2020: Find the Best Summer Music Program
Click on these links to learn more:
1. Music camps and programs in the U.S. and abroad: Camp & Program Ads and Geographical Listings
2. Guidance for students and parents: How to Choose a Summer Music Program.
3. Job opportunities for college students: Summer Jobs Section.
2020 Geographical Listings by State + International
(additional programs will be added regularly through Spring 2020)
Berklee College of Music Spain Summer Performance Program
Focus: Performance, Theory, Production, Technology.
Dates: July 13-24
Boston Conservatory Opera Intensive in Valencia (Spain)
Focus: Focus on technical and performance skills and what it takes to build and maintain a career in opera. Ages 18+.
Dates: May 31-June 20
The Ingenium Academy International Summer School for Music (England)
Focus: Orchestra, Chamber Music, Vocal, Piano, Conducting, Saxophone, Composition
Dates: July 12-August 9
Leeds College of Music Summer Programs
Focus: Scoring for Film; Music Production; Recording; Composing; Conducting; Performance (Classical, Jazz, Folk, Popular); Musical Theatre; Big Band.
Dates: Vary by program, July-August
Orvieto Musica, Inc. (Italy)
Focus: String Chamber Music/ Intensive Rehearsal and Performance Opportunities.
Dates: June 14-July 5
Musical Armenia Program (Armenia)
Focus: AGBU’s Musical Armenia Program (MAP) is a three-week summer initiative that connects aspiring and professional artists with Armenia’s rich musical heritage.
Dates: July 6-26
Performing Arts Abroad music (Various Countries)
Focus: Varies by program: Music Education; Music Therapy; Irish Music; West African Music; Ethnomusicology; or Musical Theatre. Internships also available. Proficiency level varies by program.
Dates: Rolling start dates, May to August
Virtuoso & Belcanto Festival (Italy)
Focus: Romantic Music, Concerts, Competitions, Masterclasses. Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano.
Dates: July 13-26
Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute
Focus: Orchestral training program for Strings, Brass, Woodwinds with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra faculty members and Maestro Otto Tausk. Chamber Music, Masterclasses, Repertoire classes. Audition required; advanced/pre-professional level.
Dates: June 27-July 6
Arizona State University “So You Want to Be a Music Major”
Focus: Workshop for rising juniors, seniors, transfer students with mock auditions, career options, sample lessons and more.
Dates: June 4-5
Idyllwild Arts Summer Program
Focus: Jazz, Classical, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Band, Choral, Piano, Songwriting
Dates: June 21-August 9
Jazz Camp West
Focus: Ages 15-Adult, all skill levels: 8-day Jazz immersion program for instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers.
Dates: June 20-27
Jam Camp West
Focus: Ages 10-15, all skill levels: 7-day (6 night) Music, Dance and Vocal program.
Dates: July 18-24
Pacific Music Camps
Focus: Jazz, Music Business, Concert Band, Orchestra.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College Programs
Focus: Film Scoring Workshop (scoring, digital audio, creative technology, ages 13-19); Gilbert and Sullivan Scenes (singing, acting and stage movement, ages 10-18).
Dates: Application deadline April 15. Film Scoring Workshop: June 15 – July 3; Gilbert and Sullivan Scenes: June 15-27
Stanford Jazz Workshop Jazz Camp and Jazz Institute
Focus: Vocal and Instrumental Jazz, Improvisation, Combo Performance.
Dates: Jazz Camp: July 12-17 or 19-24; Jazz Institute: July 26-31
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Focus: Musicology, Music Studies, Composition.
Dates: Session 1: June 22-July 10; Session 2: July 13-31
Colorado State University School of Music, Theatre & Dance Summer Programs
Focus: Pre-college clarinet, organ, percussion, piano, marching band.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
CU Denver: LYNX Camp Ableton Live/Audio Production Program
Focus: Audio Production, Ableton Live; Electronic Music.
Dates: June 8-12
CU Denver: LYNX Camp Music Industry Program
Focus: Contemporary Music Performance (Rock, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, A Cappella, etc.), Songwriting, Ensembles, Recording Arts, Music Business, Electronic Music, Concerts, Lessons. Field Trips – Red Rocks Concert, Downtown Denver, Chautauqua Park.
Dates: June 14-26
Lamont School of Music Summer Academy
Focus: Private Lessons; Master Classes; Chamber Ensembles; Orchestra; Wind Ensemble; Choir; Composition; New Music Workshop; Music Theatre; Steel Drum; Electronic Music; Conducting; Theory; Collaborative Piano; Alexander Technique; Diction for Singers; Soundpainting; Concerto/Aria Competition. Recreational activities, recitals.
Dates: June 20–July 3
Rafael Méndez Brass Institute
Focus: Brass, Chamber Music, Performance, Career Development. Audition required. Recommended for graduating high school seniors, entering college freshmen and above.
Dates: July 12-18
Rocky Ridge Summer Music Programs
Focus: Classical for all ages; Jazz for ages 13-17.
Dates: Vary by program, June through August
University of Colorado Boulder College of Music Summer Academy
Focus: High School Summer Music Academy (band, strings, piano); Jazz Arts Boot Camp (in conjunction with Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts).
Dates: Summer Music Academy – June 14-19; Jazz Arts Boots Camp – June 9-12
The Hartt School Community Division
Focus: Meet the Masters jazz instrumental + vocalists; Music Industry (songwriting, production, marketing); Young Composers Project (scoring for film, tv, video games); Music Theatre Preprofessional Intensive.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Florida State University College of Music
Focus: Band Camp, Choral Ensemble Camp, Double Bass Workshop, Guitar Camp, Chamber Winds Camp, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band Leadership Camp, Piano Camp, Piano Institute, String Orchestra Camp, Tuba and Euphonium Workshop.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Frost Young Musicians’ Camp (Rock, Jazz, Vocal)
Focus: Advanced Rock, Advanced Jazz, Vocal Performance.
Dates: July 13-24
Frost Summer Institute of Contemporary Songwriting
Focus: Songwriting, Lyric Writing.
Dates: July 13-24
Frost Young Musicians’ Camp (Classical)
Focus: Advanced Classical and Composition.
Dates: July 13-24
Chicago College of Performing Arts Summer Programs
Focus: Brass Performance, Woodwinds, Music Composition, Jazz Performance, Musical Theatre.
Dates: May 29-June 27
Summer ChamberFest at DePaul University School of Music
Focus: Chamber Music – Strings, Woodwind (including Saxophone), Brass, Percussion. Open to rising high school junior and senior student instrumentalists.
Dates: July 6-12
Northwestern University Summer Performance Workshops
Focus: Voice; Violin; Percussion; Trombone; Guitar; Conducting and Wind Music; Duo Piano Master Classes (college+).
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Wheaton College Summer Music Camp
Focus: Explore Wheaton College music program. Classes in Theory, Alexander Technique, Music History, World Music, Auditioning. Concentrations in Vocal, String Chamber, Piano, Woodwind Chamber, Brass Chamber and Percussion.
Dates: June 21-28
Butler University Summer Camps
Focus: Camps focus on Bass (upright); Jazz (instrumental or vocal); Guitar; Percussion; Piano; Strings; Woodwinds. Big-Band Workshop (18+).
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Focus: Summer Music Academies and Workshops for Piano, Strings, Saxophone, Percussion, Organ, and College Audition Preparation.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Vocal Arts at DePauw
Focus: Classical and Musical Theatre tracks. Classes for each track as well as Audition Training, Sight Singing, Vocal Health, and final performance.
Dates: June 21-27
LSU Bands
Focus: TALC Summer Camp for leadership skills, color guard, and marching percussion.
Dates: June 17-20
Maryland summer programs will be added as they become available.
Berklee College of Music – Summer Programs
Focus: Contemporary Music; Voice; Guitar; Piano/Keyboard; Bass; Drums; Brass; Strings; Musical Theater; Songwriting; Music Production; Electronic Music Production & Sound Design; Gospel.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Focus: Dance, Theatre, Voice, Opera, Composition, Alexander Technique.
Dates: Varies by program, June through August
Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI)
Focus: Strings; Winds & Brass; Percussion; Harp; Voice; Piano; Composition; Conducting.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Longy School of Music
Focus: El Sistema Summer Academy for young musicians from El Sistema-inspired programs; Music for Healing and Transition Program; Dalcroze Summer Institute; Divergent Studio (chamber music, composition).
Dates: Vary by program, June through August
Walnut Hill School for the Arts
Focus: Chamber Music Institute; Summer Classical Voice Institute.
Dates: June 21-27
Interlochen Summer Arts Camp
Focus: Multi-week programs in Orchestra; Wind; Strings; Composition; Harp; Jazz; Organ; Piano; Music Production/Engineering; Musical Theatre; Rock/Pop; Singer-Songwriter; Voice. One-week institutes in Strings; Woodwinds; Brass & Percussion; Piano.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
University of Michigan MPulse Summer Institutes
Focus: Musical Theatre; Strings; Clarinet; Flute; Harp; Jazz; Saxophone; Vocal Arts.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Minnesota camps and programs will be posted as they become available.
The Walden School Young Musicians Program
Focus: Composition, Improvisation, Theory, Musicianship, Choral Singing, Electronic Music. Beginners to advanced; application/no audition.
Dates: June 27-August 2
Mason Gross School of the Arts/Rutgers Community Arts
Focus: Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute – improvisation, small & large ensembles; American String Teachers Association Chamber Music Institute – rehearsals, masterclasses, chamber music performance skills for strings, woodwinds, classical guitar, piano.
Dates: July 12-17 for Jazz; July 19-24 for Strings
Bard Music Camp
Focus: Piano; Violin; Viola; Cello; Double Bass; Guitar; Voice; Clarinet; Saxophone; French Horn; Trombone; Composition; Percussion.
Dates: June 29-July 11
Eastern U.S. Music Camp at Colgate University, Hamilton, NY
Focus: Jazz, Classical, Bands, Rock; Voice, Composition, Music Production; Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Piano, Vocal; Fun Activities; Colgate University Campus Experience. All instruments. All levels of ability.
Dates: 2-week sessions: June 28-July 12, July 5-19, July 12-26; 3-week sessions: June 28-July 19, July 5-26; 4-week session: June 28-July 26
Eastman School of Music – Summer@Eastman
Focus: Classical; Jazz; Cello; Flute; French Horn; Organ; Percussion; Saxophone; Trumpet; Trombone.
Dates: Vary by program, from June 29-August 7
French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts
Focus: Classical; Jazz; Orchestra; Symphony; Voice; Musical Theatre; Rock; Pop. Full camp setting with water + other sports.
Dates: 3-week sessions: June 7-28; June 28-July 19; July 19-August 9; August 9-30
Ithaca College Summer Music Academy
Focus: Orchestra; Vocal; Wind Ensemble (band); Jazz.
Dates: High School Program (entering 10-12), July 12-25; Middle/Intermediate School Program (Band, Orchestra, Musical Theatre for entering 7-9), July 26-August 1
Long Lake Summer Music Camp
Focus: Vocal and instrumental music camp (includes rock) with traditional camp activities. Beginners through advanced levels.
Dates: Three 3-week sessions starting June 28, July 20 and August 10
Mannes Prep Summer Chamber Intensive (New School)
Focus: Chamber ensembles, sight-reading, master classes, jam sessions, performances.
Dates: August 3-8
MSM Summer (Manhattan School of Music)
Focus: Musical Theatre; Instrumental, Voice, Composition (non-residential).
Dates: Vary by program: July (January application deadline)
Syracuse University Summer College
Focus: Musical Theatre; Sound Engineering & Audio Production.
Dates: Musical Theatre: June 11-24; Sound Engineering: June 27-July 10
School of Jazz and Contemporary Music (New School)
Focus: Ensembles with faculty, ear training, theory, jazz history, performances.
Dates: August 3-7
East Carolina University Summer Band Camp
Focus: Band rehearsals, sectionals, private lessons, musicianship, recreation activities. Jazz track option.
Dates: June 21-26
Baldwin Wallace Conservatory Summer Institute
Focus: Choose an Institute in Choral; Keyboard; Strings; Wind & Percussion. Choral Institute students can focus on Music Theatre or Composition. For students considering studying music in college.
Dates: July 2-11
Bowling Green State University Summer Music Institute
Focus: Double Reed; Percussion; Jazz; Piano; Voice/Opera; Musical Theatre; Strings; Saxophone; Brass.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Oberlin Conservatory Summer Programs
Focus: Baroque Performance Institute; Bass Institute; Flute Academy; Organ Academy; Piano Festival; Sonic Arts Workshop; Trumpet Workshop; Vocal Academy.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July. Deadlines vary, March-May or when programs fill.
Schmidt Vocal Institute at Miami University
Focus: For serious high school singers: lessons and coachings, participation in master classes, courses in acting, lyric diction, vocal health, college audition preparation, historic performances, and stage craft.
Dates: June 22-July 5
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)
Focus: High School Arts Immersion; Piano Workshop; Jazz Academy; Musical Theatre Workshop; Voice Workshop.
Dates: Vary by program, June
University of Dayton Summer Performance Institutes
Focus: Performance Institutes: Voice; Woodwinds; Brass.
Dates: Woodwind or Brass Performance Institutes, June 15-19; Vocal Performance Institute, June 22-26
Oklahoma City University Summer Music Programs
Focus: Musical Theater intensives; Percussion program.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Carnegie Mellon University Summer Pre-College Music
Focus: Immersion in a conservatory environment similar to freshman year. Instrumental, vocal, composition. Lessons, coaching, audition prep.
Dates: June 27-August 8
Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music
Focus: Jazz; Music Technology; Brass Camp; Music Theory Bootcamp; Percussion Camp; Violin & Viola Bootcamp.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Kutztown University Summer Music Festival
Focus: piano, strings, winds, percussion, private lessons and chamber music coaching.
Dates: July 3-11
Lebanon Valley College
Focus: Concert Band; String Ensemble; Choir; Jazz, Rock & Blues Ensemble; Musical Theatre; Audio & Music Production; Songwriting.
Dates: July 5-10
Penn State School of Music – Honors Music Institute
Focus: Chamber Choir, Jazz Combo, Wind Ensembles, Piano, Music Technology.
Dates: July 12-18
Philadelphia International Music Camp & Festival (PIMF)
Focus: Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music, Solo Performance, Piano Studies, Music Theatre, Opera, College Audition Preparation Program.
Dates: June 20-July 3; July 18-31
Susquehanna University Summer Music Institutes
Focus: Instrumental and Choral sessions include Lessons and Coaching, Master Classes, Chamber Music, Theory, Technique, Vocal Health, College Audition Preparation.
Dates: June 21-27 or July 5-11
University of the Arts
Focus: Style, Technique, Phrasing, Interpretation, Improvisation and Sight-Reading skills on your primary instrument. Big Band, Vocal, Rhythm Workshop.
Dates: July 6-17
West Chester University Summer Music Institute
Focus: Wind ensemble, String Orchestra, Chorus; Ensembles: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Double Reed, Brass, Percussion, Vocal.
Dates: July 6-11
Young Women Composers Camp
Focus: Two-week program at Temple University Boyer College of Music for high school students identifying as female and between ages 14-19 who are interested in pursuing a career in music composition.
Dates: July 6-17
Southeast Piano Festival
Focus: Rigorous piano program; lessons, master classes, piano competition.
Dates: June 13-23
University of South Carolina Summer Music Programs
Focus: Carolina Summer Music Conservatory (Chamber Music coaching, private lessons, theory, jazz improvisation, audition prep); Drum Major Clinic (3-day leadership training includes conducting, conflict resolution, musicianship).
Dates: June
Belmont University School of Music
Focus: Winds Band Camp; Strings; Piano; Vocal Arts Intensive.
Dates: Vary by program, June
Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamps
Focus: Guitar; Fiddle; Banjo; Mandolin; Dulcimer; Bass; Vocal.
Dates: June 14-20 and June 21-27
TCU Summer Music Institute
Focus: Band Camp (high school or middle school)
Dates: June 15-18 for h.s.; June 19-20 for m.s.
Texas Music Festival
Focus: Improvisation, theory, sectionals, master classes with University of Houston Moores School of Music faculty.
Dates: TBD
Virginia camps and programs will be posted as they become available.
University of Puget Sound Brass Camp
Focus: Small groups and large ensembles, includes Jazz, improvisation, master classes, final performance.
Dates: July 20-24
Marrowstone Music Festival (Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra)
Focus: Classical, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music, High School and Collegiate.
Dates: July 26-August 9
Lawrence University Conservatory Summer Chamber Music
Focus: for string players. Chamber String Orchestra with ensembles based on age, experience, instrument.
Dates: June 15-19
Shell Lake Arts Center Camps & Workshops
Focus: Jazz, Rock, Concert Band, Music Production, Individual Instruments. Proficiency level varies with camp or workshop.
Dates: Vary by week, June 14-August 7
2020: 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 play or sing in ensembles, orchestras, bands
- Find opportunities to perform in musical theatre, operas, or a cappella groups
- Learn more about composition
- Meet music mentors
- Jam with other students, faculty
- Learn music production
- Meet new music friends
- 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
- Enjoy a good social life
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. laid back
- Where in the U.S./outside the U.S.
- Commuter vs. living at the camp or program
- City vs. small town vs. rural
- Able to learn more about a specific college or conservatory 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 housed 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.
Performing Arts Abroad (International)
Long Lake Camp (New York)
Shell Lake Arts Center (Wisconsin)
The Walden School (New Hampshire)
Idyllwild Arts Summer Program (California)
Lamont Summer Academy email: lamontacademy@du.edu (Colorado)
The Ingenium Academy (England)
Rocky Ridge Summer Music Camp (Colorado)
Stanford Jazz Camp (California)
Photo Courtesy of Performing Arts Abroad
Photo Credits: top, Robert King Photography for LYNX National Arts and Media Camps
2nd photo from top – courtesy of Performing Arts Abroad.
Additional photos (unless otherwise noted): Robert King Photography
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)