Rock on – Girls Rock Camp uses music for mentorship.

When she was 19 she bought a guitar. It wasn’t until three years ago, however, that Pamela Tusa actually played it. And she did more than that—forming a band and performing her first concert in just three days’ time at a songwriter’s workshop in Atlanta. The instruction and encouragement Tusa received there gave her the confidence she needed to pursue her passion for music.

Now Tusa hopes to do the same for other young girls this month with the Girls Rock Camp Baton Rouge, a weeklong workshop she has organized at Mentorship Academy downtown.

“It’s about using music to empower girls and young women,” Tusa says. “And beyond that, it’s about building relationships and support.”

Veteran female musicians like The Wilder Janes’ Becca Babin will serve as coaches and mentors, conducting classes on instruments, singing and songwriting. The week will conclude with a live performance open to the public.

“Too often girls are persuaded not to play anything that makes a lot of noise,” Tusa says. “But I want young girls to be able to play loud without apology. I want them to know it is okay to turn up the amp.”

Girls Rock Camp runs June 17-21. girlsrockcamp.org