. D I’m SO HAPPY to share that my daughter loved today’s music class. She has been such a fan of camp the past years, and it warms our hearts to see the connections continue. Thanks to you and your team for working so hard to create something special during this difficult time.

Sara W., Oakland, CA  - July 2020
Live Online

This was our first time trying Mr. D's Music Club. Our 8-year-old son is on the shy side but has a keen interest in music. After the first day, he wanted to go back to camp the very next day and was completely engaged in all the activities at the camp right up to and including the performance at the end of the week.

The performances were thoroughly enjoyable. It was incredible fun to see all the kids come together to sing and act in plays as a team. We knew our son was interested in music, but we had never had a chance to see him perform in a play before! As a side note, our whole family was immersed in the playlists he brought back from camp, and we still reminisce about this fondly.

Mr. D's Music Club is a fantastic camp and a wonderful resource for the community. Their enthusiasm, attention to detail, emphasis on music, and good, clean fun is to be applauded. 

Subhabrata S.  Oakland, CA - August 2023
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

We love Mr. D’s so much! We have tried many camps and this is my daughter’s favorite. They are so welcoming, enthusiastic, genuine and fun. Stephen and Hailey are wonderful—responsive and kind and thoughtful about everything. The young folks that work alongside them are engaged and work very well with the kids too. I can’t say enough good things.

Jessie K., Oakland, CA  - May 2022
Summer Camp

My daughters had a blast at Mr. D’s music club camp. They had appropriate safety precautions for Covid and made it a fantastic experience for the kids. My kids are already asking to go back for another week of camp.

Cori K., Piedmont, CA - June 2021
Summer Camp

This camp is a real gem!

Our daughter has attended several sessions & always comes home with a big smile on her face & humming new songs. The vibe of the camp is so sweet & inclusive, embracing imperfection, encouraging kids of all backgrounds & abilities, and allowing them all to shine in lovely, silly fun. They all beam at their week end performance, cheer on their cohorts, and you can tell it's been a week to remember. We've enjoyed it so much, that we've decided to try out the after-school program as well. Highly recommend!

Miriam M.,  Oakland, CA - August 2023
Summer Camp & The Creative Spaces
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr. D's is by far the best summer camp I've sent my child to.
 
Not only does Mr. D offer relevant and contemporary musical experiences for children (they sing songs they like and can relate to!), but he's a joy to be around (as is Hailey, who runs the camp). These two are such special humans. It's really a blessing to get to be in their presence and care. My child gets to connect with her passion for the arts because Mr. D brings his passion and enjoyment. There are so few experiences out there that offer this much life and connection. Our children receive too much didactic, energy-sapped "instruction".
 
This camp is a breath of fresh air.

Kasey V., Emeryville, CA - July 2021
Summer Camp

Officially our 10 year old kid's FAVORITE camp of the summer. She wished she could have gone all summer long and all previous summers. Two weeks after camp she is still talking to a friend she made, and singing all the songs from the performance.
 
Singing, dancing, theater, art - this camp has it all!

Cristi R., Oakland, CA - July 2022
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr. D's Music Club is AMAZING--seriously, if you have kids in your life, you should get them to SIGN UP RIGHT NOW! Mr. D, Hailey, and their team all have great big hearts and are incredibly talented--not only at teaching the arts, but also at helping children gain confidence and overcome fears. My 8-year-old son had a deep, deep fear of singing and dancing in front of others, but by the end of one week of summer camp, he was acting, singing, and dancing on stage with his peers and LOVING it. He still treasures his songbook from camp and will often pull it out and even work in a little vibrato, which he definitely picked up at Mr. D's! We'll be coming back to this camp for as long as we can!!

Emi L., Oakland, CA - April 2022
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

My daughter really enjoyed The Movement Space w/ Anna, she was laughing and dancing the entire time! My daughter also tried the Zoom Ukulele class for the first time last week. A video tutorial was offered before the class to help tune the instrument and the teacher helped her with it in class as well. We've enjoyed all our classes through Mr. D's Music and with the fabulous Mr D himself!

Catherine S., Sausalito, CA - July 2020
Live Online

Stephen has a wonderful rapport with the kids, and his enthusiasm for music and performance -- not as work, but as a source of joy and fascination -- is infectious!

Ben G., Berkeley, CA - September 2020
Live Online

Wow, what can I say about Mr. D's Music Club that hasn't already been said? It's FANTASTIC!
 
My somewhat shy-but-yearning-to-unleash-her-inner-star 8-year-old daughter has enjoyed this camp so much. She has really blossomed in her self-confidence and desire to do more singing and dancing. Mr. D gets kids to dive right in, shed their shyness, and engage in the art, dancing, singing, games, silliness, and fun from the get-go. She has, and she's loooooved it.
 
She's also been learning some great songs and pop-culture references from this session "At the Movies" so we chat a lot about it after camp. It's always a good sign when your kid comes home smiling, sweaty, exhausted, and excited to show you everything they've learned! You've inspired her, Mr. D! Keep on, keepin' on...

Becky W., Berkeley, CA - Summer 2016
Summer Camp

My daughter has loved Mr. D's Music Club for several years running and only wants more.  Other camps wear out eventually, but this one never ceases to be fun, and challenging in the best way.  
 
She says, "It's because there is always a new theme, so it's never exactly the same.  To me, it's amazing that we can actually put an hour-long show together in a week.  We work hard and it's super fun.  Mr. D pretty much always has a funny thing to say, and he just makes us all laugh and is really a great guy to be around."  
 
Mr. D is clearly committed to a high-quality musical and camp experience for every kid; he hires warm, talented people to help him and is very hands-on and involved.  I couldn't recommend this camp more!

Laura F., Alameda, CA - Summer 2017
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr. D is the music teacher at my daughter's school. She has taken his after school club, and since quarantine, she has participated in his online programs. Usually his summer camp is in Oakland, CA. What a silver lining that we can now get this experience in Marin :).

Mr. D is an awesome teacher, and his programs are a reflection of him. The instructors he has are kind, patient and passionate about teaching. I would highly recommend trying an online program - you won't be disappointed!

And 2 thumbs up for Kay and her Musical Theater class.... my daughter thought she was awesome!

Lesley A.,  San Francisco, CA - July 2020
Live Online
5-Star Yelp Review

Our daughter loved the variety of programs and especially seemed to have fun during the acting space classes. Our son loved the art classes. The teachers seemed to really enjoy what they do which sets the tone for the class. The kids had fun interacting with all of their teachers. Both look forward to taking more classes

Sheryl F., Oakland, CA - August 2020
Live Online

We love this camp! I wish I had found it sooner!
 
Mr. D's Music Club has been a staple for my daughter for 3 years now.  She started with Mr. Duffy in an after-school setting and has been chasing his summer programs since 2014.  This year, she cannot get enough!  After each session, she comes home with a genuine interest in practicing each song over and over again. There is no comparison with these camps - your kid will get a music history lesson, a chance to take risks and set goals, an opportunity to mingle with children from different peer groups, and most of all, if you take a ride with Mr. D's Music Club your child will have an appreciation for the hard work it takes to prepare for and perform in a full-fledged concert. We hope we never grow too old for this summer ritual!

Michelle C., Alameda, CA - Summer 2016
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Dear Mr D. Our son, C. is really enjoying your classes and we definitely feel like we’ve stumbled into something really special!

Kelly K., Berkeley, CA - June 2020
Live Online

Even during the COVID pandemic, Mr. D's camp saved the summer with a variety of online classes for our 2 boys! From dancing to singing to drama and ukulele classes. Very impressed and grateful that they could put together such a rich program at very reasonable prices.

Irem R.,  San Francisco, CA - September 2020
Live Online
5-Star Yelp Review

This (Covid) summer online program was really well organized, and thoughtfully put together - my daughter came away from every class energized and excited for the next session! Mr D and his artists have an energy for music, performing and teaching kids that is really special. Even by remote, they still find a way to meet kids where they are, and build a safe and supportive creative place for them to grow.

Brian W., Piedmont, CA - September 2020
Live Online

This camp is amazing. And differs from others in some beautiful ways:

1) ALL kids are intentionally and genuinely welcomed. The shy ones, the testing-boundaries ones (that's mine), the awkward ones, the natural-born talents, the rhythmless, the girls, the boys, the non-identifiers and everyone between. And the kids see themselves in the staff and counselors, who are like a brilliant rainbow.
 
2) Regardless of the theme, the emphasis is on creativity, expression, and being one's self. And they'll meet your kid wherever they are.

3) Mr. D is exuberant. He's a natural. And he hires well :)

Barry G., Oakland, CA - 2018
Summer Camp

I was watching the performance on Friday afternoon, and the kids did amazing! I was surprised how much they learned in a week. And I can see all the kids enjoying the camp so much with Mr. D. My son gives it 10 stars out of 10! I am so glad that I sent him to Mr. D's Music Club. He learned singing and dancing, as well as art, painting, and yoga! He liked it a lot. If your kids like music and dancing, don't miss this fun camp!

Reese H., Oakland, CA - July 2017
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Wow, what can I say about Mr. D's Music Club that hasn't already been said? It's FANTASTIC. My somewhat shy-but-yearning-to-unleash-her-inner-star 8-year-old daughter has enjoyed this camp so much. She has really blossomed in her self-confidence and desire to do more singing and dancing. He gets kids to dive right in, shed their shyness, and engage in the art, dancing, singing, games, silliness, and fun from the get-go.

She has and she's loooooved it. She's also been learning some great songs and pop-culture references from this session "at the movies" so we chat a lot about it after camp. It's always a good sign when your kid comes home smiling, sweaty, exhausted, and excited to show you everything they've learned! You've inspired her, Mr. D! Keep on, keepin' on.

BJ W., Oakland, CA - June 2016
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Our daughter went to Mr. D's last year in 4th grade, and she asked to return this year! This has never happened before. Kudos to Mr. D and his amazing team for doing this magic! We thought, "It's just five days. What can they do?" We were all amazed to see all these kids moving around the stage, quietly and confidently, and showing such results in dancing, singing, and acting. Five days!

We definitely recommend Mr .D's to all the parents. Even the shy kids were happy and transformed.

Pancrazio A., Berkeley, CA - June 2024
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr. D’s Music Club is magic!  My daughter has always loved music and singing but has been shy to sing around others. This camp has built confidence in not only her ability to stand on stage and sing/perform in front of an audience, but we have noticed she is more outgoing in life. It is also the first camp my daughter has said that she didn’t have anyone mean to her or witness a camper being mean to another person. Instead, everyone seems to rally together, have fun and care about one another. It’s encouraging to see, and I credit each one of Mr. D’s staff for providing the tools to make this camp wonderful.

Justin G.,  Albany, CA - August 2022
Summer Camp
Facebook Review

My 8-year-old, who is typically afraid of performing in front of people, enjoyed the music camp so much that he asked to come back again. For the final performance, he learned two choreographed dances and felt proud of himself.

The camp staff and teachers are so kind and encouraging. They brought him out of his shell and showed him how to have fun with music, dancing, art, and theater. We also really enjoyed the music the camp was teaching and listened to the songs at home.

Next year I will sign up for multiple weeks, because each week has different songs and theme.

Evelyn L., Fremont, CA - July 2024
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Our 9-year-old daughter went to Mr. D's Music Club summer camp for the first time this summer and both she and us parents absolutely loved it. Mr. D and his team are simply wonderful and attentive, have a strong highlight on an overall positive and supportive atmosphere and the art, music, acting and dancing activities were very thoughtfully picked with the core of fun (rather than perfection) in mind. We will totally do more of Mr. D's next summer!

Patricia S.,  Oakland, CA - August 2023
Summer Camps
5-Star Yelp Review

We love everything there is about Mr. D's Music Club! Of any camp we have experienced so far, Mr. D, Hailey, and all the instructors are the best example of positivity, creativity, and meeting the kids where they are. It is such a special program. And the fact that they pull off an actual performance for families - featuring the singing, dancing, acting, and art-making they've focused on all week - is incredible.

Laura B.,  Oakland, CA - October 2022
Summer Camp & The Creative Spaces

Mr. D's Music Club was introduced to us by my daughter's friend across the street. From the minute she saw their end-of-semester performance in their after-school program, she lit up with a big smile on her face! I signed her up for a week of camp in the summer, and it was such a hit that she asked for a second one. By the end of that week, she said, "Mama, next summer can I do all seven weeks of summer camp?"
 
Before we signed up, I already knew my daughter loved art, music, and dance. She was thrilled to find out she also loves acting! All four of these were things she got to be immersed in for a week with new kids she'd never met and become friends with. She loved the camp counselors, and Hailey and Mr. D were also so friendly at pick up/drop off. I highly recommend this camp to anyone looking for a great way for their child to explore the arts and have so much fun doing it. 

Alexis M.,  Oakland, CA - August 2023
Summer Camp & The Creative Spaces
5-Star Yelp Review

My child loves Mr D's Camp and came home from Week 1 requesting that I cancel all his other summer camps so that he can do more Mr D's! It is a joy to hear him singing the songs he has learned at camp (non-stop!) and be so excited to perform. Thank you Mr D for bringing this out in him!

Judy L.,  Piedmont, CA - June 2021
Summer Camp

My daughters loved this camp. We didn't know much about it at the outset, kind of stumbled upon it, and were so pleasantly surprised!
 
The vibe was very warm & welcoming and I was really impressed by what I saw at the final performance on Friday. In addition to singing & dancing there is lots of time for arts & crafts, so it was a nice blend of active time & downtime for my girls.
 
We'll definitely be back next summer.

Carey V.,  San Francisco, CA - Summer 2019
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

We have attended several sessions of Mr. D's afterschool program and one of the summer camps. My creative daughter looks forward to time at Mr. D's as one of her favorite things to do during the week. I'm always impressed by the eclectic music selections in the playlists, which has provided my daughter with knowledge about classic and contemporary music she likely may not have discovered otherwise. The program is inclusive and encouraging for kids of all levels. Program administration runs well, with plenty of friendly communication. Love Mr. D's!

Amy D.,  Oakland, CA - November 2023
Summer Camp & The Creative Spaces
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr. D's Music Club is amazing! Mr. D and his crew create a wonderful space where the kids get to absolutely be themselves and explore music, art, theater, and dance. I love how the emphasis is on having fun and trying out new things! I can't recommend Mr. D's Music Club enough! My daughter came home every day saying, "I love Mr. D's!"

Sarah G.,  Oakland, CA - July 2022
Summer Camp

I signed my kids ages 9 and 12 up for two separate sessions this summer. It takes a very special person to take children of various levels of talent and nurture them with such so much enthusiasm and support.  Mr. D. is that kind of special! My older daughter is not particularly outgoing - but she felt really embraced by the teachers and staff here.  She typically complains nonstop about camps - but she asked if she could come back next year.  The kids worked on singing, dancing and acting- as well as some art projects.  Just be prepared - your kid(s) will expect you to be available to see the finished product on Friday on the last day of camp.

Madhuri K.,  Castro Valley, CA - July 2021
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Dear Mr D, just wanted you to know that Z really enjoyed taking the different classes this summer and I was grateful that she could express herself creatively. You and the teaching artists did an amazing job

Christina G.,  Oakland, CA - September 2020
Live Online

Mr. D's is fantastic! He and the staff are so supportive and inclusive. My 9 year old daughter came home smiling every day of camp saying "That was so fun!"

Celeste K.,  Oakland, CA - June 2021
Summer Camp

Dear Mr D’s Music Club staff, my daughter really enjoyed the singing part of the online club. She loved learning new songs. After her session, she'd be singing new tunes for days. She still does. I am so impressed by your team's agility and ability to shift. S. was rapt, so something was working.

Sarah W., Oakland, CA - August 2020
Live Online

One of the best summer camps and very reasonably priced. The song selection always seems overtly ambitious and every time Mr. D pulls it off and it's amazing. My daughter loves this camp and we keep coming back again and again!

Lauren D., San Francisco, CA - Aug 2023
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

My son loves Mr. D's summer camps! This is his third year and he can't wait to return next summer. It always amazes me how the kids can learn so many songs and dance routines in one week! Kudos to Mr. D and his fun staff! The Friday performances are always something to look forward to!

Eva F., Oakland, CA - Summer 2018
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

My kid LOVES going to The Creative Spaces at Mr .D’s. Music Club. They have a blast, work on lots of creative techniques, and have so much fun. Will be signing up for another session!

Elizabeth B.,  Oakland, CA - October 2022
The Creative Spaces

I love watching my daughters' confidence soar when they are challenged to meet their singing potential in the spotlight! Thank you, Mr. D., for providing that opportunity! We struggled with public speaking and spotlight moments during the school year, so this change of environment and supportive atmosphere was a gift.

Liza T., Piedmont, CA - June 2021
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

This is the most amazing camp! If your child likes to sing, dance and visual arts, this is the place for them.
 
The day starts with a morning gathering and plan for the day. The camp breaks into groups to start learning music and different dances. Then comes art. Depending on the theme for the week, your child will get art instruction from a talented art instructor Julie Pollack. 
 
Mr. D - Steven Duffy - is the most loving and inspirational man. He manages to take the kids from Monday to Friday learning so many songs and dances that are performed at the end of the week with stage design all done by the campers. It is truly astounding how well they process the material and perform as though they had been practicing for weeks. The dance teacher MoMo gets to know the kids and challenges them to do the best possible performance that they can.

We love this camp! I wish I had found it sooner!

Suesan G., Berkeley, CA - Summer 2017
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

My son has gone to a few weeks of Mr D's camp in the summer and winter and had a fabulous time. He loved learning new songs and dance moves and was able to help out DJ'ing during one performance. We can't recommend it enough!

Angela, L., Oakland, CA - Sept. 2023
Summer Camp & Winter Camp
​

Mr. D literally gives everything he has to his students and classes, and is cherished by my entire family. I suggest signing up for some of his VERY affordable online summer classes before they fill up. There's a little bit of everything offered, from singing to dancing, and all different genres of music are explored. My kids also love being able to spend time with Mr. D and meet new people, all from the comfort of home! Communication is also top notch, so expect quick responses should you have any questions.

Patricia B., San Rafael, CA - July 2020
Live Online
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr. D's staff were so kind and welcoming to my child.
 
The camp days were full and busy, but not overwhelming. My daughter had all of the space and the structure to make friends very easily. She was encouraged to try something new (like acting and role playing in front others!) and felt comfortable enough to do so. She came home on the first day and described what it felt like to be acting out a funny skit in front of others, except no one laughed. I was concerned that she might be discouraged by a very natural and common interaction. Throughout the week, I didn't hear her express an ounce of defeat or discouragement though! I can only attribute that to wonderful staff who I know made her feel very safe to keep trying as a performer.

Natalie R., Oakland, CA - July 2021
Summer Camp

Thanks for helping our family keep it together this summer! Seriously! Our 12 year old son,  took over 20 classes with you guys this summer and loved them all, especially Dancing and acting and Puppet making and of course, singing with you. We’ve seen a real change in him and it’s really saved us all

Mina J., El Cerrito, CA - August 2020
Live Online

This was my daughter's second summer with Mr D. It was the one camp that she absolutely had to do again. The camp is great. The art work the kids create is better than any other camp, even camps where art was supposed to be the focus. My daughter is shy, but the staff makes her feel comfortable. The performance and the stage set was spectacular. We will be back next summer

Jill S., Oakland, CA - Summer 2018
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Over the years, my wife and I have searched for summer programs our girls would love to return to, and each year, we've failed; this was until they attended Mr D's. This year will be their second time attending, and they've been looking forward to it ever since we said yes. I would give 6 stars but yelp only accepts 5

Patrick W., San Francisco, CA - May 2022
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr D's Music Club is completely amazing, especially during Shelter In Place!  My daughters have been doing the online Zoom classes and they absolutely love them. There is a variety of classes to meet their interests including Music, Dancing and Movement, Puppet Making and more.  Every instructor has been organized, knowledgeable, engaging and most importantly -- FUN! 

Cynthia H., San Rafael, CA - July 2020
Live Online
5-Star Yelp Review

We were pretty wary about online music programs. Mr. D's Music Club online was a lot better than we expected. It was more than decent. Can you sign me up again?

Wendy B., Oakland, CA - July 2020
Live Online

This camp is amazing. And differs from others in some beautiful ways:

1) ALL kids are intentionally and genuinely welcomed. The shy ones, the testing-boundaries ones (that's mine), the awkward ones, the natural-born talents, the rhythmless, the girls, the boys, the non-identifiers, and everyone in between. And the kids see themselves in the staff and counselors, who are like a brilliant rainbow.

2) Regardless of the theme, the emphasis is on creativity, expression, and being one's self. And they'll meet your kid wherever they are.

3) Mr. D is exuberant. He's a natural. And he hires well.(:

MadDawg C., Oakland, CA - August 2018
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Hi Stephen, thank you so much for your online summer program. Our kids had a lot of fun and  your classes were a lifesaver for us all.  Because of the pandemic, our kids were stuck in the house but because of you, they had some super fun activities to do.

Stella B.,  Richmond, CA - August 2020
Live Online

Mr. D's Music Club is so rad that I drive my kids to Oakland from the North Bay so they can go to this camp - there's singing, dancing and art. Mr. D is passionate about helping young people find their voice through song. He teaches them to express themselves through singing and helps them develop a deeper understanding of music at large, the choreographer shows them how to get down and find freedom through movement and the counselors guide kids through various art projects, helping them keep those creative juices flowing if they want to take a break from being on stage. The grand finale is a knock-your-socks-off performance that showcases the work they've been doing all week. It always amazes me how far they come in a week's time. He's magical!

G H., San Rafael, CA - September 2018
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

Mr. D's Music Camp was a week of endless singing, dancing, art, yoga, picnics in the park, and all around fun. On the first day my daughter arrived not knowing any of the other kids, but Mr. D immediately made sure my daughter felt welcome and comfortable.  The kids pick up on that vibe and all of them were so encouraging and supportive of one another.  They have professional instructors who encourage the kids to do their best, and the kids pick up on it.  It's the perfect relaxed atmosphere to bring out the best in every kid, no matter their ability.  When I arrived to bring my daughter home on Wednesday the kids organized themselves and stayed almost half an hour late practicing the routines for their show on Friday.  They were so happy and excited to dance and sing they just couldn't stop!  That moment really stood out to me, because 1) the kids did this on their own without the instructors, and 2) the staff didn't shoo them out just because time was up.  
 
Another lovely moment was at the talent show rehearsal on Thursday.  I accidentally caught the last 15 minutes of it, and every kid who got up there received a huge round of applause no matter how perfect or off-key their performance.  What a lovely, safe place to grow!  
 
Another plus:  the Rockridge location at Saint Peter's church has a parking lot and ample street parking so it's easy to drop off and pick up the kids

Fancy P., Alameda, CA - Summer 2016
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review

This is an amazing camp! We stumbled upon it at the last minute in one of those last few weeks of summer when I did not have anything lined up. We really lucked out, as there was a sudden cancellation. Singing, dancing, yoga, art...check, check, check, check! My oldest daughter loves all of those things and told me to go ahead and pay, and we got the very last spot.

Well, I should have made her sign a contract! She freaked out that I got on the highway, that it must be far from home, and that there were so many kids there. Mr. D welcomed her, validated her fear, and somehow made her comfortable enough to get up on stage by the last day for the final performance. Not bad at all considering she was crying on Day 1 when I left her and sitting out of the name game, making me promise to come back after I dropped her sister at preschool. When I came back, she was engaged in art, and Mr. D shooed me away before she saw me. He sent me pictures of her dancing with the group that afternoon with a smile on her face.

This camp is about music and the love of music. Mr. D is truly gifted at engaging so many kids, including those who struggle with anxiety.

We will be back for several weeks in 2019!

Amy D., Albany, CA - October 2028
Summer Camp
5-Star Yelp Review