Summer music programs help improve your proficiency, deepen your understanding of music theory, prepare for auditions, and much more.
New programs added through Spring 2021. Program formats will be updated to reflect any pandemic-related safety changes. Many programs already plan to be offered virtually so you can access them from any location – check the 2021 Geographical Listings by State + International to learn more.
To learn more about the benefits of online summer music programs, read this article: Virtual Summer Music Programs – Again for 2021?
Featured Programs – Summer 2021
Find and click to learn more:
1. Camp & Program Ads and Geographical Listings – U.S. and International
2. How to Choose a Summer Music Program – for students and parents
3. Summer Jobs Section – for college students
2021 Geographical Listings by State + International
Additional programs will be added regularly through Spring 2021. If programs change due to the pandemic, those changes will be reflected here.
Berklee College of Music – Spain Summer Performance Program
Focus: Music performance instruction, music theory, production, technology.
Dates: July 12-30, 2021
Domaine Forget de Charlevoix International Music and Dance Academy (Quebec)
Focus: Advanced programs in brass, chamber music, dance, new music, guitar, orchestra, strings, woodwinds, voice, conducting. Onsite and online. Video audition required – advanced level.
Dates: May 31 to August 22, 2021
Leeds Conservatoire Summer Academy
Focus: Online programs in Musical Theatre; Performance (classical, jazz, folk, popular music); and Music Production.
Dates: August 2-6, 2021
Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute
Focus: Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium, percussion, harp, violin, viola, cello, bass, composing, conducting. (2+ years playing experience)
Dates: July 5-16, 2021
Virtuoso & Belcanto Festival (Lucca, Italy)
Focus: Piano, violin, cello, chamber music – for college students and young professionals.
Dates: July 19 to August 1, 2021
Coast Music Summer Programs
Focus: Jazz, classical, popular music, songwriting, and music production. An audition is required for jazz intensive program.
Dates: June 21-August 20
Idyllwild Arts Summer Teen Programs
Focus: Chamber, jazz, songwriting. In-person with safety precautions in place.
Dates: July 3-24
Summer at LACM
Focus: Bass, guitar, drum, piano, vocal or jazz performance, rap & hip-hop, songwriting, music production, composing for visual media or music entrepreneurship. Beginner, and ages 12+
Dates: Week 1: June 21-25; Week 2: June 28-July 2; Week 3: July 5-9
Pacific Music Camp
Focus: Jazz, piano, brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, voice, and music business. Virtually or in-person as conditions permit. Students grades 8-12.
Dates: TBD
SFCM (San Francisco Conservatory of Music)
Focus: Online programs for ages 10-18: Coding for Composers; Intro to Composition; Gilbert & Sullivan Scenes; Harp Camp; Improvisation; Piano Seminar: the Well-Tempered Clavier; Strategies for Success.
Dates: Vary by program, June & July
CCJA – CO Conservatory for the Jazz Arts
Focus: Jazz Boot Camp (Technique & Improvisation Intensive, ages 10-18); CCJA Summer Institute (various classes & ensembles, all ages); Jazz in the Sangres Camp (overnight camp in Westcliffe, CO for high schoolers, by audition only).
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
CU Boulder High School Summer Music Academy
Focus: Online summer programs for talented band, orchestra and piano students
Dates: June 14-17
CU Denver: LYNX Camp Ableton Live/Audio Production Program
Focus: Online program for Audio Production, Ableton Live
Dates: June 7-11
CU Denver: LYNX Camp Music Industry Program
Focus: Music Industry: songwriting, performance, music business, recording arts. Offered as hybrid option – in person or virtual.
Dates: June 13-25
Lamont Summer Academy
Focus: Performers and composers study privately, and participate in chamber music, master classes, wind ensemble, orchestra, and modern music groups. Additionally, students can take classes in theory and musicianship, conducting, music technology, music entrepreneurship and musician wellness.
Dates: June 20-July 3
Rafael Méndez Brass Institute
Focus: Brass – trumpet, tenor/bass trombone, french horn, tuba, euphonium; orchestra/military band musicians, audition prep, career seminars, master classes. Recommended for HS seniors on up; no audition required.
Dates: July 11-16
Rocky Ridge Summer Programs
Focus: Students receive private lessons, chamber ensemble, coaching, master classes, score study, mock auditions, professional development, professional mentorship program, and more.
Dates: Varies by program, June through August
Hartt School Community Division
Focus: American Saxophone Academy; Young Composers Project; Music Industry (song writing, mixing, mastering); Meet the Masters Jazz Program (instrumentalists & vocalists); Musical Theatre.
Dates: Vary by program, July-August
Florida State University
Focus: Band camp; various choir camps; double bass; guitar camp; honors chamber wind ensemble; jazz ensemble; marching leadership; piano camp or institute; string orchestra; tuba and euphonium; online classes.
Dates: Vary by program, mid-June – July
Frost Young Musicians’ Camp
Focus: Virtual summer programs in music production, voice, jazz, rock, classical music. Intermediate to advanced entering grades 9-12.
Dates: July 5- July 16
Frost Contemporary Songwriting Camp
Focus: Virtual summer program in contemporary songwriting, songwriting. Studio level – little or no experience; advanced level – by audition.
Dates: July 5- July 16
Dates: June 14-18 and 21-25; July 12-16 and 19-23
Chicago College of Performing Arts Summer Programs
Focus: Virtual summer programs: Acoustic music composition; Chicago Saxophone Institute; American Music Institute; Chicago International Music Institute (strings and piano).
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
DePaul University Summer Music
Focus: Summer Residency for New Music (for composers); Instrument Intensives; Voice; Music Education..
Dates: Vary by program, July-August
Wheaton College Summer Music Camp
Focus: Private lessons, master classes, theory, Alexander Technique, chamber ensemble, Bible study, chapel services. For vocal, string chamber, piano, woodwind chamber, brass chamber, and percussion.
Dates: June 20-27
Butler University Summer Camps
Focus: Pre-College Camps: Upright Bass; Percussion; Piano Scholars ; String Scholars; Woodwinds. Over 18: Jazz
Dates: Vary by program, June and July
DePauw University-Vocal Arts at DePauw 2021
Focus: Virtual program with a focus on voice, opera, musical theatre and theatre. For high school students with some singing experience.
Dates: July 11-17
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Focus: Piano; saxophone; guitar; strings; percussion; composition.
Dates: Vary by program, TBD
Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) at Valparaiso University
Focus: Large ensembles for band, choir or orchestra; private lessons; chamber music; musicianship; electives; performance opportunities. In-person and remote options.
Dates: June 27-July 25 or June 27-July 11 (half session, in-person only)
Coming Soon!
Berklee College of Music – Summer Programs
Focus: On-campus and online programs available in areas such as music performance, music business, songwriting, production, and film scoring. The most popular and comprehensive program, Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance intensive, will be offered in person.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Focus: Voice, opera, composition, Alexander Technique, dance, theatre.
Dates: Vary by program
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Focus: Orchestral Instruments, Voice, Piano, Composition, Harp, Wind Instruments, Workshops, Young Artists.
Dates: Two-Week Workshops, June20-July 3; Young Artists Programs, July 11-July 31
Interlochen Arts Camp
Focus: In-person multi-week programs for Piano, Organ, Advanced Piano, Harp, Advanced Strings, Advanced String Quartet, Orchestra & Wind Ensemble, Jazz Performance & Improvisation, Rock/Pop Performance, Singer-Songwriter, Voice, Music Composition, and Music Production & Engineering. One-week string, woodwind, brass and percussion, piano, and classical voice intensives.
Dates: Vary by program, between June 19 – August 8
Interlochen Online
Focus: Three-week sessions, private lessons, real-time engagement. For classical performance, jazz, composition, production & engineering, singer-songwriter, and music exploration.
Dates: Mon.-Thurs; June 28- July 15 and July 19-August 5
University of Michigan MPulse Summer Institutes
Focus: Center Stage Strings; Clarinet; Dance; Flute; Girls in Music & Technology; Harp; Jazz; Musical Theatre; Percussion; Saxophone; Theatre & Drama; Vocal Arts.
Dates: Vary by program; June-July. Check back to see if in-person or virtual.
The Walden School Young Musicians Program
Focus: Part school, part camp, part festival for musically-inclined students ages 9-18. Instruction in composition, improvisation, choral singing, musicianship, theory, contemporary and popular music, and electronic music. Application required, with optional portfolio component.
Dates: 5 week program: June 26-August 1; 3 week program (for students who have completed 7th grade and younger): June 26-July 18
The Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat
Focus: A week-long festival in New England for composers, improvisers, performers, electronic musicians, choral musicians, and music teachers. Application required, with optional portfolio component.
Dates: June 12-June 20
Coming Soon!
Eastman School of Music – Summer@Eastman
Focus: Offered Online: Classical, Jazz, Cello, French Horn, Organ, Percussion, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Voice. Intermediate/advanced.
Dates: Vary by program, June 28-August 6
French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts
Focus: Vocal and instrumental music (all orchestral instruments + piano), various genres. Additional opportunities include audition preparation, theatre, dance, magic, fitness, culinary arts.
Dates: June 10-19; June 29-July 19; July 19-Aug. 8; Aug. 8-29.
Ithaca College Summer Music Academy (SMA)
Focus: Programs for orchestra; vocal; wind ensemble (band); jazz. Large ensembles, chamber ensembles, masterclasses, and an array of music and non-music courses designed to prepare students to enter college. For intermediate and advanced music students entering grades 10-11-12. Offered in-person for participants within a 10-hour drive, or virtually.
Dates: July 11-24
Long Lake Summer Music Camp
Focus: All instruments including voice; all genres; song writing; composing; plus traditional camp activities.
Dates: Vary by 3-week or 6-week programs
Manhattan School of Music
Focus: Online classes in: Arranging & Jazz Composition; Audition Techniques for Classical Singers; Audition Techniques for Musical Theatre; Composition; Pop Music Production; Classical Music History; Ear Training; Female Composers; Film Scoring; Guitar; History of Musical Theatre; History of Opera; Improvisation; Jazz (History; Standards; Theory; Transcription) Piano; Pop Music Production; R&B; Songwriting; Studio classes for Brass, Classical Percussion, Guitar, Jazz Vocalists, Musical Theatre Singers, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Woodwinds; Private lessons; Ukulele; Video Game Sound Design; World Music.
Dates: July 12-August 13
UNCSA Music Summer Intensives
Focus: All programs offered virtually. Composition/music technology; double bass; guitar; harp; horn; organ; piano; voice. Composition/technology and voice will also be offered as in-person programs for day students.
Dates: Vary by program; June-July
CCM College-Conservatory of Music
Focus: Arts Immersion Program: Emerging Composers Workshop; Online Musical Theatre Workshop; Band – Making of a Music Major (audition prep); Jazz Academy.
Dates: Vary by program; June-August
Oberlin Summer Programs
Focus: Programs offered virtually – Baroque Performance Institute; Advanced Flute Intensives for high school; Voice Intensive; Organ Workshops; Sonic Arts : Electronic Composition & Production Workshops.
Dates: Vary by program; June-July
Otterbein Summer Music Experience
Focus: Winds, brass, percussion, strings, piano, voice, guitar, composition. Rising 9th graders-12th; audition required.
Dates: June 14-18
Schmidt Vocal Institute at Miami University
Focus: Serious high school singers: lessons, coaching, master classes, audition prep, lyric diction, vocal health. World-renowned faculty and performers.
Dates: June 21-July 4
Carnegie Mellon University Online Music Programs
Focus: 3- and 6-week online programs provide private 1-hr weekly studio lessons, music theory, Solfege, music history, résumé & portfolio workshop, college audition support.
Dates: June 26-July 24 or June 26-August 14
Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music
Focus: High School Vocal Intensive – with members of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh: 2 voice lessons, daily coaching, ensemble rehearsals, master classes; in-person OR online.
Dates: July 26-30
Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival
Focus: For high school and college musicians. In-person intensive and comprehensive approach to learning the core chamber music repertoire for strings, piano, percussion and winds. With faculty from The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, the New York City Ballet Orchestra, and other prestigious institutions.
Dates: July 11-17
Penn State Honors Music Institute
Focus: Immersion into music making with focus on Chamber Choir; Jazz Combo; Wind Ensemble; Music Technology; Composition; or Piano.
Dates: July 3-10
Philadelphia International Music Festival
Focus: In-person and virtual sessions available for all instruments. Five program options: symphony, solo performance preparation, chamber music intensive, college audition preparation, and piano studies. Auditions are required for all programs.
Dates: June 19-July 2; July 17-30. One week sessions available.
Susquehanna University Strings & Keyboard Institute
Focus: In Person/Residential Program: Small ensemble and chamber music experience for piano, organ, strings and harp. Intermediate players in 9-12 grades.
Dates: July 18-24
University of the Arts
Focus: Online 2-week program: Instrumentalists and vocalists – Technique, audition preparation, masterclasses, music technology and home recording, notation software.
Dates: July 26-August 6
West Chester University Summer Music Camps
Focus: WCU High School Summer Music Institute – large and small ensembles for strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, double reed and chorus; Summer Jazz Camp.
Dates: Vary by program; July
Savvy Arts Venture Challenge
Focus: Annual workshop for performers and other artists to learn entrepreneurship and other skills for careers in music and other areas of the arts.
Dates: June 6-12
Southeast Piano Festival (SEPF)
Focus: Festival of rigorous piano lessons and master classes.
Dates: June 12-20
Decoda Chamber Music Festival at Lawrence University
Focus: 8th Annual summer intensive for advanced string, woodwind, brass and piano. Daily rehearsals, coachings, lessons, master classes, and workshops relating to life as a musician. In-person unless safety precautions require it to be virtual.
Dates: July 25-August 6
Shell Lake Arts Center Camps & Workshops
Focus: Jazz, Rock, Concert Bands; Music Production; Bass; Guitar; Piano; Saxophone; Trombone.
Dates: Vary by program, June 13-August 6
2021: How to Find the Best Summer Music Program
First, answer these 6 questions. This will help you create your criteria for determining which summer music programs will meet your needs.
Then read “Advantages of Different Types of Programs” (below).
Now you’re ready to look at all of these programs and see which ones match your criteria to help you choose the best music program for you.
1. What do you need from a summer music program?
Which of these are true for you?
- Take private lessons with a specific teacher
- Learn to practice more efficiently and effectively
- Find opportunities to perform with others
- Learnt compose
- Meet music mentors
- Learn music production
- Learn music theory
- Increase your sight-reading proficiency
- Enhance your songwriting proficiency
- Learn aural skills
- Prepare for auditions
- Deal with performance anxiety
- Take master classes
2. What in addition to music would you like to explore or participate in?
3. What kind of environment do you want to be in?
- Competitive vs. relaxed
- Where in the U.S./where outside the U.S.
- In-person (if possible) vs. commuter (if possible) vs. virtual
- Able to learn more about a specific college-level music school while studying music
4. What’s your current proficiency level? Are you willing to audition to be accepted?
5. Length of program
- How long of a program are you able and willing to commit to?
- What dates are you available?
6. Finances
- Any financial constraints?
- Will you apply for scholarships and other financial aid if needed? (Note that financial support often requires applying early.)
7. Other considerations or limitations that will affect your decision?
Advantages of Different Types of Programs
1. Performing arts camps
- Get lessons, practice, and performance opportunities in a well-rounded summer experience.
- Meet other musicians wanting a strong music program within a full camp experience.
- If possible: participate in traditional camp activities: water and land sports, hiking, social events, overnight excursions, crafts, etc.
2. Programs on college campuses
- Experience the campus, faculty, and dorms more directly at a school where you may want to apply.
- Take lessons from faculty you may end up studying with – and have them get to know you and give feedback about your proficiency before you audition.
- Meet students who may also end up applying to the school.
- If possible: experience the location – how do you like the area? Would it work to be there for four years?
- Gain college planning and audition skills.
3. Instrument and genre-focused programs
- Immerse yourself in your area of musical focus and passion.
- Meet lifelong friends and mentors in your field.
4. Programs associated with music festivals
- Meet faculty who perform all over the world as well as a select group of students with shared interests.
- If possible: stay on a college campus, see #2 above.
5. International summer music programs
- Immerse yourself in another culture.
- Discover how a different culture informs your playing or singing, your compositions and your arrangements.
- Meet mentors and fellow students from around the world.
Summer Camp and Program Jobs
Summer jobs opportunities will be posted throughout the winter and into the spring as they become available.
Long Lake Summer Music Camp (New York)
Rocky Ridge Summer Programs (Colorado)
Boston University Tanglewood Institute (Massachusetts)
The Walden School (New Hampshire)
Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute (Canada)
Coast Music Summer Programs (California)
Photo Credits: lead photo – Michelle McEwen
Second and third photos, Kellie Smith for LYNX National Arts and Media Camps
Thea
Can I in any way participate in any of these programs virtually? I play the piano and I’d like to learn a lot more about music theory.
MajoringInMusic
The beauty of virtual programs is that anyone, anywhere can access them without traveling from home. Look at the programs offered – we’ll be adding more every week – and decide which ones look like they’d work for you. Email the programs with any specific questions. The biggest obstacles may be your connectivity and the time the programs are offered. So check all of that as well. Note that some of these programs may end up being offered virtually instead of in person and others may be offered in hybrid fashion (both live and virtually).
Brooke
This is perfect for me because I LOVE music with a passion but, I need to work on writing my own songs. I love all these opportunities.
Samuel
So, can you take a summer music program outside of your state if desired? Or does that vary from school to school?
MajoringInMusic
Absolutely! It really all depends on you – what kind of program you’re looking for, where you want to be geographically, whether you can afford out-of-state programs.
Dana
I play Tuba and I really want to be in a summer program where I’ll be able to play a lot better and learn more about music. Currently a sophomore in college majoring in music ed and I feel like I should learn new things outside of home so I can come back with a motivated mind set.
Kobe
I am 19 and am a freshman. I’ve played guitar for 8 years, drums for 4, but have only studied with a teacher for the last three months. How much skill is required to enter most summer music programs for drums? I’ve played rock up until I switched to jazz for the last couple months. Since I’ve started studying with a teacher I’ve been practicing on average 2 – 2.5 hours everyday. Any recommended programs?
MajoringInMusic
Definitely worth checking with the programs you’re interested in. Explore the many options on our list of summer programs, both close to home and in other states. Make a list of those that seem to be a good fit and compare. You eventually may have to call individual programs to fully understand what they can do for you. Many offer different levels of instruction to accommodate students of varying proficiency, with the goal of helping them rise to the next level. Your commitment to practicing will help you establish a solid foundation.
Cindy
My 15 year old sings and writes country music, also plays guitar. Is there a camp that suits aspiring country artists?
MajoringInMusic
We don’t know of any country music-specific programs but we suggest you check out songwriting and summer guitar programs – the skills learned will likely serve your student even if the program doesn’t focus specifically on country music.
Travis
Hello, my son will be 17 summer of 2015. He has had private lessons for about 8 years on drum set and has been playing in the schools jazz band for the last 5 years. He is looking at Berklees 5 week summer program. What are your opinions on Berklees program. He has done CWU jazz camp the last 2 summers and is really wanting an intense program going into his senior year as he will start auditioning for college. He is going to major in music performance or jazz.
Thanks,
Travis
MajoringInMusic
Rather than rank or evaluate programs, MajoringInMusic.com provides a wealth of information to empower students and parents to make smart choices and decisions based on their personal criteria. This is far more likely to result in a good fit. Look at the criteria listed on this section to get started. Our 2015 page, which will post beginning December 15, will include more detailed information. Also take a look at some of the articles under “Choosing Music Schools” – some of the same criteria apply for summer programs.
Bruce
My son has done the Berklee 5 week last summer as a Drum Performance major. It was overall a positive experience (he was an incoming 9th grader). He was put into two ensembles, one was not so challenging and less than stimulating, the other was with more experienced players and he found that one challenging and lots of fun. My biggest criticism was that each ensemble rehersed only twice per week. The rest of the time he was in elective classes, all important stuff (jazz history, music theory, musicianship training), but what he really wanted to do was rack up hours of ensemble experience with players that were at or above his level. He got to do this twice per week, 9 times total during the 5 weeks. That said, the experience of living in a dorm, having to advocate for himself, practice, play, etc, was amazing.
Sarah
I’m 19 and play piano organ and piano, but both at beginner level, in comparison to the best pianists/organists. I am DYING to study both INTENSELY over the summer. I also sing a lot and have very good choral technique but don’t have vibrato – I would also love to study voice intensely over the summer.
Are there any programs that would take beginners pianists/vocalists?
MajoringInMusic
Every program is different – some offer beginner lessons, while others are geared toward those much higher levels of expertise. We’ll be posting the 2015 programs beginning late December, with new programs added through the spring, so check back often. Also look at programs offered by community music schools in your area – most offer programs for children and adults at all levels.
Wendy
My daughter plays French horn and trumpet. We are interested in a summer music camp/ program in the southern California area.
MajoringInMusic
This page of Summer Camps & Programs is updated starting every December, but you can get a head start by visiting any of the links/programs on the right side of this page. New programs will be added through early spring 2015! For now, look under the California listings in the right column.
Mary
Hi! I’m interested in doing summer program in piano but I don’t actually have any idea about the procedure and which courses to choose since I’ve just recently starting to play. My intentions are doing a course in a good university/college in Manhattan or maybe Chicago or Boston. Can you pls suggest any also keeping in mind that I’m 15. Thanks!
MajoringInMusic
You’ll have lots of options. Summer programs offered on college campuses are a great way to get a taste of what a college environment is like and to familiarize yourself with a particular college setting. Pick a few programs in the list provided on this page from colleges that interest you. Get in touch with them a ask questions to start the ball rolling. And look for our 2015 page to be posted sometime in December. We suggest you consider a program that will also give you theory training, and opportunities to perform at whatever level you’re at.
Mary
My daughter plays piano, drums and sings. She is just starting guitar. We are looking for an opportunity for next summer with a rock/pop emphasis. Camps are okay, but college based would be better. Suggestions. International options would be great too. She will be 15 next summer.
MajoringInMusic
We assume you’ve already looked at the programs offered for this past summer – many of these will be offered again next summer. We’ll post next summer’s Music Camps & Programs page in late December. Programs will be added throughout winter and early spring, so be sure to visit often.
Steve
My daughter is interested in taking a term or year “away” from her high school. Do you know of schools offering music-voice-theater programs serving HS juniors? Thank you.
MajoringInMusic
Steve,
Our first thought is to look with your daughter at the boarding arts high schools that offer programs in which she’s looking to immerse herself. They’re known for doing an excellent job of preparing students for their next steps. And she wouldn’t have to lose a year of high school since she’d be taking her academic classes there as well. Two of those schools are participating on MajoringInMusic.com so you can easily view what they offer: Interlochen Arts Academy and Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Please let them know we referred you if you do follow up. They’ll be happy to talk with you. Other options are non-residential after school programs, non-residential arts high schools, and, of course, summer programs.
Theresa
Love the list of possibilities! However I noticed Georgia is missing from the state listings, so I thought I would share that the University of Georgia provided a fabulous band camp experience for my daughter, an experiemced trumpet player this past summer. She will be returning next year.
MajoringInMusic
Thanks for your input, Theresa! Glad to hear your daughter had such a positive experience. We’ll talk with UGA about getting their program up on our summer page for 2015.
Lisa Buck
My son is a high school junior and interested in studying music composition in college. He would like to attend a summer program specifically for music composition that will give him the opportunity to start composing and recording his own pieces.
Do you have recommendations on any programs?
MajoringInMusic
Programs we work with that offer composing in the summer include: Lamont School of Music Summer Academy, Long Lake Camp, Rocky Ridge Music Center, Interlochen, The Walden School Young Musicians Program, Ithaca College Summer Music Academy, U of North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Music Programs, Cornish College of the Arts. If your son is interested in popular music and songwriting, have him check Leeds College of Music, Interlochen, U of Colorado Denver Summer Music Industry Program.
Tina
My son would like to go to a residential music camp this summer. Where can I find comments or reviews by participants so that we can help him select tht one that best fits him and guide him as to what to expect?
MajoringInMusic
We suggest you start by looking at the various camps and programs on this page to see what interests your son. Some of their websites do have testimonials from former campers and families. You and your son can also contact any of the programs that interest him, and ask them any and all questions that aren’t already answered on their websites. Also get some names and contact information for recent attendees. Then contact the parents and see if their kids would be willing to have a conversation with your son.
Remember that no two people will have the exact same reaction to a program, but you can glean good information by asking the kinds of questions that will help you both in the decision-making process.
lorraine
I have a 16 year-old Saxophonist. Do you have any classes in Phoenix. She’s in marching band for 3 yrs, jazz for 2 and elementary band for 4 yrs. She reads music and would like to learn more about jazz. Thank you
MajoringInMusic
Some suggestions as to where to look for summer jazz programs in your area:
1. Jazz in Arizona/The Nash (www.thenash.org) – look for their summer jazz programs by mid-April.
2. Community colleges in the area (Paradise Valley, Maricopa, Scottsdale).
3. Community music schools in Phoenix, such as Phoenix Center for the Arts.
Also check the state-by-state list of programs on this page to also learn about excellent jazz programs outside your area.
Pam
My 16 year old son would like a camp where he will get vocal and songwriting instruction. He is also interested in recording. Mostly this summer he wants to go someplace where he can grow his skills. He made the ACDA honor’s choir at the State level this year and he writes music/songs on a regular basis but he wants to be better at both. He taught himself guitar and he took piano lessons for years and does mostly improv and piano to supplement his singing now. We live in California but aren’t opposed to traveling. Any ideas?
MajoringInMusic
Programs we’re working with this year that offer what your son is looking for include: Idyllwild Arts (CA), Interlochen (MI), Stanford Jazz Workshop Jazz Institute (Songwriting, CA), University of the Pacific (Pacific Music Business Camp. CA), University of Colorado Summer Music Industry Program (Songwriting, CO), Cornish College of the Arts (WA).
Check them out on this Summer Music Camps & Programs page!
CJ Fam
Also look into the NYU beginning and advanced summer songwriting intensives. The classes are great.
Mellisa
My son wants to go to a music program in Italy this summer but doesn’t know any one else who wants to go with him. Can you help me think this out? Would he be better off waiting until he can maybe go with a group of students from his school?
MajoringInMusic
Summer music programs in other countries offer wonderful opportunities for students who are ready for them. There are some advantages to not going with a school group and your son will certainly meet people wherever he goes. Find out everything you can about supervision, lodging, language support, private instruction, cultural opportunities, etc. Ask for contact information for a few families whose children have attended the programs your son is interested in so you can get some more objective feedback about those programs.
Kreston
I am looking for a summer music program for my middle schooler who plays saxophone. He will be going into the 8th grade next year. I would like to find a place that is in the Southeast that also offers Graduate for musicians. I have my bachelor’s for the University of Memphis. I would like to get started on my Grad degree on saxophone. May not be possible to pull this off, but I thought I would ask. Memphis does not offer a summer program.
MajoringInMusic
Stay tuned for the 2014 Summer Music Camps & Programs information! Posting of programs will start mid-December and will be accessed from the homepage.
And…how far are you willing/able to travel?
Note that if you’re interested in blues, check out Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp for your son. He’ll bring a blues camp your way if you can facilitate the process.
Andy
I know summer is almost over but maybe for next year… Summer camps other than the ones listed for a High School Student in Los Angeles? Thank you!
MajoringInMusic
Thanks, Andy, for your comment. If you’ll give us an idea of what type of music and what kind of programs would interest you, we’ll do our best to scout them out for next season.
Nick
Hi! I was wondering what information you had on summer programs in Pennsylvania or relatively close to it. Thanks!
MajoringInMusic
Nick,
In the state-by-state listing over on the right of this page, you’ll see excellent music programs with different focuses, in Pennsylvania (at Temple and Penn State) and surrounding states (Ohio, New York). You’ll notice that several programs are offered through the music schools and departments at universities.
Ingrid
I am interested in summer programs in music for high school students in New York City. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.
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)