Comments

1. March 29, 2016 at 9:48 pm

   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.

   Reply
2. January 14, 2016 at 12:22 pm

   Samuel

   So, can you take a summer music program outside of your state if desired? Or does that vary from school to school?

   Reply
   • January 14, 2016 at 1:09 pm

     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.

     Reply
3. May 25, 2015 at 3:16 pm

   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.

   Reply
4. March 12, 2015 at 7:24 pm

   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?

   Reply
   • March 13, 2015 at 1:36 pm

     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.

     Reply
5. December 31, 2014 at 3:51 pm

   Cindy

   My 15 year old sings and writes country music, also plays guitar. Is there a camp that suits aspiring country artists?

   Reply
   • January 3, 2015 at 6:24 pm

     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.

     Reply
6. November 29, 2014 at 9:34 pm

   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

   Reply
   • November 30, 2014 at 6:30 pm

     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.

     Reply
   • November 26, 2016 at 9:01 am

     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.

     Reply
7. November 16, 2014 at 6:48 pm

   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?

   Reply
   • November 18, 2014 at 11:42 am

     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.

     Reply
8. October 21, 2014 at 10:38 pm

   Wendy

   My daughter plays French horn and trumpet. We are interested in a summer music camp/ program in the southern California area.

   Reply
   • October 25, 2014 at 6:47 pm

     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.

     Reply
9. September 8, 2014 at 6:02 am

   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!

   Reply
   • September 8, 2014 at 3:36 pm

     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.

     Reply
10. August 28, 2014 at 7:54 am

    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.

    Reply
    • August 30, 2014 at 3:29 pm

      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.

      Reply
11. July 30, 2014 at 8:27 am

    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.

    Reply
    • July 30, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      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.

      Reply
12. July 21, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • July 22, 2014 at 2:25 pm

      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.

      Reply
13. April 21, 2014 at 8:51 am

    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?

    Reply
    • April 23, 2014 at 2:00 pm

      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.

      Reply
14. April 5, 2014 at 8:41 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • April 6, 2014 at 7:42 pm

      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.

      Reply
15. April 5, 2014 at 10:28 am

    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

    Reply
    • April 6, 2014 at 7:44 pm

      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.

      Reply
16. March 12, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • March 24, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      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!

      Reply
    • December 12, 2016 at 11:05 am

      CJ Fam

      Also look into the NYU beginning and advanced summer songwriting intensives. The classes are great.

      Reply
17. March 3, 2014 at 11:23 am

    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?

    Reply
    • March 3, 2014 at 11:24 am

      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.

      Reply
18. November 22, 2013 at 9:55 am

    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.

    Reply
    • November 22, 2013 at 11:25 am

      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.

      Reply
19. August 17, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • August 18, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
20. July 8, 2013 at 6:43 am

    Nick

    Hi! I was wondering what information you had on summer programs in Pennsylvania or relatively close to it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • July 8, 2013 at 10:19 am

      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.

      Reply
21. May 8, 2013 at 9:44 am

    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.

    Reply
    • May 8, 2013 at 8:27 pm

      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)

      Reply