With the snow still dumping on us up here in Boston, we can’t stop thinking about the summer. We’re dreaming of 85 degree weather, lemonades by the pool, walks on the beach…but ArtsBridge is still working too! We’re compiling lists of summer programs in the arts; here’s our newest list below of 13 Summer Music Programs that we love.

There are many great summer music programs out there, and many focuses of study, and this list is highlighting the programs that the ArtsBridge community–clients and our associated faculty–recommend to us time and time again.

Here are thirteen summer music programs that the ArtsBridge community loves:

Composition: 

Berklee Summer Performance Songwriting Workshop — A five day workshop on the campus of Berklee in Boston: “Under the direction of Bonnie Hayes, chair of Berklee’s Songwriting Department, you will receive expert support and feedback on your original material from veteran songwriters and industry professionals. You’ll also learn about the tools you’ll need to place your songs in TV and film and start earning royalties.” Find out more here.

Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Composition Program — July and August in Boston MA for high school students ages 14-19. “Directed by Boston University Professor, ASCAP composer, teacher and pianist Martin Amlin, with Assistant Director Justin Casinghino, the Young Artists Composition Program offers talented high school composers the unique opportunity to focus for six weeks solely on exploring and refining their compositional skills.” Find out more here.

Vocal Performance:

ArtsBridge Summer ArtSong — Our very own college audition preparation summer intensive for rising juniors and seniors in high school looking to get ready for the college audition experience with top voice teachers from some of the best voice programs in the country. Two weeks of master classes, private lessons and coaching sessions, performance and auditions skills classes prepares students for auditions like no other program. Find out more here.

Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Vocal Program — July and August in Boston MA for high school students ages 14-19. “Under the direction of Penelope Bitzas, the program nurtures and encourages the development of young singers who wish to pursue professional studies and performance. The intensive and comprehensive curriculum is based on a conservatory model of training: one that develops all the essentials for healthy vocal technique, sensitive and informed musicianship, and convincing performance.” Find out more here.

Boston Conservatory Vocal Choral Intensive — A two-week summer program in July for high school-aged singers who are focused on musical theater or classical music. “Led by faculty with years of experience training young artists, this is a chance for young performers to explore their abilities and potential as soloists, actors, choral singers and musicians. Your experience at VCI will strengthen your performance skills and build your confidence in your performance choices. You will participate in performance skills classes, theory, sight-singing, diction, yoga, acting and ensemble singing.” Find out more here.

Washington National Opera Institute at American University — Three weeks, from late June to July, on the American campus in DC. The program “brings passionate, talented young musicians together in the nation’s capital to experience opera in a professional and nurturing environment that only a world-class opera company can provide. Dedicated classical singers thrive from Opera Institute’s intense and focused curriculum, which prepares students for college performance programs and beyond.”  Find out more here.

Instrumental:

Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra Program — A six week program for students ages 14-19. “The Young Artists Orchestra has earned the reputation as one of the preeminent summer youth orchestra training programs in the nation. Under the guidance of professional conductors, artist teachers, and Boston Symphony Orchestra members, students experience high-quality training through intensive study and performance of orchestral and chamber music, private lessons, and master classes.” Find out more here.

Apple Hill Summer Chamber Music Workshop — This program is divided into five 10-day sessions, and the participants range in age from 12 to 90. “Director Lenny Matcyznski, the Apple Hill String Quartet and renowned faculty coach multi-generational, intermediate-to-professional level students who are placed in chamber groups by ability rather than age…Apple Hill believes in honoring the special voice in all musicians. We coach, encourage, and applaud all groups equally, from high level ensembles to those just starting to play chamber music.” Find out more here.

Meadowmont School of Music — Located in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, a seven week program for “exceptional string players and pianists.” Students are ages 9 to 30. “Performance opportunities include weekly masterclasses with the Meadowmount faculty, masterclasses with visiting artists, and concerts both on and off campus.” Find out more here.

New England Conservatory Festival Youth Orchestra — Three-week full symphony orchestra program for students between the ages of 13-18. It is “open to intermediate to advanced-level strings, brass, winds, and percussion.” This year the orchestra will be led by Ben Bolter, who is on the faculty at Northwestern. Find out more here.

Jazz/Contemporary Music:

Berklee Week Summer Performance — Five weeks at Berklee in Boston. “Immerse yourself in your chosen style and study with world-class faculty and visiting artists in state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll play in ensembles, develop improvisational and reading skills, and improve your technique in weekly private lessons.” Find out more here.

School of Improvisational Music Summer Intensive — Will be held this year at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and is open to all ages. The program includes two masterclasses per day, ensemble coaching, student and faculty performances and private lessons.” The faculty are “comprised of a cross-section of the most creative improvisers from the jazz and contemporary music fields.”  Find out more here.

Skidmore Jazz Institute — At Skidmore campus in New York from the end of June through mid-July. Skidmore provides “the opportunity for intermediate and advanced young musicians to learn in an intimate and supportive environment. Students work closely with faculty in daily combo rehearsals, private lessons and improvisational and special classes. The student combos perform on Friday afternoons, and on the weekend everyone attends the Freihofer’s Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.” Find out more here.

Stanford Jazz Institute — One week program on Stanford’s campus, open to students of all ages. Students under 17 must audition. Ages of participants are mixed, in the idea that “young players can learn directly from living legends, touring artists, and recording pros.” The Jazz Institute “features a fantastic jazz immersion experience.”  Find out more here.

This list of summer music programs is not exhaustive by any means, but it’s a good place to start. Apply now, before spots are filled.

P.S. Are you a high school music student thinking about continuing your studies in college? ArtsBridge helps art students with the application process, and we’ll make sure you find your best fit. Contact us here.