The top classical music summer camps in the US: Here's what to look for
From gorgeous locations to world-class instruction, these are the top factors for families to consider when selecting a summer camp.
For aspiring young musicians looking to enhance their skills during summer break, classical music camps offer invaluable opportunities for growth, mentorship, and artistic development. When evaluating these specialized programs, parents and students should consider four key factors that contribute to a transformative summer experience: faculty excellence, prestige, location, and scholarship availability.
JoAnn Falletta conducts "Les Preludes" at Interlochen Arts Camp
Faculty Excellence: Learning from Master Musicians
One of the most powerful elements of any summer music program is the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished professional musicians with real-world expertise. The quality of instruction can make all the difference in a student’s growth, offering invaluable mentorship opportunities and technical guidance.
Interlochen Arts Camp exemplifies faculty excellence by bringing in distinguished guest artists like history-making conductor JoAnn Falletta, the first woman to head up a major American orchestra. Falletta's perspective on teaching young musicians highlights the transformative power of working with master musicians.
"I see them changing every single rehearsal," Falletta says. "Their confidence grows, their willingness to take chances grows. And all of a sudden, at some point towards the end of the week, they feel like 'We have this, we can do this.' And then the concerts are so joyful."
This kind of growth under expert guidance represents the essence of what makes summer music programs so valuable. Experiences gained while working with professionals like Falletta can be life-changing for young musicians, forever altering their perspectives on what it means to strive for excellence in classical music.
Prestige: Programs with Distinguished Reputations
Prestige in classical music camps is often built on long-standing traditions and the success of their alumni. For alumni of a prestigious program, the name of their old summer camp can become a valuable tool in networking, as well as an instant connection to a wide network of fellow alumni. In addition, a summer program's reputation often reflects its commitment to excellence and can provide students with connections to respected institutions in the classical music world—including colleges and more.
Summer Performing Arts with Juilliard stands as a strong example of prestige in summer music education. Launched in 2016 as an extension of one of the world's most renowned performing arts academies, this rigorous training program offers students a meaningful credential for their developing musical résumés.
Location: Settings That Inspire Creativity
The physical environment of a summer music program can significantly impact a student’s creative experience. Beautiful surroundings and quality facilities can enhance focus, inspiration, and overall enjoyment. Some summer camps boast lakeside views, while others are located near natural features like sand dunes or even mountains. Whether students are seeking a calming break from rehearsals or looking for musical inspiration, a summer program’s natural environment can truly be a difference-maker.
The Walden School in Dublin, New Hampshire is a prime example of how location can elevate a summer music experience. Dublin Lake sits within walking distance, while the impressive 3,200-foot Mount Monadnock creates a dramatic backdrop for daily activities.
Scholarships: Programs Committed to Accessibility
For many talented young musicians, financial considerations can stand in the way of an outstanding summer experience. Make sure to look for a program with robust scholarship offerings, ensuring that your student can access quality musical education in a way that’s achievable for your family. Some programs offer merit-based aid that’s awarded based on a student’s artistic promise. Other programs offer need-based aid, or a combination of the two types. When considering a summer program, find out which kinds of aid they offer and ensure that their offerings align with your family’s needs.
Music@Menlo in Atherton, California demonstrates exceptional commitment to financial accessibility through its Smith Family Young Performers Program. This small, selective program for advanced string players and pianists ages 12–19 offers full tuition fellowships, as well as a straightforward housing support application process.
A Program For Everyone
When evaluating classical music summer camps, families should consider factors like faculty excellence, program prestige, inspiring locations, and financial accessibility. Each program offers its own unique combination of these elements, allowing students to find the environment that best matches their individual needs and aspirations. The right summer program can be a transformative step in a student’s musical journey—one that builds not just technical skills, but also confidence, artistic vision, and lifelong connections in the world of classical music.
