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Jeff Shaw

It's not that Jeff Shaw needed an after-school job, but he really, really likes it.

A music educator at the Spurwink School and the Long Creek Youth Development Center, in the last several years, Shaw has made a name for himself as the guy behind rock 'n' roll summer camp at the Portland Conservatory of Music.

Now working with a host of local musicians and educators, Shaw has created the Maine Academy of Modern Music.

Created last fall, the academy will host rock 'n' roll camps in the summer and during school vacation, as well as the hip-hop summer camp and other workshops.

"Sports has historically had outlets outside of school, but arts never had a real home," he said.

In the camps, students will continue to work with local musicians such as Dave Gutter, Ryan Zoidis and Spencer Albee from Rustic Overtones, and Todd "The Rocket" Richard, of Miss Fairchild and Slowing Room.

Kids learn not only about the basics of making music, but also about how to work in a studio and book shows.

Outside of the camps, students will also be able to meet in regular lessons and ensembles.

Part of the draw of rock camp has been the chance for kids to learn and get experience right away.

Bands from the rock camp have gone on to receive recognition and play around Portland.

Faster, Faster, formerly known as The Project, won the Reindeer Rock-Off in 2007.

Shaw said he's happy to see the camp grow into something bigger. It's been a lot of work and he expects it will be for a while.

"No more messing around," he said.

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All Music: "The motherlode. This site has info on pretty much every musician or band. Ever."

YouTube: "Obviously a staple around here. But yeah, I thoroughly enjoy surfing YouTube with my 3-year-old son as we look up old Sesame Street skits together. It's also fun to catch up on old Zappa interviews and the like."

The Onion: "I don't think I could make it through the week without knowing that at least the Onion is just one click away."

The Portland Press Herald: "OK, I'm not just trying to earn points here. Honestly, I easily check in a few times a day for news updates. I do my best to keep my ear to the ground when I can."