Due to the COVID-19 virus, many of these programs will take place online. They offer opportunities to continue to improve your proficiency, take master classes, deepen your understanding of music theory, prepare for auditions, and much more.
Note: Most if not all of these programs expect to take place as usual in 2021, so this is a great time to learn more about what they offer.
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 – Summer Programs
Focus: Online programs: Aspire – Five-Week Music Performance Intensive Contemporary Music; Bass Workshop; Creative Entrepreneurship Program; Drums & Percussion; Electronic Music Production & Sound Design; Film Scoring; Guitar Sessions; Music Production; Piano/Keyboard; Songwriting (2 options); Music Production; Vocal Summit.
Dates: Vary by program, June-September
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
Virtual Ingenium Summer Music Academy (England)
Focus: Virtual Programmes for ages 13-21: Piano; Conducting; Composition; Vocal; Orchestral; Saxophone.
Dates: Vary by programme, late July-early August
Leeds Conservatoire Summer Academy
Focus: Five-day series of online classes in Performing Arts, Music Production or Performance
Dates: August 3-7
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: The 2020 program has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see this program for consideration for 2021.
Performing Arts Abroad’s West End Musical Theatre Training
Focus: Classes in acting, singing, dance, stage combat, puppetry, audition techniques, and more in West End studios in London.
Dates: 2020 program canceled due to COVID-19. Please see this program for 2021.
Virtuoso & Belcanto Festival (Italy)
Focus: Offered online from Lucca, Italy: Instrumental and chamber music programs; students may enroll in both. Lessons, masterclasses, competitions for violin, viola, cello, piano and chamber music.
Dates: July 13-26
Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute
Focus: Virtual VSOI 2020 – live feedback and coaching; additional virtual learning opportunities.
Dates: June 27-July 6
Arizona State University
Focus: Online options include: Piano Artistry; Arranging & Orchestration; Music of Batman; BAMM! (audition strategies); Sound Editing & Mixing; Viola Intensive; Brass Intensive; Art of Practicing; Regional & All State Auditions; Musicianship for Saxophonists; Clarinet Workshop; Keyboard Chording; Kind of Blue; Community Music School (private lessons).
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Idyllwild Arts Summer Program
Focus: Online programs for ages 13-18: Orchestral & Concert Band Program; Jazz in the Pines; Electronic Music Production; Songwriting; Piano Performance.
Dates: Vary by program, June-August
Jazz Camp West Online
Focus: Online instrumental and vocal master classes and events celebrating jazz.
Dates: June 20-July 12
Pacific Music Camps
Focus: Online programs in Piano, Band & Orchestra, Music Business.
Dates: Piano – June 22-25; Band & Orchestra and Music Business – July 13-16
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College Programs
Focus: Online Summer Programs: Gilbert and Sullivan Scenes; Contemporary Chamber Improv for Strings; Introduction to Music Composition; Harp Camp; Master Planning for College; Surveys on Wagner and Stravinsky.
Dates: Vary by program, June or June to early July
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Collegiate Programs
Focus: Online Summer Programs: Woodwinds; Brass; Classical Guitar; Conducting; Percussion Piano; Jazz; Strings; Technology; Voice; Innovative Leadership.
Dates: Vary by program, July
Stanford Jazz Workshop
Focus: Online lessons, master classes, jazz theory, improvisation, jazz history, practice parties. Ages 12 – adult.
Dates: July 6-17. One and two week programs available.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Focus: Why Music Matters – questions of presence, liveness, and community, and what these ideas can illuminate about music-making in multiple cultural contexts. Active, critical and creative listening, creative sound-making in multiple socio-historical contexts.
Dates: Online program, July 6-17
CCJA Summer Institute 2020
Focus: Online programs for students and adults including jazz composition; jazz theory (3 levels); improvisation. In-person combo programs for middle and high school students and adults. In-person Latin Jazz Ensemble for ages 11-adult; high school jazz vocal program; funk ensemble.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Colorado State University School of Music, Theatre & Dance Summer Programs
Focus: Pre-college clarinet, organ, percussion, piano, marching band.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
CU Denver: LYNX Camp Ableton Live/Audio Production Program
Focus: Online program for Audio Production, Ableton Live
Dates: June 8-12
CU Denver: LYNX Camp Music Industry Program
Focus: Online program in Songwriting, Performance, Music Business, Recording Arts.
Dates: June 22-26
Lamont School of Music Summer Academy
Focus: Offered online and includes: Private Lessons; Music Technology; Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music; Entrepreneurship & Mentoring; Composition and Arranging; Music Theory/Musicianship; Modern Music Making – World Music; Wellness.
Dates: June 20–July 3
Rafael Méndez Brass Institute
Focus: Offered online for 2020, with a focus on career development, music business and professional technical skills.
Dates: July 12-18
Rocky Ridge Summer Music Programs
Focus: Virtual classical programs for ages 10+; virtual jazz program 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: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
The Hartt School Community Division
Focus: American Saxophone Academy (virtual); Young Composers Project (offered remotely; scoring for film, tv, video games)
Dates: Saxophone Academy – June 19-26; Young Composers Project – August 3-7 and 10-14 (either or both).
Florida State University College of Music
Focus: Free online classes: choral conducting; vocal expression and diction; vocal score study; jazz improvisation; bass lines; jazz history; jazz chords & transcription; bowing for string players; efficient practicing; horn fundamentals; musicality; all-state and college audition prep; tuba and euphonium fundamentals; trombone; marching band leadership.
Dates: June-July
Frost Young Musicians’ Virtual Advanced Programs
Focus: Virtual advanced programs: Rock; Jazz; Classical Music; Vocal Performance.
Dates: June 29-July 10
Frost Young Musicians’ Songwriting Programs
Focus: Virtual songwriting programs: Songwriting Intro; Songwriting Advanced.
Dates: June 29-July 10
Frost Young Musicians Honors Programs
Focus: Virtual honors programs: Jazz; Composition.
Dates: June 29-July 10
Atlanta Rock ‘n Blues Camp
Focus: Blues, Rock, Reggae, Jazz
Dates: Canceled for Summer 2020 due to COVID-19. Visit this program for consideration for 2021. Please watch the white box on the Atlanta Rock ’n Blues Camp home page for announcements about possible school-year events.
Chicago College of Performing Arts Summer Programs
Focus: Online programs: Summer Composition Institute; Chicago International Music Institute; Chicago Saxophone Institute; American Music Institute.
Dates: June 15-26 for Composition; June 22-26 for Saxophone; July 13-17 for American Music; August 4-11 for International Music Institute
DePaul University School of Music Summer ChamberFest
Focus: Chamber Music – Strings, Woodwind (including Saxophone), Brass, Percussion. Open to rising high school junior and senior student instrumentalists.
Dates: The 2020 summer music program has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see this program for consideration for 2021.
Millikin University School of Music Summer Camps
Focus: Music Alive (creating hip hop, beats, raps); Project A Cappella (vocal percussion, various vocal styles).
Dates: The 2020 summer music program has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see this program for consideration for 2021.
Northwestern University Summer Performance Workshops
Focus: Voice; Violin; Percussion; Trombone; Guitar; Conducting and Wind Music; Duo Piano Master Classes (college+).
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration in 2021.
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: Due to COVID-19 precautions, the 2020 Summer Music Camp has been canceled. For virtual Conservatory experiences contact music@wheaton.edu. Save the date for Summer Music Camp 2021, June 20-27.
Butler University Summer Camps
Focus: Online programs include Upright Bass; Percussion Camp; Piano Scholars Camp; String Scholars Camp
Dates: Vary by program, June and July
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Focus: Summer 2020 programs offered virtually and live-streamed for piano, saxophone, and college audition preparation.
Dates: Saxophone Academy – June 14-20; Edward Auer Piano Workshop – July 13-24; College Audition Preparation – July 19-25
LSU Bands
Focus: TALC Summer Camp for leadership skills, color guard, and marching percussion.
Dates: TALC 2020 has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see this program for consideration for 2021.
Berklee College of Music – Summer Programs
Focus: Online summer programs: Aspire, 5-week music performance intensive; Bass Workshop; Creative Entrepreneurship; Day Sessions: Music; Drums & Percussion Workshop; Electronic Music Production & Sound Design; Film Scoring; Guitar Sessions; Music Production; Piano/Keyboard; Songwriting; Vocal Summit.
Dates: Vary by program, June-September
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Focus: Online programs: High School Composition Intensive; Vocal/Choral Intensive; Musical Theatre Intensives; Commercial Dance; Dance Intensive for ballet, modern and improvisation.
Dates: Composition: July 20-31; Vocal/Choral Intensive: July 6-19; Musical Theatre: varies by program, June-July; Dance: varies by program, June-August.
Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI)
Focus: Strings; Winds & Brass; Percussion; Harp; Voice; Piano; Composition; Conducting.
Dates: BUTI has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please consider this program for 2021.
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: Summer Arts Online includes programs in composition, song writing, theatre, dance, and more.
Dates: Vary by program, July-August
Interlochen Summer Arts Camp
Focus: Three-week online music programs with weekly private coaching: Classical Performance & Composition; Jazz Performance & Improvisation; Production & Engineering; Singer-Songwriter; Musical Theatre. Electives in College Prep Bootcamp; Musician Artistry. No audition required.
Dates: June 29-July 17
University of Michigan MPulse Summer Institutes
Focus: Center Stage Strings, Clarinet Institute, Flute Institute, Harp Institute, Jazz Institute, Musical Theatre Workshop, Saxophone Institute, and Vocal Arts Institute will run in an alternative format.
Dates: June-July; see each program for specific dates.
The Walden School Young Musicians Program
Focus: Composition, Improvisation, Theory, Musicianship, Choral Singing, Electronic Music. Beginners to advanced; application/no audition.
Dates: The 2020 summer music program has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see this program for consideration for 2021.
Mason Gross School of the Arts/Rutgers Community Arts
Focus: Music Theory and Ear Training Bootcamp – virtual preparation program for college placement exams and college-level music theory.
Dates: July 27-August 7. Note that 2020 Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute and American String Teachers Association Chamber Music Institute have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
Bard Virtual Summer Institute
Focus: Audition courses in bass, bassoon, clarinet, piano, tuba, trombone, violin; instrumental boot camps; practice boot camp; Alexander Technique; music theory & aural skills; acoustic ecology; vocal arts.
Dates: Vary by program, July
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: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
Eastman School of Music – Summer@Eastman
Focus: Offered Online: Classical, Jazz, Cello, French Horn, Percussion, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone.
Dates: Vary by program, from June 29-August 7
French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts
Focus: Online 3-week Music Intensive (Orchestra, Concert Band, or Jazz Ensemble) for serious students; private lessons available. Online 3-week programs in Music, Theatre, Dance, Magic, Art, Fitness, Cooking with optional private lessons.
Dates: July 6-24 (for Music Intensive and 3-week program); July 27-August 14; July 6-August 14
Ithaca College Summer Music Academy
Focus: Orchestra; Vocal; Wind Ensemble (band); Jazz.
Dates: These programs will not meet in person for summer 2020 due to COVID-19. Please check back soon for online opportunities.
Long Lake Summer Music Camp
Focus: Vocal and instrumental music camp (includes rock) with traditional camp activities. Beginners through advanced levels.
Dates: 2020 summer music camps have been canceled by the State of New York due to COVID-19. Please consider Long Lake Summer Music Camp for 2021.
Mannes Prep (New School)
Focus: Mannes Prep Summer Chamber Intensive; Summer Jazz Intensive; Music College Audition Bootcamp; Animation and Film Scoring; DJing and Production; Electronic Music Composition; World Music.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
MSM Summer (Manhattan School of Music)
Focus: Online focused programs in Musical Theatre; Classical Instrumental; Improvisation; Composition; Audition Preparation; Ear Training; Music History; Creating Virtual Ensembles; Film Scoring; R&B; Music Technology; Songwriting; Video Game Sound Design.
Dates: July 6-August 7
Syracuse University Summer College
Focus: Musical Theatre; Sound Engineering & Audio Production; Field Recording & Sound Design. Online programs.
Dates: Musical Theatre: June 29-July 17; Sound Engineering & Audio Production: June 29-July 17; Field Recording & Sound Design: July 20-August 7
School of Jazz and Contemporary Music (New School)
Focus: Ensembles with faculty, ear training, theory, jazz history, performances.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
East Carolina University Summer Band Camp
Focus: Band rehearsals, sectionals, private lessons, musicianship, recreation activities. Jazz track option.
Dates: Programs have been canceled through June due to COVID-19. Check back to see about later summer programs and please consider this program for 2021.
Baldwin Wallace Conservatory Virtual Institute
Focus: Online 5-day program for serious high school musicians considering studying music in college. Choose between Choral, Keyboard, String, or Wind+Percussion Institutes. Students can customize their experience by adding Audition Preparation Program, or an emphasis in Composition and Digital Audio Technology.
Dates: Ju29-July 10
Bowling Green State University Summer Music Institute
Focus: Double Reed; Percussion; Jazz; Piano; Voice/Opera; Musical Theatre; Strings; Saxophone; Brass.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
Oberlin Conservatory Summer Programs
Focus: Baroque Performance Institute/BPI (virtual); Virtual Oberlin Summer Organ Academy.
Dates: BPI – June 22-28; Organ Academy – June 21-26
Schmidt Vocal Institute at Miami University
Focus: Limited online version of this classical vocal arts program for serious high school singers.
Dates: Contact this program for more information
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)
Focus: High School Arts Immersion; Piano Workshop; Jazz Academy; Musical Theatre Workshop; Voice Workshop.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
Oklahoma City University Summer Music Programs
Focus: Offered online – Songwriting (teens & adults), Musical Theatre intensives; Percussion program.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
Carnegie Mellon University Online Music Pre-College 2020
Focus: Comprehensive Program – rigorous instruction to help high-school musicians discover their potential for a career in music. Includes weekly lessons, music theory, solfège, music history, résumé and portfolio workshop. Essentials Program – supplemental instruction for students wanting to maintain musical study over the summer. Includes weekly lessons, music theory, solfège, and added courses if desired.
Dates: Sesson A: June 29-July 17; Session B: July 20-August 7
Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music
Focus: Online programs include: Summer Strings Institute; Summer Jazz Experience; Music Tech Intensives; Brass Camp; Music Theory Boot Camp; Summer 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:The 2020 Summer Music Festival has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see this program for consideration in 2021.
Lebanon Valley College
Focus: Virtual Music Institute: Private lessons, college prep music theory, aural skills, voice or piano technique, elective in musical theatre, jazz improv, modern band or jazz, rock & blues. Private lessons-only also available.
Dates: July 6-10
Philadelphia International Music Camp & Festival (PIMF)
Focus: Virtual music programs include: Symphony Orchestra Camp, Solo Preparation Program Piano Studies. Programs include ensemble and sectional rehearsals, private lessons, studio classes, music education courses, performance and competition opportunities, evening concerts and masters classes with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
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: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
University of the Arts
Focus: Online programs in music: Instrumentalists and vocalists – Technique, audition preparation, masterclasses, music technology including home technology and notation software. Music Industry – Audio production, music business concepts and strategies, audio synthesis, online radio protocol.
Dates: July 13-24
West Chester University Summer Music Institute
Focus: Wind ensemble, String Orchestra, Chorus; Ensembles: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Double Reed, Brass, Percussion, Vocal.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
Young Women Composers Camp
Focus: Two-week online program at the Temple University Boyer College of Music, intended for students who identify as female or non-binary in high school/undergrad who are interested in pursuing a career in music composition.
Dates: July 6-17
Southeast Piano Festival (SEPF)
Focus: The usual week-long festival of rigorous piano lessons and master classes is cancelled. However, The Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition will be a recorded round in June and a live round later this year.
Dates: Check website for SEPF 2020
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: Due to health concerns raised by the spread of COVID-19, UofSC has cancelled, adapted to online, or rescheduled public events, performances, in-person classes, labs and camps through August 1. Check individual program pages for details as they develop.
Belmont University School of Music
Focus: Winds Band Camp; Strings; Piano; Vocal Arts Intensive.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamps
Focus: Guitar; Fiddle; Banjo; Mandolin; Dulcimer; Bass; Vocal.
Dates: 2020 summer music programs have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021.
TCU Summer Music Institute
Focus: Band Camp (high school or middle school)
Dates: As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, TCU has made the decision to cancel all summer 2020 camps. Music camp directors and instructors are considering online options so please visit the website in May to learn more.
Texas Music Festival
Focus: Jazz Institute; Orchestral Institute; Institute of Voice Studies.
Dates: 2020 Music Institutes have been canceled due to COVID-19. Please see these programs for consideration for 2021
Marrowstone Music Festival (Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra)
Focus: Classical, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music, High School and Collegiate.
Dates: The 2020 Marrowstone Music Festival has been canceled in light of COVID-19. Please consider applying to Marrowstone Music Festival for 2021.
Lawrence University Conservatory Summer Chamber Music
Focus: for string players. Chamber String Orchestra with ensembles based on age, experience, instrument.
Dates: This summer program has been canceled for 2020 due to COVID-19. Please see this program for consideration for 2021.
Shell Lake Arts Center Camps & Workshops
Focus: Online camps for 2020: Jazz; Trombone Day (free!); Concert Band.
Dates: Vary by program, June-July
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)
Atlanta Rock ‘n Blues Camp (Georgia)
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)