Why attend summer music camp, when you could be spending your summer in a gazillion other ways? Here are 4 reasons it will be worth your while, especially if you have any thoughts of majoring in music on the college level.

1. Musical growth

Let’s face it: it’s not always easy to stay focused when you’re on break from school. A good music program can keep you in your practice routine and making progress throughout the summer months. You’ll return to school in the fall ready for auditions. 
 
2. A preview of college

For those who are accustomed to taking a lead role in their school or community ensembles, it can be eye-opening to sit in the middle or back of a section. It can be discouraging…or inspirational…or even both at the same time. But it’s a good experience to have before you settle on your college plans.
 
3. Networking

At summer music programs, you’ll meet students and faculty who have information and insights about college music programs that you won’t find in a brochure or on a website. Casual conversations with trusted new friends or mentors can lead to new discoveries about colleges, music, or yourself.  
 
4. Having Fun

Summer music camps and other programs are all different. Many require hard work –– lots of rehearsals and practice. It’s a great test for an aspiring musician: if you can make music, work hard all day long, and still have the time of your life, it’s a great sign you’re on the right path in pursuing a career in music.
 
When it comes to finding a program that will be right for you, look for a few different things. First, seek programs that reflect your personal interests and career aspirations, whether those are in jazz, rock, orchestral, blues, bluegrass, songwriting, composing, music technology, or musical theatre. Smaller programs are often singularly focused, while larger summer programs will have many of these options all under one roof and give students exposure to genres they had not previously considered.
 
It is also very important to take a look at the faculty at summer programs. Read the instructor bios and look at their accomplishments to find teachers who can be the best fit as mentors for your career aspirations.
 
After you have done your own research, talk to your teachers, musical mentors and parents. Share your own research with them and listen to their ideas. Once you have made your decision, check the program deadlines and make sure you’re getting your application in as soon as you can; some programs fill up early.
 
Good luck!

Chris Hintz is the National Marketing and Communications Manager at Interlochen Center for the Arts, which includes a summer arts camp and a fine arts boarding high school. Summer music programs at Interlochen range from one to six weeks and include large ensembles (orchestra and wind ensemble,) jazz, opera, rock, singer-songwriter, music composition, musical theatre, classical guitar, piano, organ, harp and audio recording.

- Top: Photo courtesy of Ithaca College School of Music

- 2nd Level: Photos courtesy of Interlochen Center for the Arts

- Bottom: Photos courtesy of Idyllwild Arts Summer Program

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College Music Majors Looking for Jobs This Summer?

Apple Hill Summer Music Chamber Workshop  (work/study for previous participants)

Eastern U.S. Music Camp at Colgate University (internships only)

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program (approx. 35 counselor positions)

JazzCampWest (work/study for current participants)

Long Lake Music Camp

Music Camp at French Woods

Red Lodge Music Festival

Rocky Ridge Music Center (work/study for Young Artist Seminar participants)

Stanford Jazz Workshop

University of North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Music Program (housing/RAs)

Walden School Young Musicians Program

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2 Comments

MajoringInMusic

Ingrid,

We’re honored to be working with excellent programs in New York. You don’t state what area of music you’re looking for, but check these out:

• The New York Jazz Academy (Manhattan) is a place for jazz – all instruments, all level. Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music has a great Summer Vocal Institute.

Other NY programs outside the city but worth looking at:

• Eastern U.S. Music Camp at Colgate University
(wind & chamber ensembles, jazz, voice, orchestra, piano, guitar (jazz, rock, classical)

• Fredonia Summer Music Festival (SUNY Fredonia – Fredonia, NY)
(winds, brass & percussion high school students

• French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts (Catskills)
jazz (all instruments, voice), Classical (all instruments, voice)

• Ithaca College Summer Music Academy (Ithaca, NY)
(wind ensemble, orchestra, voice, jazz, classical guitar)

• Long Lake Camp for the Arts (Adirondacks)
(all instruments, all styles + rock)

• Skidmore Jazz Institute (Saratoga Springs)
(jazz performance, recording)

• Syracuse Summer Programs (Syracuse, NY)
(recording studio tech., musical theatre, girls leadership academy)

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