Choosing a Summer Music Program

Even though it is currently snowing in Chicago, it is time to start thinking about summer programs, since some have entrance dates as early as December. Many years CMPI has hosted a workshop on the importance of summer music programs or festivals. This article summarizes some of the most important points from these workshops on how to choose a summer music program.

Step 1: Finding Programs

It can be really challenging to know where to start when it comes to finding programs. Unsurprisingly, the best option is usually word of mouth. Ask CMPI staff, mentors, your teachers, orchestra/band directors, other musicians in your life, and fellow families about the programs they have attended or are affiliated with. CMPI also maintains a list of programs in the Members section of the website. For CMPI students who identify as BIPOC, the Equity Arc Common App provides not only a list of partner programs, but also the opportunity to apply to any of them for free. Musical America also has a very comprehensive list of programs.

Step 2: Choosing the Type of Program

Summer programs come in a lot of flavors. Here are a few of the most common types of programs out there:

Orchestra/Wind Ensemble only
Orchestra/Wind Ensemble with lessons
Chamber music only
Chamber music, practicing, and lessons
Practicing and lessons
Comprehensive (orchestra/band, chamber music, and lessons)
Instrument intensive focused on a specific instrument

The type of program you choose will depend on your age, instrument, level, and goals. For example, while orchestra-only programs are really fun, they may not be the best choice for a student who needs to be preparing for college auditions. On the other hand, wind, brass, and percussion players may want to choose a program with a larger focus on ensemble skills since these tend to be more essential for those players. Young musicians may prefer a program that is more comprehensive, while more advanced musicians may want a program that provides ample practicing time.

Those individuals who are preparing for college auditions may also want to evaluate how lessons are provided and what other opportunities are available to work with college-level faculty. Summer festivals can offer excellent options to meet teachers that students may want to work with during their college years.

Some of the other factors you may want to consider include how frequent lessons are, how studio assignments are made with specific teachers, how many different teachers you get to study with, whether technique classes are offered, and whether other classes like theory or presentation are offered. It’s also important to look at the curriculum or sample daily schedule to get a feel of what your day will be like. If a program includes five hours of mandatory practicing and you simply cannot handle that, you know to look for a different program.

Finally, some families have clear preferences on program location (city, college campus, small town, or rural) and what the rules are for students. These are factors to consider if they matter to an individual student or parent.

Step 3: Check the Dates

It may seem obvious, but it is critical to make sure you can actually attend a program before you apply. If your school schedule is unusual or you have a planned family trip, make sure the dates of a program work for you. It is common, for example, for some midwestern programs to start as early as the beginning of June, while some east coast programs may run until mid- or even late-August.

Step 4: Check the Age Groups

Some programs are geared to middle school or high school students, while others span the gamut from middle school through graduate school. Make sure the programs you are considering serve students your age. In addition, it can be valuable to ascertain what the average age is for a given program. For example, while BUTI may accept students as young as 13 or 14, the camp’s average age is several years higher, and the program may not be suitable for some younger students.

In addition, some programs have restrictions on housing younger students. For example, while Aspen Music Festival will accept talented students of almost any age, those under 18 cannot receive housing on campus and cannot participate in orchestra. Younger students will likely have a very different experience.

Step 5: Evaluate the Level

The goal for every student is to find a perfect-fit program for them as an individual musician. Ideally, you want to choose a program where the student is neither the best or the worst player. As such, it is important to evaluate the level of average students in the program. While your first step should always be to ask your teacher or other musicians and students their impressions, there are some other options for determining the level of a program.

Another method of evaluation is looking at the audition requirements. If the list of required pieces or excerpts includes works you have never played, it probably is too advanced of a program. On the other hand, if the program asks for repertoire that you played a decade ago, it may be too low of a level.

You can also look at the level of the teachers. If they are college-level faculty from top conservatories, you are likely looking at an advanced program. On the other hand, if they are Suzuki teachers or other local teachers, the program is more likely geared toward younger students.

Most programs these days tend to have videos available on their websites and social media platforms, as well as streamed concerts on Facebook or YouTube. Looking at these videos may help you to assess the level of the program.

Finally, it is common for programs to list their students or attendees. You can often tell if attending students come from similar backgrounds or levels with a simple search.

Step 6: Look at the Costs

You will notice that costs come last, and that is very intentional. Very few people pay the listed sticker price for a summer program. CMPI provides summer program funding that can reduce costs considerably to high school aged musicians, and almost all programs offer either (or both) merit and financial aid. Some programs are free for all accepted students. It is often surprisingly possible to attend a program even with an absurdly high sticker price.

Don’t forget to include additional costs in your calculations when budgeting. Travel to and from the program, including any costs to bring your instrument, can also be quite high, especially if a parent escort is required.

Step 7: Note Your Deadlines and Get Your Applications In!

Spreadsheets are your friend in this instance. Make a list of programs you are considering, their application requirements, and their due dates to make sure that you can prepare and submit your application on time. Some have very specific requirements for applicants that may mean you need to ask for a letter of recommendation or record some pieces in advance. Keeping organized will allow you to maximize your summer opportunities!

Need more info? Check out our past articles on summer study.

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