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A music-focused high school education
Study at Interlochen Arts Academy—a premier boarding school and one of the leading high schools for music
The list of nationally recognized boarding high schools for music is a short one. But sitting at the top is Interlochen Arts Academy—renowned for over sixty years as the premier pre-college music education institution in America.
Small Beginnings: From 1962 Until Today
Since its inaugural days as a high school orchestra summer camp in 1928, Interlochen has steadily expanded its reach and reputation as a top-rated arts institution, leading the nation in providing the best available opportunities for young musicians to develop their talents and flourish as an artist.
In 1962, Interlochen launched a second organization—Interlochen Arts Academy, America’s first independent boarding school for the arts. Today, its track record of excellence continues to attract high school music students—teens in grades 9-12 looking for high-quality musical training combined with rigorous college-prep academic studies.
Arts Academy boasts a strong track record of success in music and traditional academics—with graduates leading in their professions around the world and with more Presidential Scholars than any other school in America.
For Those Who Love Music
Music majors at the Interlochen Arts Academy range from composition or production to classical or popular performance. Students may study voice performance, and instrumental majors include brass, woodwinds, percussion, keyboards, and strings. The breadth of musical opportunities and diverse programming are hallmarks of the Arts Academy music learning experience.
Specific aspects of each music major are tailored to each student’s interests. Whether you're passionate about classical music, composition, contemporary music, or other genres, Interlochen’s music curriculum will expose you to a full range of styles.
A critical component of the music boarding school experience is enjoying hours of music focus every day, with the opportunity to develop and refine your musical skills and master your chosen instrument or vocal technique. Students who are highly interested in pursuing a music career love the depth of music training offered here—from music theory and history to audition and competition prep.
All music students have the opportunity to be enrolled in private lessons as well as music ensembles, including full orchestras, choirs, and smaller instrumental ensembles. Every music course is intended to prepare you for a lifetime of music enjoyment and a successful career in music or outside of the arts.
A Full Academic Experience
Though the Arts Academy is one of the few high schools for music in the nation, its curriculum is not limited to music studies only. Music students at the boarding school are enrolled in a combination of music courses (selected according to their music major) and academic courses—planned according to sequencing for grades 9-12.
In addition to enrolling in music classes each year, students also complete credit hours in math, science, language arts, history, and foreign languages. These academic courses include college prep, advanced placement (AP), and college credit options.
Arts Academy students are not only surrounded by other musicians, but they also collaborate with peers across all seven arts majors. We believe that drawing connections across artistic disciplines and other fields of discovery can lead to breakthrough ideas.
The goal of the boarding school student experience is a holistic, integrated, balanced liberal arts education. Each young musician is given the opportunity to grow artistically, academically, socially, and personally, developing traits of empathy, creativity, resilience, and connection.
Life in Michigan
Interlochen Arts Academy is integrated and comprehensive in many senses—particularly because the experience continues through the entire school year, for four years. High schools for music are not a summer-camp-only course. They involve September to May enrollment, on site in Michigan, learning in classrooms and living in dorm rooms with friends who are also devoted to their art.
Boarding school life is unique—because the academic and arts studies are all experienced in a community that is focused, creative, and collaborative. Interlochen’s facilities are exceptional and beautiful, including The Music Center. The environment is a gorgeous property located between two lakes and featuring beautiful facilities for downtime relaxation or activity. While not in class or rehearsing music, students can enjoy sports, games, student clubs, entertainment, and more.
The residence halls are also safe places where friendships thrive, where everyone is learning life skills together—like time management, communication, hygiene, health, independence, and teamwork.
And all along the way, the Interlochen staff are right there to help. We know full-time mentors—whether residence hall personnel or faculty—are a critical component for teen development, so we make sure every student has access on day one to friends and adults who can listen, coach, advise, and support. The relationships built on our campus are strong, prioritizing student development and overall health.
From Dreams to Possibility to Reality
Music students arriving at Interlochen Arts Academy come from a wide range of backgrounds, and all arrive with a great interest in growing as a musician—developing stronger skills, learning better technique, and building musical expression. And for over sixty years, students have realized their dreams—finding bright futures as musicians and entering the world as adults ready to make a difference.
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook
