Summer Music Festivals

~$1,000–$1,500; financial aid available

Ages: Adults (18+)

Piano, chamber music, solo repertoire, collaborative music

Adult music program in Vermont; non-competitive; welcoming community

~$6,000–$8,000 (tuition + fees); scholarships available

AIMS (American Institute of Musical Studies)

Ages: College–professional (18–30+)

Voice (German Lieder, opera), piano, collaborative piano, orchestral instruments

Longest-running summer music institute in Europe (since 1969); intensive German language and Lieder focus

Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival

Maiori (Amalfi Coast), Italy

Piano, strings, voice, chamber music

Stunning Amalfi Coast setting; masterclasses and performances in historic venues

~$2,500–$3,500; financial aid available

American Bach Soloists Academy

Voice, early instruments, baroque performance

Intensive baroque training; performances as part of American Bach Festival; historically informed performance

Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music

Jun – Aug (1–2 weeks per session)

Nelson, NH

~$2,000–$3,500; financial aid available

Ages: 14–adult

Strings, woodwinds, piano, chamber music

Emphasis on peace-building through music; international student body; informal and collaborative

Ascent International Summer Festivals

Hudson, OH (Western Reserve Academy)

Jun – Jul (1–2 weeks per session)

~$2,000–$3,500; financial aid available

Ages: 13–30

Strings, chamber music, orchestral excerpts, solo performance

Multiple week-long sessions; new home at Western Reserve Academy in Ohio since 2025

Aspen Music Festival and School

Jun 26 – Aug 24 (~9 weeks)

Aspen, CO

Deadline: Jan–Feb (varies by instrument)

~$10,000 (tuition+room+board); fellowships available

Ages: 16–30+ (mostly 18+)

All orchestral instruments, piano, voice, opera, conducting, composition, jazz

One of the most prestigious summer festivals in the world; ~25% acceptance rate

Atlantic Music Festival

Waterville, ME (Colby College)

Jul (4 weeks)

Full financial coverage for fellowship recipients (tuition + housing)

Ages: 18–34

Woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, piano, strings, opera, composition, conducting, audio engineering

Fellowship program provides full financial coverage; unique audio engineering track

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Music Programs)

Jun – Aug (1–3 weeks (varies))

Banff, AB, Canada

Varies; many programs subsidized or have bursaries

Ages: 18–35+

Chamber music, opera, orchestra, piano, brass, collaborative piano, world music

World-class facility in stunning Rocky Mountain setting; multiple programs throughout summer

Bard College Conservatory of Music (Pre-College)

Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

Jul – Aug (~6 weeks)

~$5,000–$8,000; scholarships available

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, chamber music

Pre-college intensive; beautiful Hudson Valley campus

Highly Selective for student performers

Bard Summer Scape Music Program

Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

Jul – Aug (~4 weeks (festival))

Deadline: Rolling (limited student opportunities)

Varies; some free performances

Ages: All ages (audience); select student performers

Not a traditional student camp; professional festival with some educational components

Major American opera and music festival; student involvement primarily through Bard Conservatory

~$3,000–$5,000; scholarships available

Bay View Music Festival

Ages: 14–30+

Chamber strings, winds, brass, voice, collaborative piano

Beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront setting; warm faculty/student community

Berklee Summer Programs

Boston, MA / Los Angeles, CA

May – Aug (1–5 weeks (varies))

$2,000–$7,500 depending on program; financial aid available

Ages: 15–adult (varies)

Contemporary music, jazz, rock, songwriting, guitar, voice, music business, music production, film scoring

One of the most well-known contemporary music programs; no audition required for most programs

Varies; community programs available

Berkshire Music School / South Mountain Concerts

Ages: All ages

Piano, strings, voice, chamber music

Historic venue in the Berkshires; concert series with educational programs

Birch Creek Music Performance Center

Deadline: Rolling; Mar for early admission

Egg Harbor, WI

Jun – Aug (~8 weeks)

Partial to full fellowships; modest fees for accepted students

Ages: 14–28

Orchestral instruments, piano, jazz, chamber music

Door County, Wisconsin; two-month season; multiple ensembles and masterclasses

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Jun – Aug (1–3 weeks per session)

Twin Lake, MI

~$1,200–$2,500 per session; scholarships available

Ages: Elementary – High School (grades 4–12)

Band, orchestra, choir, piano, composition, jazz, chamber music, Suzuki, harp

1,400-acre campus in Michigan's Manistee National Forest; 5,400+ students per summer; multiple one-week sessions

Ages: Varies (youth and adult programs)

Blue Ridge Music Center

Traditional Appalachian and folk music

Focus on traditional American music of the Blue Ridge; Appalachian folk, bluegrass, old-time

Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI)

Lenox, MA (Tanglewood grounds)

Jun – Aug (2–6 weeks (varies))

Deadline: Dec–Jan (early); Feb–Mar (regular)

$3,895–$8,550 (varies by program; includes room/board)

Ages: 14–20

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, composition, harp, percussion, brass, woodwinds

Hosted at Tanglewood grounds; access to BSO concerts; pre-professional high school program

~$6,000–$7,000 for 6 weeks; scholarships available

Bowdoin International Music Festival

Ages: College and graduate level (18+)

Piano, strings, woodwinds, harp, guitar, percussion, composition, chamber music

250 students; intensive chamber and solo music focus; beautiful Maine campus

Brevard Music Center

Late Jun – Early Aug (5 days – 6 weeks)

Brevard, NC

Deadline: Feb 15 (HS orchestral); Mar 15 (voice, jazz)

~$9,400 (6-week all-inclusive); scholarships available

Ages: 14–29+ (varies by program)

Orchestral instruments, piano, jazz, voice, composition, guitar, saxophone

180-acre wooded campus in Blue Ridge Mountains; 40,000+ audience members annually

Britt Festivals Institute Summer Camp

Jacksonville, OR

Jun – Aug (1–2 weeks)

~$1,500–$2,500; scholarships available

Ages: 14–22

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, chamber music

Affiliated with Britt Music and Arts Festival in Oregon's Applegate Valley; outdoor summer festival setting

Deadline: N/A (primarily professional musicians/conductors)

Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

Invitation only

Santa Cruz, CA

Jul – Aug (~2 weeks)

Varies

Ages: Conductors, composers, orchestral musicians

Not a traditional student camp; professional festival with some educational components

Leading festival for new orchestral music; conductors and composers apply to be featured

Carmel Bach Festival

Deadline: Dec–Jan (for performers)

Carmel, CA

Jul 12–26 (~2 weeks)

Stipend/honorarium for selected performers

Ages: 18–35 (performers)

Baroque, J.S. Bach repertoire, historical performance

Dedicated entirely to music of J.S. Bach; one of the oldest Bach festivals in USA (since 1935)

Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Music

Jun 20 – Aug 1 (3–6 weeks)

Pittsburgh, PA

~$6,000–$12,000 depending on length; residential option; financial aid available

Ages: High school juniors–seniors

Instrumental performance, vocal performance, composition, music technology

Prepare for college-level auditions; 3-week or 6-week options; Pittsburgh campus

Stipend + housing provided

Central City Opera Young Artist Program

Opera, voice, collaborative piano

Historic opera house in mining town; National Historic Landmark; young artist opera training

Chautauqua Institution School of Music

Late Jun – Late Aug (~9 weeks)

Chautauqua, NY

Scholarship aid awarded to ~100% of enrolled students

Ages: 18–28

All orchestral instruments, piano, voice, opera, chamber music, conducting, composition

81 students; full concert season; professional faculty; 4,400-seat outdoor amphitheater

Colorado College Summer Music Festival

Colorado Springs, CO

Jun – Jul (~2.5 weeks)

~$2,500–$4,000; scholarships available

Ages: High school seniors – graduate students

45 student musicians; small, intimate chamber-focused program

CU Denver LYNX Camps

~$800–$1,800; scholarships available

Denver, CO

Jun (1–2 weeks)

Deadline: Rolling; May

Music production (Ableton Live), music industry, contemporary performance, recording arts

Technology-focused music programs; residential and commuter options; production emphasis

~$2,000–$4,000; financial aid available

Curtis Institute Summerfest (Sejong)

Ages: 16–30

Strings, piano, winds, chamber music

Affiliated with Curtis Institute; intensive chamber music experience

~$3,000–$5,000; fellowships available

Decoda/Skidmore Chamber Music Institute

Strings, piano, brass, woodwinds, chamber music

Led by Decoda ensemble; intensive chamber music with career development focus

Domaine Forget

Jun – Aug (1–4 weeks (varies))

Saint-Irénée, QC, Canada

Deadline: Rolling; Mar for early decisions

~$2,500–$6,000 CAD per session; bursaries available

Ages: 16–35

Strings, winds, brass, guitar, voice, jazz, choir, new music, dance, composition

Prestigious Canadian program in beautiful Charlevoix; bilingual (French/English)

Eastern Music Festival

Late Jun – Late Jul (5 weeks)

Greensboro, NC

$4,000–$6,000; scholarships available

Ages: 14–23

Two student orchestras; 200+ students; 40+ performances per summer

Eastman Summer Music (Eastman School of Music)

Jun 29 – Jul 31 (~5 weeks)

Rochester, NY

~$3,000–$5,000; financial aid available

Ages: Varies by program (some 14+)

Brass, composition, conducting, jazz, organ, piano, strings, voice, woodwinds, guitar, music theory, music history

Eastman School of Music's summer offering; world-class faculty; multiple programs for different levels

ENCORE (Chamber Music Institute)

Jun – Aug (1–2 weeks per session)

Multiple locations

~$2,500–$4,000; financial aid available

Strings, piano, winds, chamber music

Chamber music focused; multiple locations; strong alumni network

FSU Summer Music Camps (Florida State Univ.)

Jun – Jul (Varies (1–2 weeks))

Tallahassee, FL

~$1,200–$2,200; some programs free for local students

Ages: Middle school–high school

Choral, jazz, band, piano, strings, marching band leadership

Multiple programs for middle and high school students; Florida State campus

Glimmerglass Festival Young Artist Program

Cooperstown, NY

Jun – Aug (~11 weeks)

Deadline: Dec–Jan

Stipend provided

Opera, voice, collaborative piano, stage direction, conducting

Young artist program at acclaimed summer opera festival; beautiful Cooperstown, NY setting

GRAMMY Camp (Recording Academy)

Los Angeles, CA / Nashville, TN / New York, NY

Jun – Aug (~1 week)

Deadline: Dec–Feb

~$2,500–$3,500; scholarships available

Music production, songwriting, audio engineering, artist management, journalism

Recording Academy program; focus on contemporary music industry skills; multiple cities

Greenwood Music Camp

Cummington, MA

Jun – Aug (6 weeks)

~$7,000–$9,000; financial aid available

Ages: 11–17

Strings, winds, piano, chamber music, orchestra

Prestigious chamber music camp in the Berkshires; very competitive; strong alumni

Heifetz International Music Institute

Staunton, VA (Mary Baldwin Univ.)

Jun – Aug (6 weeks)

Deadline: Feb 2 (regular); Dec 31 (early discount)

Varies by program; full scholarships available for 24 students

Ages: 8–30 (Jr. Div: ≤14; Sr. Div: ≥15)

Strings (violin, viola, cello), chamber music

Unique focus on communication and performance beyond technique; revolutionary program

~$2,500–$4,000; scholarships available

Hot Springs Music Festival

Orchestral instruments, voice, choral, chamber opera, piano, conducting, recording engineering

Unique setting in Hot Springs National Park; town-wide festival; free public concerts

~$3,000–$5,000; financial aid available

Icicle Creek Chamber Music Institute

Ages: High school – college (15–25)

Set in Bavarian-themed mountain town in Washington state; 4-week chamber intensive

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program

Jul 5 – Jul 25 (~3 weeks)

Idyllwild, CA

~$3,500–$5,500; financial aid available

Ages: Middle school–high school

Classical strings, piano, jazz, songwriting, voice

Mountain setting in Southern California; multiple genre tracks; audition required for some programs

Indiana University Jacobs Academy

Jun – Jul (1–2 weeks per program)

Bloomington, IN

~$1,500–$3,500 per session; some programs subsidized

Ages: Varies (some 12+, some 18+)

Band, orchestra, piano, jazz, strings, brass, organ, harp, composition, conducting, saxophone, voice

Multiple specialized programs; prestigious Jacobs School of Music faculty

Interharmony International Music Festival

Acqui Terme, Italy / Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany

Jul – Aug (~2 weeks)

~$2,500–$4,500; fellowships available

Ages: 16–35

All instruments, chamber music, masterclasses

International program with European venues; performance in historical concert halls

Interlochen Arts Camp

Jun 20 – Aug 9 (1–8 weeks (varies))

Interlochen, MI

Deadline: Rolling; apply by Feb–Mar for scholarships

$7,265–$10,350 (3–6 week sessions); scholarships available

Ages: 8–18

All orchestral instruments, guitar, voice, composition, jazz, piano

Most well-known arts summer camp in the US; multiple programs and session lengths; grades 3–12

Intermuse International Music Institute and Festival (IIMIF)

Emmitsburg, MD (Mount St. Mary's Univ.)

Jun 19–28 (10 days)

~$2,500–$3,500; financial aid available

Ages: High school–post-college (14–25+)

Interdisciplinary curriculum; musical expression, artistic identity, collaborative musicianship

Juilliard Summer Programs

Varies; some programs tuition-free (MAP); others ~$3,000–$6,000

New York, NY

Jun – Aug (1–4 weeks)

Deadline: Dec–Feb

Ages: 8–18 (varies by program)

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, composition, jazz

Juilliard's pre-college and community programs; Music Advancement Program (MAP) is free for underserved students

Ages: Middle school (10–14)

Kinhaven Music School – Junior Session

Strings, winds, piano, chamber ensembles

Two-week program for younger musicians; sister program to Senior Session

Kinhaven Music School – Senior Session

Late Jun – Early Aug (6 weeks)

Weston, VT

Deadline: Rolling (fills mid-spring)

~$7,000–$8,000; scholarships available

Ages: High school (14–18)

Strings, winds, piano, chamber orchestra

Collaborative, non-competitive environment; beautiful Vermont hills; 90 students

Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School

Late Jun – Late Jul (5–6 weeks)

Blue Hill, ME

Deadline: Dec–Feb

Tuition-free (one of the few fully subsidized programs)

Ages: College and professional level

Tuition-free; extremely prestigious chamber music program in coastal Maine; very few openings

Kutztown Summer Chamber Music Festival

Deadline: Rolling; Apr–May

Kutztown, PA

Jul (1 week)

~$1,200–$2,000; financial aid available

Ages: High school–college

Strings, winds, percussion, piano, chamber music

Intensive one-week chamber music experience; private lessons and chamber coaching

Lamont Summer Academy (Univ. of Denver)

Jun 17 – Jul 1 (~2 weeks)

Denver, CO

Deadline: Rolling; Mar for scholarships

~$2,000–$3,500; financial aid available

Ages: 13–18

Classical and jazz: winds, brass, strings, voice, percussion, harp, guitar, composition

Audition required; Denver campus; multi-instrument classical and jazz intensive

Lawrence Chamber Music Festival

Jul 19 – Aug 3 (~2 weeks)

Appleton, WI

Strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, chamber music, composition

~$2,000–$3,500

Ages: 18+

College-age and adult chamber music intensive; Lawrence University campus

Lawrence Summer Music Institute

Appleton, WI

Jul 6–14 (~1.5 weeks)

Ages: 14–18 (grades 9–12)

~$1,500–$2,500

Piano, strings, chamber music

Lawrence University; intensive for advanced high school pianists and string players

Highly subsidized; housing assistance available

Lucerne Festival Academy

Contemporary music, orchestral instruments, conducting, composition

Focus on 20th and 21st century music; elite international program; Pierre Boulez was founder

Luzerne Music Center

Lake Luzerne, NY (Adirondacks)

Jun – Aug (1–2 week sessions)

~$2,000–$3,500; scholarships available

Ages: 8–18 (youth) / 18+ (adult week)

Strings, winds, piano, chamber music, orchestral ensembles

Adirondacks setting; multiple session lengths; youth and adult programs

Madeline Island Music Camp

La Pointe, WI (Lake Superior)

Jun – Aug (1–2 week sessions)

~$2,000–$3,500 per session; scholarships available

Ages: 18+

Prairie Winds faculty; winds, brass, piano, chamber music

Beautiful Lake Superior island setting; focused wind chamber music program

~$3,000–$5,000; financial aid available

Manhattan School of Music Summer Programs

Ages: 14–22

Musical theatre, orchestral instruments, composition, piano

New York City location; world-class faculty; musical theatre and instrumental programs

Marrowstone Music Festival

Bellingham, WA (Western Washington Univ.)

Jul – Aug (2 weeks)

~$2,500–$3,500; scholarships available

Ages: 14–25

Largest summer orchestra training program in Pacific Northwest; ~300 musicians; founded 1943

Masterworks Festival

Marion, IN (Indiana Wesleyan Univ.)

Jul – Aug (4 weeks)

~$3,500–$5,500; faith-based scholarships available

Ages: 14–25

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, composition, conducting, musical theatre

Intensive Christian faith-based arts festival; combines musical excellence with spiritual development

Meadowmount School of Music

Westport, NY (Adirondacks)

Jun – Aug (7 weeks)

Deadline: Rolling; typically Feb–Mar

~$9,480 total (tuition + room/board)

Ages: 10–30

Strings (violin, viola, cello), piano

Founded 1944 by Ivan Galamian; legendary practice-intensive program; alumni include Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell

Merola Opera Program (SF Opera)

Jun 26 – Aug 16 (~8 weeks)

San Francisco, CA

Deadline: Nov–Dec

Stipend provided to all accepted participants (program is free)

Ages: 22–35 (young professional singers)

Opera, voice, collaborative piano, stage direction

One of the premier young artist opera programs in the world; professional-level; stipend included

~$4,000–$6,000; fellowships available

Miami Music Festival

Orchestral instruments, opera, piano, conducting, career development

~1,500 applicants; ~300 selected; multiple institutes including orchestral, opera, piano, conducting; career development focus

Midwest Young Artists Summer Music Camps

Deadline: Rolling; Apr for scholarships

Lake Forest, IL

Jun – Aug (1–4 weeks)

~$1,500–$3,500 per session; financial aid available

Ages: 8–18

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, jazz, chamber music

Multiple session options; Chicago area; youth-focused programs at various levels

~€2,000–€5,000 depending on program; limited scholarships

Mozarteum Summer Academy (Salzburg)

Piano, strings, woodwinds, voice, conducting, chamber music

Prestigious Salzburg setting; affiliated with Mozarteum University; historical legacy

MPulse Performing Arts Institutes (Univ. of Michigan)

Jun – Jul (1 week per institute)

Ann Arbor, MI

~$1,500–$2,500; financial aid available

Strings, clarinet, flute, harp, jazz, musical theatre, organ, percussion, saxophone, tuba/euphonium, vocal arts, composition

Multiple one-week institutes; prestigious University of Michigan faculty; multiple disciplines

Music Academy of the West

Jun 14 – Aug 9 (~8 weeks)

Santa Barbara, CA

Deadline: Dec–Jan

Tuition-free (full scholarship); stipend provided

Ages: 18–34

Orchestral instruments (no harp), piano, conducting

All accepted students receive full tuition scholarships; world-class faculty including major soloists

Partial to full fellowships; competitive tuition (~$5,000–$8,000 without aid)

Music@Menlo Chamber Music Institute

Chamber music (strings, woodwinds, piano)

Premier chamber music festival in the Bay Area; faculty includes world-famous chamber musicians

Musicorda Summer Festival

Springfield, MA (Springfield College)

Jun – Jul (~4 weeks)

~$3,500–$5,500; financial aid available

Ages: 14–28

Chamber music focus; weekly concerts; experienced faculty from major conservatories

Musikverein Summer Academy Vienna

Varies; typically ~€2,000–€4,000

Vienna, Austria

Jul – Aug (~1–2 weeks)

Deadline: Feb–Apr

Piano, strings, chamber music, song

Prestigious Viennese venue; world-class faculty; European-style masterclass format

National Music Festival

Chestertown, MD (Washington College)

Jun – Jul (~2 weeks)

Near free / highly subsidized for accepted students

All orchestral instruments, chamber music

Largely subsidized program; small and intimate; outstanding faculty

National Orchestral Institute + Festival (NOI)

College Park, MD (Univ. of Maryland)

Jun (2 weeks)

~$2,500–$3,500; fellowships available

Ages: 18–30

All orchestral instruments, conducting

Performances at The Clarice at University of Maryland; professional-level training

~$325 enrollment fee; housing & tuition provided by NRO

National Repertory Orchestra (NRO)

Ages: 18–34

All orchestral instruments

Tuition and housing covered; fellows receive grocery stipend; held in Colorado ski resort town

National Youth Orchestra of the USA (NYO-USA)

Late Jul – Mid Aug (~3 weeks + tour)

Purchase, NY → Tour

Deadline: Aug–Nov (for following summer)

Fully funded (tuition, room/board, travel all covered)

Ages: 16–19

All orchestral instruments

Organized by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute; ~110 musicians; includes national/international tour; US citizens/permanent residents only

NEC (New England Conservatory) Summer Programs

Boston, MA

Jun – Aug (1–4 weeks)

~$2,000–$5,000 per session; scholarships available

Ages: 14–adult

Piano, strings, winds, composition, jazz, chamber music, conducting

World-class conservatory offering intensive summer study in multiple disciplines

New England Music Camp (Snow Pond)

Jun – Aug (1–8 week sessions)

Sidney, ME

Deadline: Rolling; Apr for financial aid

~$1,500–$5,500 per session

Ages: 8–18 (youth camp) / College+ (festival)

Band, orchestra, choir, piano, jazz, chamber music

Snow Pond Center for the Arts; youth programs plus Snow Pond Music Festival for college/post-college

Tuition-free (housing and activities covered); food not included

NSO Summer Music Institute (Kennedy Center)

Ages: 15–20

All orchestral instruments, chamber music

Affiliated with National Symphony Orchestra; free program; students selected for careers in music

NYO Jazz

Late Jul – Mid Aug (~3 weeks + tour)

Purchase, NY → Tour

Deadline: Aug–Nov

Fully funded

Ages: 16–19

Jazz ensemble instruments

Carnegie Hall jazz counterpart to NYO-USA; led by trumpet virtuoso Sean Jones

NYO2 (National Youth Orchestra 2)

Late Jul – Mid Aug (~3 weeks)

Purchase, NY → Tour

Deadline: Aug–Nov

Fully funded

Ages: 14–17

All orchestral instruments

Carnegie Hall's second national youth orchestra for younger players; same application process as NYO-USA

Jun – Jul (Varies by program (1–2 weeks))

Oberlin Conservatory Summer Programs

Open to Selective

Oberlin, OH

~$1,200–$3,500; financial aid for some programs

Ages: 14–30+ (varies)

Piano, flute, baroque performance, organ, trumpet, composition, electronic music (Sonic Arts)

Multiple specialized workshops; historic Ohio conservatory; Baroque Performance Institute is well-known

Invitation only (professional)

Ojai Music Festival

Ojai, CA

Jun (4 days)

Deadline: N/A (professional musicians; limited student opportunities)

N/A (ticketed public event)

Ages: Professional musicians + public

Diverse classical, new music, world music

Premier avant-garde music festival; artistic director rotates annually; no formal student program

~$4,000–$6,000; scholarships available

Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point

Ages: College–young professional (18–30)

Opera, voice, collaborative piano

Scenic Ozarks setting; opera training with full productions; young artist program

Deadline: Jan–Mar (Stangeland Academy applicants)

Oregon Bach Festival

Very Selective (academy)

Eugene, OR

Jun – Jul (~2 weeks)

Scholarships/stipends for Stangeland Academy participants; public festival otherwise

Ages: 18–35 (academy) / All ages (audience)

Choral, orchestral, chamber; Johann Sebastian Bach and related repertoire

One of the most prestigious Bach festivals in the US; professional orchestra and chorus; Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy

Strings (8 players), piano (2), voice (8)

Orvieto Musica (Intensive Strings Program)

Very small program (~18 students); immersive Italian culture; performances in historic venues in Umbria

Pacific Music Festival (PMF)

Deadline: Nov–Dec (prior year)

Sapporo, Japan

Jul – Aug (~4 weeks)

Full scholarships for participating fellows

All orchestral instruments, conducting

Founded by Leonard Bernstein; highly prestigious international program in Japan; tuition-free fellowships

Peabody Preparatory Specialty Summer Programs

Jun 20 – Aug 8 (Varies (1–6 weeks))

Baltimore, MD

~$1,500–$4,000; financial aid available

Ages: Varies (some grades 5+)

Guitar, piano, strings, solo & chamber music, dance, cross-departmental

Johns Hopkins' Peabody Institute; multiple program options; Baltimore campus

Pennsylvania Music Camps (Penn State)

Jun – Jul (1 week sessions)

State College, PA

Deadline: Rolling; May

~$1,000–$1,800 per session

Ages: Middle school–high school

Band, orchestra, choir, piano, jazz, drum major

Multiple one-week sessions at Penn State; multiple disciplines

Performing Arts Institute (PAI) of Wyoming Seminary

Jun – Aug (1–3 weeks per session)

Kingston, PA

Deadline: Rolling; Feb–Mar for aid

~$2,500–$4,500 per session; financial aid available

Ages: 9–18

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, chamber music, band, choir

Pre-college arts intensive on seminary campus in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF)

Philadelphia, PA / Miami, FL / Cremona, Italy

Jun 20 – Jul 3 / Jul 18-31 (2–4 weeks)

Deadline: Mar 25

Varies by program; financial aid available

Ages: 11–19

Symphony orchestra, chamber music, solo performance, piano, college audition prep, viola intensive

Faculty from Philadelphia Orchestra; multiple program tracks; international Italy program available

Point CounterPoint Chamber Music Camp

Jun – Aug (1 or 2 weeks (sessions))

Leicester, VT

Deadline: Rolling; Feb–Mar for scholarships

~$2,000–$3,500 per session; financial aid available

Ages: 10–18 (junior) / 16–adult (senior)

Strings, woodwinds, piano, chamber music

Two sessions; scenic Vermont location; emphasis on chamber music in a supportive environment

Deadline: N/A (public festival, Steans Institute for students)

Ravinia Festival (Chicagoland)

N/A (public festival)

Highland Park, IL

Jun – Sep (Summer-long)

N/A (free lawn concerts)

Ages: All ages (festival audience)

Classical, jazz, pop, world music

America's oldest outdoor music festival; summer home of Chicago Symphony Orchestra; also houses Steans Institute

Rocky Ridge Music Center

Jun – Aug (1–4 weeks (varies))

Estes Park, CO

Deadline: Rolling; Mar for scholarships

~$2,500–$5,000; financial aid available

Ages: 13–24

Strings, winds, piano, chamber music, solo performance

Gorgeous Rocky Mountain setting; multiple program options; summer college intensive for 18-24

~$4,000–$6,000; merit fellowships available

Round Top Festival Institute

Ages: 17–30+

Orchestral instruments, piano, voice, chamber music

Historic campus; classical training in rural Texas; small, intensive program

Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program

Stipend + housing provided

Santa Fe, NM

Jun – Aug (~11 weeks)

Deadline: Oct–Nov

Opera, voice, collaborative piano, orchestra (apprentice instrumentalists)

Prestigious summer opera festival; outdoor theater; top young artist program in USA

~$3,000–$5,000; scholarships available

Sarasota Music Festival

Ages: 18–30

Orchestral instruments, piano, chamber music

Sponsored by Sarasota Orchestra; Steans Institute-style pre-professional program

Schlern International Music Festival

Völs am Schlern, Italy (South Tyrol)

Piano, strings, chamber music, voice

Italian Alps setting; masterclasses with international faculty; performances for local audiences

Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival Academy

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Jul – Aug (~2–3 weeks)

Partially subsidized; varies

Orchestral instruments, chamber music, piano, conducting

Major international festival; master classes and performances throughout northern Germany

Open to Somewhat Selective

Sequoia Chamber Music Workshop

Arcata, CA (Humboldt State)

Jul – Aug (1 week)

Deadline: Rolling; Apr–May

~$1,200–$2,000

Ages: Adults (21+)

Strings, piano, woodwinds, chamber music

Adult amateur chamber music workshop; Humboldt State University campus

Sewanee Summer Music Festival

Deadline: Feb 16 (early); Mar 22 (regular)

Sewanee, TN

Jul – Aug (4 weeks)

~$5,000–$7,000; scholarships available

Ages: 14–24

Set on 13,000-acre campus of University of the South; combines orchestral and chamber music

Sitka Music Festival

Deadline: Nov–Feb (for resident artists)

Sitka, AK

Jun (~4 weeks)

Stipend for accepted artists

Ages: Professional musicians (18+)

Chamber music, classical orchestral instruments

Remote Alaska panhandle setting; unique cultural exchange; residency for professional musicians

Fully funded (tuition, room/board, travel for local participants)

Sphinx Performance Academy (Detroit Symphony)

Ages: 14–17

Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)

Free program for Black and Latino string players; affiliation with Detroit Symphony Orchestra; intensive training

Fully funded for selected participants

Sphinx Symposium Summer Intensive

Ages: College–professional (18+)

Strings, chamber music, professional development

For Black and Latino string musicians at college/professional level; Sphinx Organization program

Highly Selective (for artist programs)

Spoleto USA Festival

Charleston, SC

May – Jun (17 days)

Deadline: N/A (primarily professional; Spoleto Festival USA Conducting and Composition programs)

Varies; some young artist programs

Ages: Professional–young professional

Opera, chamber music, contemporary, orchestra, jazz, theatre, dance

Major American arts festival; world premieres; national audience; affiliated with Spoleto Festival Italy

Open to Selective (varies by program)

Stanford Jazz Workshop

Stanford, CA

Jun – Jul (1–2 weeks)

Deadline: Rolling (early Feb for scholarships)

$1,800–$3,500 (1–2 weeks); 100+ scholarships awarded annually

Ages: 12–adult (varies)

Jazz – all instruments and voice

Jazz Camp (ages 12–17) and Jazz Institute (14+, audition required); 100+ scholarships for youth with financial need

Steans Institute for Young Artists (Ravinia)

Highland Park, IL

Jun – Jul (~2–3 weeks)

Highly subsidized; stipends for some participants

Ages: 18–35 (program-dependent)

Piano, strings, voice, chamber music, collaborative piano

Affiliated with Ravinia Festival; world-class faculty; concerts in summer festival context

Strings Without Boundaries

Pittsburgh, PA (Duquesne Univ.)

Jun – Jul (1 week)

~$1,000–$2,000; financial aid available

Ages: High school–college

Strings, chamber music

Summer string intensive at Duquesne University; private lessons and chamber coaching

Summer Brass Institute and Festival

Deadline: Rolling; Apr–May

San Jose, CA

Jul – Aug (1–2 weeks)

~$1,200–$2,500

Ages: High school–adult (14+)

Brass instruments (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium)

Brass-specific intensive; chamber ensembles, masterclasses, solo performance

Suzuki Association Summer Institute

Multiple locations (varies by year)

Jun – Aug (1 week)

Deadline: Rolling; 2–3 months prior

~$1,000–$1,800 per week

Ages: All ages (Suzuki method)

Violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, flute, harp, bass, voice (Suzuki method)

Annual summer institute for Suzuki students, parents, and teachers; moves between university campuses

Tanglewood Music Center (TMC)

Jun 26 – Aug 17 (~8 weeks)

Lenox, MA

No tuition; fellows pay only registration fee

Ages: 18–35 (voice: 20–35)

All orchestral instruments, piano, voice, conducting, composition

Summer home of Boston Symphony Orchestra; tuition-free fellowships; among the most competitive programs in the world

Tuition-free; room and board charged (~$3,000)

Taos School of Music

Strings (violin, viola, cello), piano, chamber music

Tuition-free chamber music intensive in the Taos mountains; very competitive admission

Texas Music Festival Orchestral Institute

Houston, TX (Univ. of Houston)

Jun 1–28 (~4 weeks)

~$3,500–$5,500; scholarships available

Ages: 18–30

Orchestral instruments, opera, piano, jazz

University of Houston Moores School of Music; professional-track orchestral training

Vivace International Music Festival

Various international locations

Jul – Aug (2 weeks)

~$2,500–$4,000; scholarships available

Ages: 12–25

Strings, piano, chamber music, solo performance

International performance opportunities; multiple locations

Walden School (Young Musicians Program)

Jun 27 – Aug 2 (~5 weeks)

Dublin, NH

Deadline: Rolling; Feb–Mar for financial aid

~$5,500–$7,000; financial aid available

Ages: 9–18

All instruments, voices, composition, improvisation, electronic music

Focus on contemporary composition and creative music making; unique program emphasizing musical creativity

Walnut Hill School Summer (Strings Program)

Jun – Aug (1 week sessions)

Natick, MA

~$1,800–$2,500

Ages: 11–18

String quartet camp and other string programs; arts boarding school campus in Massachusetts

Wintergreen Summer Music Academy & Festival

Wintergreen, VA

Jul – Aug (~2–3 weeks)

Strings, woodwinds, horn, chamber music, masterclasses

~$2,500–$4,000

Ages: 12–25+

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains; combines student academy with professional festival

Wolf Trap Opera (National Park Opera)

Jun – Aug (~10 weeks (resident artists))

Vienna, VA

Stipend + housing provided

Opera, voice, collaborative piano

One of the top young artist opera programs in the USA; national park setting in Virginia

Yellow Barn Music School and Festival

Putney, VT

Jul – Aug (3–4 weeks)

~$4,500–$6,500; financial aid available

Strings, woodwinds, piano, chamber music, composition

Internationally acclaimed chamber music festival in rural Vermont; professional-level program