Summer Learning Opportunities
If you are looking for summer and pre-college learning opportunities for your high school music student, there are diverse options that also offer financial aid and merit scholarships. Most of the programs listed below require a recorded audition.
The following summer program listing focuses on residential programs because of the personal growth opportunity that being away from home fosters.
2025 Application Deadline
Program Name and Dates
Website
MAR
1
Berklee College of Music
Berklee Summer Programs
1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215
Note: May 1/June 1 deadline for non-scholarship admission
Berklee Aspire: Music Performance Intensive and Scholarships
5-Week Instrumental or Vocal Performance Intensive
Berklee offers a variety of full and partial merit-based scholarships for its five-week music performance intensive, called Aspire. While regular registration can cost up to $10,000 (tuition, fees, and housing), scholarship recipients ultimately may attend for free. See Berklee’s Aspire scholarship website for more details. All priority scholarship materials must be received by March 1, 2025. All regular scholarship materials must be received by April 1. All regular registration materials must be submitted by May 1. Housing requests also must be submitted by May 1.
Berklee Guitar Summer Programs
Three-day Electric or Acoustic Bass Workshop
Berklee has a 3-day intensive electric and acoustic bass workshop. The bass workshop has limited capacity, spots fill quickly. All registration materials must be submitted by May 1, 2025. Housing requests also must be submitted by May 1.
Other Berklee Summer Programs
B4: Black, Brown, and Bound for Berklee (7-Day Program, Free)
Berklee has an in-person, fly-in program designed to provide talented scholars from historically underrepresented and underserved communities with a transformative “day in the life” of a Berklee student experience called Black, Brown, and Bound for Berklee. Other requirements include:
- Age requirement of 14-16 at time of program
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- U.S. citizen, DACA recipient, permanent resident, or a non-citizen U.S. national status
- Passion for music industry or performing arts
This workshop has limited capacity (40 scholars), and all materials are due by March 1, 2025.
Berklee Spain Summer Performance Program
Berklee has an international, overseas study program in Valencia, Spain, called the Spain summer performance program. There is no scholarship available for this month-long program and the full registration fee and tuition must be paid upon acceptance to the program. Important information regarding participation by students under the age of 18: students are required to live independently off-campus in non-Berklee-sponsored housing. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent-legal guardian OR must have signed an authorization from their parent and/or legal guardian authorizing their participation in the program without adult supervision.
MAR
15
Brevard Music Center
Summer Institute & Festival
349 Andante Lane, Brevard, NC 28712
High School Programs
Orchestral Institute and Various Intensives
Situated on a lovely wooded 180-acre campus in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina, Brevard Music Center hosts high school students for six-and-a-half weeks. Students who are at least 14 years old by the start date of the program may apply to the High School Division. The high school programs include:
- Voice
- Classical Guitar
- Jazz Institute
- Piano
- Collaborative Piano
- Saxophone
- Low Brass Seminar
- Flute Seminar
- Orchestral Institute
There are need-based awards available upon completion of the financial aid portion of the online application. All applicants are considered for merit awards based on their audition. The deadline is March 15, 2025.
apr
15
Los Angeles College of Music
Summer at LACM
300 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105
Summer at LACM
One-, Two- to Three-Weeks of Summer Study
Summer at LACM offers a variety of summer programming in bass, guitar, drum, piano, vocal or jazz performance, rap & hip-hop, songwriting, music production, composing for visual media or music entrepreneurship.
Scholarships are available for the Rap & Hip Hop: Change the World program with an early bird admission deadline of April 15, 2025. There is a grant available for accepted students in financial need. If students would like to apply for the scholarships or grants, they should email [email protected] to request access to the scholarship and grant application. A twenty percent discount on tuition is available for those who apply by April 15, 2025.
MAR
1
Carnegie Mellon University
Pre-College Programs
5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Pre-College Music Programs
Six-week Residential Program
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Music program is designed to prepare students for college-level auditions and the life of a music major. Students build skills and confidence through private studio lessons, major performing ensembles, and music support courses.
Students who are at least 16 years old by the start date of the program may apply to the program by March 15, 2025. Applications for Pre-College Scholarships must be received by the earlier deadline of March 1, 2025. The programs include:
- Instrumental Performance
- Vocal Performance
- Composition
- Music Technology
- Major Studio Options
- Minor Studio Options
Mar
16
New England Music Camp
Summers at New England Music Camp
8 Goldenrod Lane, Sidney, Maine 04330
www.nemc.org
Summers at New England Music Camp
NEMC Core Camp and Music Intensive Sessions
With rolling admissions starting last October, Summer at NEMC offers both the traditional lakefront, overnight camp experience at Lake Messalonskee along with intense musical training.
Auditions for Merit Scholarships will be available for submissions from January 12, 2025 to March 16, 2025 using this application link. Scholarships will be awarded on April 1, 2025. To be considered for a scholarship, students must be registered at the portal called Acceptd (see website).
Before auditioning for a program, students will need to complete the Acceptd registration process. The programs include:
- NEMC Core Program (4-week comprehensive music camp)
- Chamber Music Intensive
- Composition Intensive
- Jazz Intensive
- Musical Theatre Intensive
MAy
1
Ithaca College Summer Music Academy
Residential Pre-College Program
953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Note: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until seats filled
Ithaca College School of Music
Summer Residential Pre-College Program
Available to students entering grades 10 through 12, Ithaca College’s Summer Music Academy provides an opportunity for students to explore pursuing careers in music and investigate other areas of interest in a college environment. Applicants will be admitted on a rolling basis until each ensemble is filled. The ensemble programs include:
- Orchestra Program
- Vocal Program
- Wind Ensemble Program (band)
- Jazz Institute
Merit scholarships are available for advanced students who are interested in a Performance Track and Talent Scholarship. Audition materials must be submitted no later than May 1, 2025.
May
1
Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF)
Summer Music Program
at Valley Forge Military Academy (VAMC)
Note: Admissions are by audition only and on a rolling basis until all slots are filled
PIMF Summer Music Programs
Symphony Orchestra
The PIMF Symphony Orchestra Program includes three divisions, but it’s the Senior Division (designed for student musicians ages 14-19) that is of interest to high schoolers. The Symphony Program is attended regularly by students from throughout the U.S. and around the world. Auditions are required for acceptance to all PIMF programs. Acceptance is on a rolling basis and spaces are limited. Early registration is highly recommended, as once all orchestra levels are filled to capacity, certain instruments will no longer be accepted, and applicants will be put on a waiting list.
Note: Alumni may bypass the audition process if attending the same program (i.e. if a student attended the PIMF Orchestra Program in 2024, they may register without auditioning for acceptance for the 2025 PIMF Orchestra Program). Admissions are on a rolling basis. Apply by May 1 for PIMF’s scholarship opportunities, which can be applied to any 2-week program tuition. There are also 3-, 6-, and 9-month interest-free payment plans available.
Solo Performance Preparation Program (SPPP)
The most intense of all of the summer music program offerings, PIMF’s most competitive program is designed for advanced student musicians 13-19 years of age preparing for upcoming solo performances and competitions, called the Solo Performance Preparation Program (SPPP). The instruments covered are the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Admissions are on a rolling basis. Apply by May 1 for PIMF’s scholarship opportunities, which can be applied to any 2-week program tuition. There are also 3-, 6-, and 9-month interest-free payment plans available.
Piano Studies
PIMF Piano Studies Program is designed for intermediate to advanced-level pianists and includes: three private lessons weekly with faculty pianists; daily morning master classes with guest instructors; daily instructional piano seminars focusing on four-hand literature; daily, hour-long music class instruction, including a choice between: music theory, jazz, composition, conducting, and choir; three hours of required, daily private practice; two evening master classes; optional daily chamber music rehearsals; a concerto competition through which winners are offered an opportunity to perform in the PIMF Winner’s Circle Concert, featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra; weekly piano master class, festival-wide solo performance opportunities; and much more!
Admissions are on a rolling basis. Apply by May 1 for PIMF’s scholarship opportunities, which can be applied to any 2-week program tuition. There are also 3-, 6-, and 9-month interest-free payment plans available.
Chamber Music Intensive
The PIMF Chamber Music Intensive Program is designed to train young musicians to serve their respective communities through interactive chamber music performance. This program is by audition only and open to students ages 13-19 who will also participate in the Symphony Orchestra ensembles. Admissions are on a rolling basis. Apply by May 1 for PIMF’s scholarship opportunities, which can be applied to any 2-week program tuition. There are also 3-, 6-, and 9-month interest-free payment plans available.
College Audition Preparation
For high school students in the symphony orchestra summer program, a daily seminar will help prepare for college through mock auditions in the College Audition Preparation Program. Admissions are on a rolling basis.
Viola Intensive Program
The Viola Intensive Program and the new Viola Intensive Advanced Level are designed to equip violists with the tools necessary to serve them at each respective level of development. Admissions are on a rolling basis. Apply by May 1 for PIMF’s scholarship opportunities, which can be applied to any 2-week program tuition. There are also 3-, 6-, and 9-month interest-free payment plans available.
PIMF – Italy
Open to violinists and cellists ages 14 to 19, this program takes place in Cremona, Italy. Students and families will both reside in Cremona, Italy, enjoying authentic Italian-style meals throughout the week-long program. While students are in training, guests attending the “Family & Friends” program will tour the surrounding towns via Luxury Motorcoach. Destinations include Venice, Busseto, Modena, Milan, Verona, and Parma! Students will join the traveling adventures at the conclusion of the Grand Finale performance at Cremona’s Ponchielli Opera House. Tuition and fees do not cover travel to/from PIMF – Vanoli Cremona Italy.
MAy
1
University of Michigan
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
1100 Baits Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2085
Note: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until seats filled
MPulse Summer Performing Art Institutes
Summer Residential Pre-College Program
MPulse is a residential performing arts summer program designed for high school students who have interest in pursuing their area of study in a higher education setting. Application deadlines vary and are specific to each MPulse Institute. Students interested in more than one institute must complete the application process for each institute they are interested in attending. Students interested in more than one program must apply to each program individually. Most require an audition to apply. The programs are as follows:
- Center Stage Strings
- Clarinet Institute
- Composition Institute
- Dance Institute
- Flute Institute
- Girls in Music and Technology
- Harp Institute
- Jazz Institute
- Musical Theatre Workshop
- Organ Institute
- Percussion Institute
- Saxophone Institute
- Theatre Design and Production
- Theatre and Drama Academy
- Tuba and Ephonium Institute
- Vocal Arts Institute
Merit scholarships are available for advanced students who are interested and are given at faculty’s discretion. Considerations for these scholarships are automatic upon applications received by February 1 and upon request thereafter if available. A limited number of need-based awards are available to families with an AGI of $120,000 or under. To be considered, financial aid materials must be included as part of your application by the announced program deadline.
apr
1
The Walden School
Young Musicians Program
The Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire
The Walden School
2025 Young Musicians Program
The Walden School hosts a Young Musicians Program, a 5-week residential-only, summer program for creative young musicians, ages 9-18. Limited to approximately 55 total students, the program is part school, part camp, and part festival. Curricular emphasis is on music composition, improvisation, choral singing, and musicianship study, and the student-faculty ratio of 4:1 allows for individualized instruction and mentorship. Nearly all students compose at least one piece during the course of the summer; many compose two or three as the musicianship course is core to the curriculum. No audition needed. Needs-based financial aid is available.
apr
1
Stanford Jazz Institute
Stanford Jazz Workshop (SJW)
Braun Music Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
Stanford Jazz Workshop (SJW)
Summer Jazz Institute
Jazz Institute is a 6-day intensive with the core experience of playing or singing in a small band under the direction of the SJW faculty. The Jazz institute is open by audition and students may choose to stay on campus at Stanford University or commute. Students may choose their own classes from a curriculum that includes instrumental and vocal masterclasses, jazz theory, improvisation, musicianship, arranging, music business topics and much more. Just about any instrument will be accepted, including all brass, woodwinds, strings, and rhythm (guitar, piano, keyboards, vibraphone, bass and drums). Vocalists are welcome.
An advanced package designed for high school musicians 17 and under, by audition only, is available. This advanced package extends the program by including a one-week summer camp. Need-based financial aid awards are available. Financial aid applications should be completed as soon as possible. To be considered, financial aid materials must be included as part of your application by the announced program deadline, and review begins April 1.
apr
1
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Summer @SFCM Residential Program
50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Note: Financial aid is available to a limited number of students demonstrating high need
SFCM Residential Summer Music Programs
Overview
Students stay on campus in the summer during 1-week long intensives. Student housing and dining is provided at The Bowes Center, 200 Van Ness Avenue. Instructions for the audition submission process will be provided after online registration is complete.
Technology and Applied Composition Immersive
Students will take a deep dive into music technology, media composition, and state-of-the-art production techniques. Students will learn hands-on about the evolving field of media composition.
Vocal Academy
Interact with SFCM voice faculty and industry professionals through private lessons, group classes, coaching with pianists, master classes, small ensembles, and a final concert.
Bass Clarinet Intensive
A holistic approach to taking your bass clarinet playing to the next level. Participate in masterclasses and workshops, plus solo, chamber, and large ensemble performance opportunities.
Guitar Workshop
Work with SFCM faculty and guests on this week-long guitar workshop. Take classes in Alexander Technique, improvisation, guitar technique, master classes and performance.
may
1
Indiana University Bloomington
Summer Music Clinic
Indiana University (IU), 107 S. Indiana Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405
Jacobs School of Music
Jacobs Academy Summer Music Clinic
IU’s summer music clinic is an intensive band and orchestra experience for intermediate to advanced string, wing, and percussion students. In addition to full orchestra, concert bands, and (auditioned) jazz bands, students have sectionals, a master class with Jacobs School of Music faculty, and a daily chamber ensemble or elective class such as conducting, composition, jazz improvisation, music theory, or leadership. Instruments include violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet; alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone; horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Students live and rehearse on campus and sample college life.
Merit scholarships are offered by faculty discretion. To request a need-based financial aid application, contact the Office of Jacobs Academy at [email protected]. Payment plans also may be negotiated prior to the start date of the program.
mar
3
Vanderbilt University
VYO Chamber & Orchestral Summer Intensive
Blair School of Music, 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN
Note: This early summer program does not include housing.
Blair School of Music
Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras Chamber and Orchestral Summer Intensive 2025
Designed for precollegiate students, the Blair Academy at Vanderbilt hosts a chamber and orchestral training experience. A 5-day program in its very first year, the program promises both small group and individualized learning. Eligible instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, and bass. Early registration deadline is March 3; regular deadline is April 21, 2025. Audition is required and rising seniors must be current VYO members. Needs-based financial aid is available with application for accepted students. The Vanderbilt summer music program campus does not offer student housing directly, there are several student residences near campus where out-of-town students can stay.
APR
5
Oberlin College and Conservatory
Summer Programs
77 W. College Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
Note: Some programs have admission on rolling basis until seats filled
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Residential Summer Program Series
Application deadlines vary and are specific to each program. Most require an audition to apply. The programs are as follows:
- Baroque Performance Institute (some or no experience in genre welcome)
- *New* Recorder Track
- *New* Viol Track
- 10 students will be accepted and receive half-tuition scholarship
- Flute Boot Camp for High School Students
- Harp Intensive
- Organ Academy
- Piano Festival (*rolling admission beginning February 15, 2025)
- Sonic Arts Workshop: Electronic Music Composition and Production
- Trumpet Workshop
While not specifically referenced as part of the summer programming, consider contacting the financial aid office by email at [email protected] for information.
mar
15
Cleveland Institute of Music
Summer Programs
11021 East Blvd., Cleveland OH 44106
Cleveland Insitute of Music (CIM) Summer Music Programs
2025 Overview
At CIM, students have specialty programming options in music theory, chamber music, piano, and drum competition. Application deadlines vary and are specific to each program.
Chamber Music Intensive
The Chamber Music Intensive at the Cleveland Institute of Music is a week-long seminar offering high school students the opportunity to make great strides in the art of string chamber music. From June 20 to 28, 2025, merit scholarships are available at faculty discretion upon audition. The deadline is February 22, 2025.
Modern Snare Drum Competition
This unique, one-day Modern Snare Drum competition is open to ages 26 and under and aims to promote snare drum literature. High school students will likely qualify for either the Division I or Division II cohorts. Audition videos are due by April 21, 2025, and the live competition is on May 31, 2025. Prizes range from $1,500 to $300 cash with additional products and gear.
Young Artist Piano Seminar
CIM’s Young Artist Piano Seminar is an intensive week-long program. The application deadline is March 15, 2025, and the seminar will be held from July 6 to 12, 2025.
feb
1
The Juilliard School
Summer Music Programs
60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Juilliard Residential Summer Music Programs
2025 Overview
Juilliard Summer Music students stay at the Lincoln Center campus in New York City. Students live and study at Juilliard, with daily activities including lessons, coaching, studio classes, master classes, ensembles, career seminars and more. Participants will also perform and present their works on professional stages. 2025 program offerings include composition, percussion, piano, and voice.
To request a need-based financial aid application, complete the summer program application and indicate interest. Students who select the option will receive a notification with financial aid information and an invitation to complete the financial aid form.
apr
1
The Johns Hopkins University
Peabody Institute
1 East Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
Note: Most summer programs do not offer a residential option.
Peabody Preparatory Summer Music Programs
2025 Overview
The Peabody Institute has a few commuter options available to high-school-aged students, such as private and group instruction, BeatLab, Peabody Innovation and Achievement Academy, and Peabody Chamber Week.
The Peabody Institute also has college prep programs that are scholarship-funded, such as the Baltimore-Washington Musical Pathways (BWMP), which may overlap with summer programming.
Summer Guitar Institute
The Summer Guitar Institute is a five-day program that provides classical guitarists of all experience levels the opportunity to study with a world-class faculty at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Held from July 14 to July 18, 2025, there are both commuter and residential options. Need-based scholarships are available.
apr
15
University of North Carolina (UNC)
School of the Arts
1533 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Note: Some programs have admission on rolling basis until seats filled.
Piano summer intensive has priority scholarship deadline of 3/1.
UNC School of the Arts (UNCSA) Music Summer Programs
Application deadlines vary and are specific to each program. An audition is required for admission to most of the Music Summer Intensives. All programs will be in-person, and campus housing is available.
2025 Residential Music Summer Intensives
The programs are as follows:
- Composition/Music Technology Summer Intensive
- two-week program
- target age is rising high school freshmen to rising college sophomores
- Harp Summer Intensive
- one-week program
- deadline for application materials is April 15, 2025
- a limited number of partial scholarships and fee waivers will be offered
- Organ Summer Intensive
- one-week program
- need-based scholarships available to those participating in the Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) only (email Timothy Olsen with questions)
- Piano Summer Intensive
- three-week summer festival for pianists ages up to 25
- merit and need-based scholarships are available
- those who may require a scholarship to attend are encouraged to submit their audition materials no later than March 1, 2025
- Voice Summer Intensive
- three-week program
- scholarship resources are very limited
To reach out to UNCSA Summer, contact information may be found here.
feb
19
Eastern Music Festival (EMF)
Summer Study
Guilford College, Greensboro, NC 27420
EMF Summer Study Programs
Five-Week Programs
The Eastern Music Festival (EMF) is a classical music festival that provides summer educational opportunities for young artists. The EMF has a number of five-week programs. An audition is required. All programs will be in-person, and campus housing is available. While the application deadline is February 19, 2025, additional applications may be accepted if seats are available.
- Orchestra Program
- Instruments include: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, and harp
- Piano Program
- Conducting Institute Scholars (9 scholars will be accepted; 18 or older)
Two-Week Programs
The Eastern Music Festival has a couple of two-week programs. An audition is required for admission to these intensives. All programs will be in-person, and campus housing is available. While the application deadline is February 19, 2025, additional applications may be accepted if seats are available.
- Euphonium Tuba Institute (ages 14 to 17 (cannot turn 18 prior to Aug. 1))
- Classical Guitar Summit
Is this program list helpful to you?
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