by »ÆčÏapp

The best summer music camp or program can be a challenge to find. That’s why »ÆčÏapp is here to help you figure out what to look for and how to find one or more options that fit with your interests.Ìę

Start by asking yourself: What do you want to experience in a summer music program? Which of these grab your interest?

• Receive private lessons
• Study with a specific teacher
• Find people to perform and jam and collaborate with
• Learn how to practice more efficiently and effectively
• Learn to compose
• Meet music mentors
• Learn music production skills
• Learn music theory
• Improve sight-reading proficiency
• Enhance songwriting ability
• Learn aural skills
• Prepare for auditions
• Deal with performance anxiety
• Take master classes

Then ask yourself: What besides music would you like to explore or participate in? Water sports? Theatre and/or dance? Trips to local places of interest or concerts? Specific geographical areas or colleges?

What kind of environment do you want to be in?

• • Advanced, intermediate or beginner level?
  • Competitive vs. relaxed?Ìę
  • Are you willing to audition to be accepted?
  • Location: In the U.S.? Where? Outside the U.S.? Where?
  • In-person?ÌęResidential? Commuter? Virtual?
  • Is there a specific school you’d like to learn more about by attending their summer program?

Your timing:

How long of a program can you commit to? Does your available timing match up with programs you’re interested in?

Affordability:

Can you afford the program or programs you’re interested in? Do you need financial assistance? (Financial support often requires applying early.)

Other considerations or limitations: Anything that will affect your applying or your decision?

Different Strokes for Different Folks

There are several types of summer programs to consider.

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, dorms and meet other prospective students 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.
• 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. Music festivals

• Meet faculty who perform all over the world as well as a select group of advanced music students with shared interests.

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.

Whatever you choose, know that you will gain knowledge and experience that may excite you to want to pursue music as your focus in college – or not. Either way, it will be time and money well spent and you’ll hopefully come away with increased music proficiency, new friends, and information about yourself that will serve you well into the future.

Learn More: Annual Summer Music Camps & Programs Guide

Photo credit: Ethan Cisneros for

Music master classes offer an array of benefits to performers and audience members alike. Just ask high school student musicians who attended the 2016 . They got to spend an evening with Christopher O’Riley, world-renowned pianist and host of NPR’s “From the Top” radio show. Working with a handful of students who were brave enough to perform for him, O’Riley inspired and awed performers and audience members alike with his ability to communicate new interpretations of the music along with technical suggestions that proved transformational for everyone in attendance.

What’s special about master classes?

In music master classes, a highly proficient artist/teacher works with one student and/or a small ensemble in front of an audience. The intention is to provide a learning opportunity for performers as well as observers. Mary Beth Shaffer, pianist and director of the Lamont Summer Academy notes, “New ideas are often presented to the student and concepts are expressed in a different manner” from what the students are accustomed to. This “frequently results in an ‘ah-ha’ moment or experience,” she adds.

How to prepare?

To prepare for performing in a master class, Shaffer recommends the following:

‱ Polish the piece and know the score thoroughly.

‱ Be prepared to stop and start at the whim of the master teacher.

‱ Number your measures for reference, especially for ensemble master classes.

‱ Be prepared to accept criticism in front of an audience and to respond in an open and engaging way. Your technique, sound, and overall performance are all fair game.

Becoming aware of your expectations for the master class before it happens will also be helpful. Recognizing that you may receive input from a teacher who’s very different from the one you’re used to, will help you listen better. And taking time after the master class to integrate what you’ve learned will serve you well.

Significant performance changes

16-year-old Sophia, an incoming high school cellist from Colorado, performed the first movement of Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34 for O’Riley’s master class with a string quartet of fellow students. Was she nervous? “Of course!” she admits. “I always get some degree of anxiety before performing because I want my piece to be as flawlessly executed and musical as possible.” But with a few deep breaths and the ability to appreciate the opportunity in front of her, she was able to proceed.

What will she do differently as a result of the feedback she received? “I will take more time to relish each musical note,” says Sophia. “Brahms’ time is different than that of other composers; it’s more of a musical time than a rhythmic time, and I need to always play toward the greater picture, not just perform a single note.”

Vivyan, a junior piano student from California who performed the Tarantella from Liszt’s Years of Pilgrimage, says she learned to distinguish “the space or the timing between the notes in the left versus right hand to make the piece more interesting.” She adds, “I also learned that repetition is an invitation for variation.”

How did she cope with performance anxiety? “I was nervous before the master class and my hands were really cold,” Vivyan recalls. “In order for my hands to be warm enough to play, I wore mittens. Also, to get rid of the nerves I just ran the piece over and over through my mind right before the master class and thought about all the tricky parts.”

Audience members react

Most people who attend music master classes will be in the audience. Those at the Lamont Summer Academy master class with Christopher O’Riley felt as transformed as the performers. Julia, a recent high school graduate and violist from New Mexico, commented that as a master teacher, O’Riley “bases his corrections on the ‘why’ in music and not simply the ‘how.’ Often I personally find myself caught up in the technical aspects of ‘good’ playing and I ignore or miss the goal of establishing an outlook on music as something warm and evocative of emotion. Christopher O’Riley stressed this point of approaching music with a warmer approach rather than simply learning finger patterns. Everything important lies in the details.”

Another student named Katie, a junior from California, was impressed with O’Riley’s focus on “drawing the purest sound from one’s instrument” and figuring out “how to interpret the music in one’s self in order to create a more original presentation of the music.” She was able to apply the feedback provided to the instrumentalists to her own experience as a vocalist.

Max, a junior clarinetist from Hawaii, who called himself a “master class witness,” was struck by the concept of variation in repetition, which he picked up from the performance of Liszt’s Tarantella. He also came away with the “desire to mimic the human voice in music.” He noticed this: “Many a time, Mr. O’Riley asked the performer to sing, not in a literal sense, but on their instrument. Rather, to play like a singer.”

Take the opportunity to attend

Most music schools and departments offer intermittent master classes. Some summer music programs, like the one at Lamont, do as well. These classes are often open to the public, sometimesÌę presented on weekends and evenings, and are typically free of charge. They provide a new way of experiencing music for performers and audience members alike, and the chance to see a master teacher at work.

Photo Credit: Rachel J. Shaffer

Christopher O’Riley with pre-college students from the 2016 Lamont Summer Academy at the University of Denver.

Summer 2026

Let us know if you have a program to list – we’ll send more information.

Click on ads and listings to learn more:

‱ Geographical ListingsÌę–ÌęU.S. and International

‱ Choose the Best Summer Music Program – for students and parents

Visit this page often – new listings are added through Spring!Ìę

And apply ASAP especially if you need financial assistance.Ìę

Tell your friends and music teachers!

2026 Programs

Keep checking back as more 2026 programs are added.

More Camp & Program Ads

2026 Geographical Listings (U.S. & International)

(More coming soon)

How to Choose a Summer Music Programs!

Answer these questions to find summer music programs that best fit you:

1. What do you want to experience in a summer music program? Check as many as appropriate. This will help you compare programs 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?ÌęResidential? Commuter? Virtual?
• Is there a specific school you’d like to learn more about by attending their summer program?

4. Your current proficiency level? ÌęAre 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

• Do you need financial assistance to attend a summer program? (Financial support often requires applying early.)

7. Any considerations or limitations that will affect your applying or 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.Ìę

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, dorms and meet other prospective students 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.
• 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 Jobs for College Students (Inquire at links below)

Eastern US Music Camp: summer@easternusmusiccamp.com

Ithaca College Pre-College Programs: summercollege@ithaca.edu

PIMF (Philadelphia International Music Festival) – email resume to jacob.heil@pimf.org

Photo credits:Ìę Ethan Cisneros Ìęfor

by Barbra Weidlein

You know what happens when you take some time off from your music. The rust sets in pretty quickly! So what can you do to keep your music strong this summer, especially if you plan to send in your prescreens, audition for competitions, or try out for school orchestras, choirs, or bands this fall?

1.Ìę Keep practicing

This can be tricky if you’re not taking lessons. But it’s important. Find an app that supports you in keeping up with practice. Do something nice for yourself if you meet your practice goals at the end of each week.

2.Ìę Jam and perform with others

Get together at least once a week with other musicians. Try some new things. See if you can get a gig or two –– even if it doesn’t pay, at this stage it’s great practice and gets your name out there.

3.Ìę Network

Talk with people who are steps ahead of you in the music world. How did they get there? What advice do they have for you? Learning how to network will be a huge advantage to you as you start developing your career plans in any area of music. If anything stops you from networking, this is a great time to find out why and figure out how to move forward.

4.Ìę Go to concerts

Challenge your listening skills in new ways. Watch how the musicians interact with the audience. Stretch your musical tastes.

5.Ìę Listen to music

Again, stretch your musical interests by listening to genres of music you’ve never heard before. Tune in to music you already know in new ways.

Do you have tips to add to the list? Let »ÆčÏapp know and we’ll consider quoting you (and giving you and your music a shout out as well).

Crowdfunding, or raising varying amounts of money for an idea or project from many people, typically on the internet (as opposed to traditional funding sources like banks), has had some spectacular results. Witness the making of the “Veronica Mars” film, video games like Star Citizen and Project Eternity, 3D printers, smart home security systems, and so much more.

While Kickstarter is probably the best and most successful of the crowdfunding sites, artists and bands, both known and unknown, have also found success through some of the more music-specific sites like ArtistShare, Indiegogo, PledgeMusic, and Sellaband.

Is crowdfunding a good idea for finding your way to a ?

No Free Lunch

Success at crowdfunding takes work on your part. Each crowdfunding site –– and there are many –– has its own approach and set of rules. To be successful, you need to survey the options and be clear on what each crowdfunding site allows.

Kickstarter, for instance, specifies that it “does not allow charity, cause, or ‘fund my life’ projects” and requires you to reach the goal you set for your project in order to see even a dime of the money you raise.

Most crowdfunding sites expect you to create a compelling video about your project to “sell” it to prospective supporters. They also expect you to offer “perks” or incentives in the form of a relevant gift back to contributors, the value of which increases, the higher the contribution.

A Successful Campaign

Brennan Lowrey, a high school sophomore and violinist from the small town of Sheridan, Arkansas, is crowdfunding his way toÌęInterlochen Summer Arts Camp.ÌęHe was thrilled to be accepted into the program, but the cost is prohibitive for his family. Even with the scholarship Interlochen offered, it’s too much of a stretch.

With the help of his parents, Brennan researched many options and came up with a crowdfunding plan throughÌęÌę At the time of this writing, he had raised about 62% of his $6,500 goal. His crowdsourcing site allows him to keep what he raises minus administrative fees, regardless of whether he reaches his goal.

Anyone expecting crowdfunding to work for them should be ready to recruit an inner circle of family and friends to help them launch their project.ÌęLowrey has done this and not surprisingly, he says that most of his supporters have been relatives, family friends, and people in his community. His secret to raising money? “Promote yourself and ask!” he offers. He adds that crowdfunding has been quicker and simpler and less awkward for him than personally contacting each and every person he knows.

Brennan’s mother Jennifer emphasizes the importance of Brennan “owning and managing” his fundraising campaign, from creating his video to the ongoing supervision of his GoFundMe page. She’s also urged him to “think outside the box” and not rule out any possible funders. Even the local newspaper has been contacted, to bring awareness to what Brennan is trying to do to make it possible to attend Interlochen this summer.

By the end of June, Brennan Lowrey fully expects to Ìębe playing his violin far from his home in Arkansas and close to Lake Michigan. When asked how he feels about what’s ahead, he responds, “Excited and terrified!”

Also see these articles for ideas on fundraising for music programs:

If you already recognize the benefits of attending summer music camps and programs but don’t think they’re affordable, here are some suggestions.

1. Inquire about scholarships.

Most summer programs offer financial assistance. Jump on this immediately!Ìę The sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting a scholarship.

2. Find out if there are interest-free payment plans available.

3. Exchange of service.

Is there any type of exchange of service you can offer to defray some of the cost of the program?

Examples:

• Distribute flyers about the program at your school, the local youth orchestra, and other places where students and their families will see them. Be sure to get permission from each venue before attempting to do this!
• Offer to be a student ambassador for the program. With parent permission, allow future students and families to contact you about your experience participating in the program.

4. Put out the hat. Or jar.

Set up several concerts locally, letting folks know you’re raising money to send yourself to a summer music program. Invite everyone you know. In addition to raising money, you’ll also get great experience in the kind of entrepreneurial thinking and planning that anyone wanting a career in music will need.

5. Ask for help.

Your music teachers, school counselor, local bank, or community youth center may know of additional scholarships you can apply for.

ÌęClick here for a list of great