Independent Music Retreat Thrives on AMC Three Mile Island: Music Camp Follows Unique Pathway Away from Traditional Music Instruction
Island Vibes and Melodious Magic
Welcome to Miles of Music Island Camp, a music retreat nestled on AMC's Three Mile Island in New Hampshire. This movable-feast of melodies and rhythm is where musicians of all stripes congregate, creating an exhilarating fusion of traditional tunes and contemporary beats.
As the engine purrs to a halt, the harmonies waft through the air before your very eyes meet this musical Shangri-La. Inside the rec hall, a motley crew of musicians huddle together in a semi-circle of foldable seats, strumming, plucking, and blending their magic on a smorgasbord of guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Behind them, the wooden dock is bustling with sunbathers, parents playing with their young ones, and folks taking a refreshing dip in Lake Winnipesaukee. Overhead, the azure sky graces us with a cloudless day.
Stepping into this sonic haven is like entering a dream world.
Now you're no stranger to Three Mile Island, a picturesque paradise owned and managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). This idyllic escape transforms into a creative hub for musicians all summer long, thanks to the alliance between AMC and the Miles of Music organization. This vibrant partnership has its roots in the cherished relationship between Kristin Andreassen, Laura Cortese, and Dinty Child – founders who combine a lifelong love of music with an unparalleled bond with Three Mile Island.
This serene retreat has been welcoming musicians from around the world for over a decade and continues to ponder the age-old riddle: How do you preserve the essence of tradition while inviting new faces and voices?
The very same ponderings echo in the heart of Dinty Child, a Three Mile Island lifer who has seen this place through the eyes of a child, a seasonal worker, and a valued musician. As the off-season manager and the grandfather of little ones romping around the island, the cyclical nature of life has solidified the island's importance in his life.
Dinty's musical journey began in the Boston-area roots and folk scene, where he befriended Kristin and Laura. In the early 2000s, the dynamic trio formed a loose ensemble called Subrosa, auguring Miles of Music's humble beginnings. Longing for a space to gather friends for a musician's retreat, they received a small grant in 2009 to bring Subrosa to Three Mile Island. Stepping off the boat separately, Dinty, Kristin, and Laura felt the exact same resonance—this island was destined to host a music camp.
"We're stoked to be here with 13 friends for a retreat, but this is a place for a music camp," Kristin says with a shining smile.
Securing an agreement from AMC's Three Mile Island Committee, they embarked on a journey that has brought their camp to life, growing from 60 initial alumni to nearly 120 campers and staff. The island's remote location—with its untamed landscapes and lake views—challenges traditional logistics, but the community has embraced these limitations as a cultural norm.
As technology is all but absent, people are exhorted to immerse themselves in nature, explore the island, and make new friends. This focus on connecting with others and one's surroundings accounts for the inspiring music generated by the island's participants. From the untouched wooded trails to the crystal-clear lake views, the island's natural beauty finds its way into the lyrics of many campers' original compositions.
Crafting an Inclusive Haven
Miles of Music Camp days drift by at a leisurely pace, filled with fruitful workshops, performances, and times for socializing. Afternoons bring laughter and learning, as instructors dive into workshops on their non-specialties, fostering a loose, innovative mentality.
From the outset, Miles of Music aspired to create a music education camp that broke the mold of conventional music camps. In the combination of traditional and modern music, songwriters discovered new genres, and the traditional players embraced innovation.
"[The camp] quickly took shape and started working," says Laura Cortese. "Songwriters would say, 'You know I've always been fond of country or Americana music, but I didn't really know anything about this old-time tradition and that influence of that genre.' And vice versa. An instrumentalist who's only been part of a repertoire tradition began to wonder, 'What happens if I create something new?'"
Since its inception, Miles of Music has sought a diverse community of musicians, transcending cultural and musical barriers. Scholarships and a tiered tuition system cater to musicians of varying backgrounds, as the camp prioritizes accessibility for all. Choosing talent over connections, campers sign up through a lottery system, with a predetermined number of spots reserved for newcomers.
Community workshops during orientation help establish guidelines and allow newcomers to voice their questions and concerns, fostering an inclusive and safe environment. The local managing committee and camper-turned-staff member Caroline Campbell McCormick have played a key role in shaping these community values, which encourage freedom of expression, mutual respect, and a shared passion for music.
The harmonious union of tradition and modernity defines the Miles of Music experience, woven through the fabric of island life. While picturesque scenery abounds, the camp flourishes as a hub of learning, collaboration, and personal growth. Come and see for yourself—the music waits for you on Three Mile Island.
[1] https://www.basicfolk.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Episode-1-20190805-5510094.mp3
- Embracing the unity of different genres, the musicians at the Miles of Music Island Camp, housed on AMC's Three Mile Island, create a mesmerizing blend of home-and-garden (idyllic, peaceful island) tunes and contemporary entertainment (music with modern beats).
- Amidst the peaceful surroundings of the home-and-garden (Three Mile Island), the musicians gather daily for lifestyle (workshops and socializing) sessions, weaving a harmonious blend of traditional melodies and innovative music, fostering an inclusive haven for individuals with diverse backgrounds.
