2024 – A Sneak Preview
Check out these exciting 2024 summer music camps and programs you can apply for now! Additional programs to be added through Spring.
Visit this page often and tell your friends to do the same!
Click on ads and listings to learn more:
1. Geographical Listings – U.S. and International
2. How to Choose a Summer Music Program – for students and parents
3. Summer Jobs Section – for college students
2023 Geographical Listings (U.S. & International)
(More to come! Keep Visiting)
Check back later
Idyllwild Arts Summer Teen Programs
Focus: Songwriting + all instruments including jazz, symphony, chamber, piano. Proficiency level varies by workshop. Instrumental Artist’s Intensive: Private lessons, masterclasses, coaching.
Dates: Vary by program, between June 14 – July 27
USC Summer Musical Theatre
Focus: Voice, movement, acting plus college audition support for rising high school sophomores through seniors. Audition required.
Dates: June 16 – July 13
San Francisco Conservatory of Music – Summer at SFCM
Focus: Technology and Applied Composition Immersive; Guitar Workshop; Vocal Summer Academy; Bass Clarinet Intensive; Harp Camp. Introduction to Music Composition (online only); Computer Assisted Composing (online only).
Dates: Vary by program; June – July
CU Boulder College of Music High School Summer Music Academy
Focus: Band, orchestra and piano options for grades 9-12.
Dates: June 16 – 20
CU Denver LYNX Camps – Ableton Live/Audio Production Program
Focus: Mixing, mastering & recording; music production.
Dates: June 10 – 14
CU Denver LYNX Camps – Music Industry Program
Focus: Music Industry: songwriting, contemporary performance, music business, recording arts. Residential & commuter options.
Dates: June 16 – 28
Focus: Strings, piano, winds, brass, percussion, guitar, voice, composition. Intermediate through advanced, audition required.
Dates: June 20 – July 3
FSU Summer Music Camps
Focus: Choral Ensemble & Treble Choir; Jazz Ensemble; High School and Middle School Band Camps; Piano Institute; String Orchestra; Marching Band Leadership.
Dates: Vary by program; between June 9 – July 6
Wheaton College Summer Institute Music Intensive
Focus: Voice, strings, piano, winds. Serious musicians, rising high school sophomores through seniors. Audition required.
Dates: June 16 – 29
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Summer Music Clinic
Focus: Immersive music experience for grades 8-12. Orchestra, concert bands, jazz bands with electives in conducting, composition, improvisation, theory, leadership.
Dates: June 16 – 22
Check back later
Check back later
Focus: Classical, popular, jazz, and voice/opera programs for all instruments. Beginner to advanced, audition required for select programs. For students from grades 3-12.
Dates: 1-6 week programs between June 15 – August 4
MPulse Performing Arts Institutes at University of Michigan
Focus: Programs and institutes for strings, clarinet, flute, harp, jazz, percussion, saxophone, tuba/euphonium, musical theatre, vocal arts.
Dates: Vary by program, between mid-June and end of July.
The Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat
Focus: Composition, musicianship, pedagogy, chorus, electronic music, performance. For ages 18+, early-career musicians, more established professionals, and serious amateurs.
Dates: June 15-23 Location: Dublin, New Hampshire
Focus: Composition, musicianship, improvisation, chorus, electronic music, performance. For ages 9-18, beginners to advanced musicians, and all interested in creating new music.
Dates: June 29-August 4 Location: Dublin, New Hampshire
Eastman Community Music School
Focus: Keyboard workshop; wind ensemble.
Dates: Keyboard: July 8-12; wind ensemble: July 22 – 26
IC Summer Music Academy at Ithaca College
Focus: Orchestral, vocal, wind ensemble (band) and jazz programs plus college prep and electives for students entering grades 10-12. Band, orchestra and voice programs for intermediate students.
Dates: July 14 – 27 high school; July 28 – August 3 intermediate
Long Lake Camp for the Arts
Focus: Private lessons, vocals, rock bands, orchestras, jazz, singing, songwriting, ensembles, guitar, performances. All levels accepted.
Dates: Three 3-week sessions; two 6-week sessions; one 2-week session. Between June-August
MSM Summer (Manhattan School of Music)
Focus: Musical theater; composition & instrumental. For students ages 8 – 17.
Dates: July 8 – August 1, musical theatre; July 15 – August 1, composition & instrumental.
Focus: Instrumental; vocal; piano; chamber music. Video submission required; intermediate skill level.
Dates: Vary by program, from June through August
UNCSA Music Summer Intensives
Focus: American Harp Academy; composition/music technology intensive; piano intensive; pipe organ intensive; strings violin adventure; voice intensive; International Chamber Music Academy (Germany)
Dates: Vary by program; between June-July
CCM (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music)
Focus: Summer jazz academy for grades 5-12; musical theatre intensive; wind intensive; jazz intensive.
Dates: Vary by program; between June-July.
Carnegie Mellon University
Focus: For high school sophomores and juniors wanting to learn what it’s like to major in music in college. Instrumental performance; vocal performance; composition; music technology/electronic music. Private studio lessons, major performing ensembles, and music support courses with college audition prep.
Dates: June 22 – August 3
Philadelphia International Music Camp & Festival
Focus: All instruments. Orchestra, ensemble, chamber, piano. Solo performance and competition opportunities; audition prep. Electives (conducting, choir, composition, sight-reading, music theory, ear training, music industry, history of sacred music) and day trips. Private lessons, master classes and faculty recitals with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Dates: June 15-28; July 13-26
Susquehanna University Summer Pre-College Program
Focus: Wind ensemble institute; choral institute; music production; orchestra summit; entrepreneurship institute.
Dates: Vary by program – between late June and July
Wells School of Music at West Chester University
Focus: Large and small ensembles including wind ensemble, string orchestra, chorus, flute ensemble, clarinet ensemble, saxophone ensemble, double reed ensemble, brass ensemble, percussion ensemble and vocal ensemble.
Dates: July 8 – 13
Check back later
Scheidt Music Camp
Focus: Choir; band & orchestra (middle + h.s.); popular music (middle + h.s.)
Dates: Choir – June 10 – 15; band & orchestra – June 17 – 22; popular music – June 24-28
Check back later
Find the Best Summer Music Programs!
Answer these questions to help figure out which summer music programs will best serve you:
1. What do you want from a summer music program? Check as many as appropriate. This will help you clarify what to look for to best meet your needs.
- Receive private lessons.
- Study with a specific teacher.
- Meet new people to perform and jam and collaborate with.
- Learn to practice more efficiently and effectively.
- Gain opportunities to perform with others.
- Learn to compose.
- Meet music mentors.
- Learn music production.
- Learn music theory.
- Improve sight-reading proficiency.
- Enhance songwriting proficiency.
- Learn aural skills.
- Prepare for auditions.
- Deal with performance anxiety.
- Take master classes.
2. What in addition to music would you like to explore or participate in?
3. What kind of environment do you want to be in?
- Competitive vs. relaxed
- Location: In the U.S.? Where? Outside the U.S.? Where?
- In-person? Residential? Commuter? Virtual?
- Is there a specific school you’d like to learn more about by attending their summer program?
4. What’s your current proficiency level? Are you willing to audition if necessary to be accepted?
5. Length of program
- How long of a program can you 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
Look at various programs to see which ones best see your needs. Check the colorful banner ads AND the geographical listings.
1. Performing arts camps
- Take lessons and get 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 such as 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 possible: stay on a college campus, see #2 above.
5. International summer music programs
- Immerse yourself in another culture.
- Discover how a different culture informs your playing or singing, your compositions and your arrangements.
- Meet mentors and fellow students from around the world.
- Do some traveling while you’re away.
Summer Camp and Program Jobs for College Students
More job opportunities to come – keep checking back!
Interlochen (Michigan)
Lamont Summer Academy (Colorado) – LamontAcademy@du.edu
Walden School (New Hampshire)
Idyllwild Arts (California) – ebulrice@idyllwildarts.org
Long Lake Camp for the Arts (New York)
Philadelphia International Music Camp & Festival (Pennsylvania) – email résumé to Jacob.Heil@pimf.org
Photo Credit (1-3): Tatianna Dubose; (4): Dave Walter, CU Denver LYNX Camps
Thea
Can I in any way participate in any of these programs virtually? I play the piano and I’d like to learn a lot more about music theory.
MajoringInMusic
The beauty of virtual programs is that anyone, anywhere can access them without traveling from home. Look at the programs offered – we’ll be adding more every week – and decide which ones look like they’d work for you. Email the programs with any specific questions. The biggest obstacles may be your connectivity and the time the programs are offered. So check all of that as well. Note that some of these programs may end up being offered virtually instead of in person and others may be offered in hybrid fashion (both live and virtually).
Brooke
This is perfect for me because I LOVE music with a passion but, I need to work on writing my own songs. I love all these opportunities.
Samuel
So, can you take a summer music program outside of your state if desired? Or does that vary from school to school?
MajoringInMusic
Absolutely! It really all depends on you – what kind of program you’re looking for, where you want to be geographically, whether you can afford out-of-state programs.
Dana
I play Tuba and I really want to be in a summer program where I’ll be able to play a lot better and learn more about music. Currently a sophomore in college majoring in music ed and I feel like I should learn new things outside of home so I can come back with a motivated mind set.
Kobe
I am 19 and am a freshman. I’ve played guitar for 8 years, drums for 4, but have only studied with a teacher for the last three months. How much skill is required to enter most summer music programs for drums? I’ve played rock up until I switched to jazz for the last couple months. Since I’ve started studying with a teacher I’ve been practicing on average 2 – 2.5 hours everyday. Any recommended programs?
MajoringInMusic
Definitely worth checking with the programs you’re interested in. Explore the many options on our list of summer programs, both close to home and in other states. Make a list of those that seem to be a good fit and compare. You eventually may have to call individual programs to fully understand what they can do for you. Many offer different levels of instruction to accommodate students of varying proficiency, with the goal of helping them rise to the next level. Your commitment to practicing will help you establish a solid foundation.
Cindy
My 15 year old sings and writes country music, also plays guitar. Is there a camp that suits aspiring country artists?
MajoringInMusic
We don’t know of any country music-specific programs but we suggest you check out songwriting and summer guitar programs – the skills learned will likely serve your student even if the program doesn’t focus specifically on country music.
Travis
Hello, my son will be 17 and 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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)