Singer-Songwriter Summer Program for High School Students


Why Take Singer-Songwriter

From dance music to the blues, R&B to folk, or punk rock to rap, music is a reflection of the times. In this program, you will learn the nuances of writing and performing your own music. Students master songwriting fundamentals and explore the connections among emotion, imagination, and song. 

What You'll Learn

During your time at Interlochen, you will spend your days immersed in an inspiring and collaborative environment alongside other talented musicians. Our curriculum may include:

  • Piano
  • Voice
  • Guitar
  • Music Theory
  • Lyric Writing
  • Song Form
  • Melodic Construction

Audition Requirements

Apply

Program Snapshot
Program Length
3 weeks
Program Dates
  • July 13, 2025 to August 3, 2025
Tuition
$6,985
Age Range
High School (Grades 9-12)
Deadline
  • January 15, 2025

Meet the Faculty

Our summer faculty includes professional musicians, songwriters, and university-level instructors. Under their guidance, students will expand their skills within the art of song. 

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Shane Adams

Shane Adams

Instructor of Singer-Songwriter

Courtney Kaiser-Sandler

Courtney Kaiser-Sandler

Associate Director of Contemporary Music and Collaborative Projects; Instructor of Singer-Songwriter

Ally Lubera

Ally Lubera

Instructor of Singer-Songwriter

‘No disclaimers’: Kaira’s story

Singer-songwriter student Kaira shares what she loves most about Interlochen Arts Camp—from supportive instructors to passionate peers.

Recent Guests

  • Tracy Bonham, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter
  • Sareem Poems, hip-hop artist
  • Sharon Van Etten, singer-songwriter

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

During the course of this program, you will have multiple performance opportunities during:

  • Closed student workshops
  • Coffee-house style events on campus
  • Mid-session open performances
  • End of session concerts

Each student will perform in at least one concert. 

Additional Opportunities

Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers a singer-songwriter program for students in grades 9-12, as well as a post-graduate year.


The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus, multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

The experiences I've gained at Interlochen have not only changed me as a person, but have changed me as an artist. Playing live shows with friends, working with people from all over the world, and receiving educated feedback have matured me as a songwriter. I wouldn't be the artist I am today without Interlochen.

Levi, Singer-Songwriter

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

Camp 2025 Viewbook Graphic

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Various programs 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • A day in the life of a student 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more