Every year we talk to CMPI parents who are afraid to send their children away to summer music programs. And every year almost all the kids that end up going to camp come back transformed and raving about their experiences. This year, we decided to tackle the issue head on.
We won’t spend a lot of time extolling the virtues of summer music programs, but it is undeniable that your child will improve a lot, have amazing social and networking opportunities, and will experience the life of a performing musician.
But let’s talk about those very legitimate fears.
Fear: Music camp is too expensive.
Reality: You are not wrong; the list prices on many camps run into the six digits. But almost no one pays the list price. CMPI students can and should apply for both financial and merit aid at all programs. Combining that aid with CMPI funds available to 9th, 10th, and 11th graders often reduces the price considerably.
There are also programs out there that are either tuition-free or completely free. These include Sphinx Performance Academy, NYO and NYO2, Morningside Music Bridge, Music@Menlo, and Addicott Chamber Music Festival, to name just a few.
You can also save money by using the Equity Arc Common App if your child identifies as BIPOC. This application waives all the application fees and makes your child eligible for additional scholarships.
Fear: My child is not ready for music camp.
Reality: While in some cases this may be true, many camps expect young musicians attending for the first time to need assistance with everything from laundry to navigating their daily schedules. Some programs even help them with practicing! If you choose an appropriate program for your child’s age and experience, there will likely be counselors specifically tasked with assisting students to make sure they are where they are supposed to be and supported as needed. These programs are used to shy students, homesick students, and students who may need a little extra help. Some programs like Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp specifically offer Mini Camps and Junior Camps targeted to young or first-time campers.
Note that some camps provide significantly more supervision than others. Some programs, especially those targeted to older students, may require your child to be very independent, both musically and in terms of life skills. Other programs are much more controlled and require a counselor always be present to assist young musicians. Make sure you choose a program that provides the level of support your child needs and that will make your family most comfortable.
Your child likely will come home with new independent skills, and you may be thankful that camp pushed them into learning things like doing their laundry and cleaning up their space!
If your child truly is not ready, there are programs that allow you to attend with your child. Suzuki Institutes often allow or require parent attendance, and other programs may recommend parent attendance for children under a certain age.
Day camp is also an option. Many CMPI fellows have attended summer day camp programs at Merit School of Music or the Chicago Chamber Music Festival. While these tend to be brief and are not likely to provide as robust of a musical experience, they may be a good first option for many students.
Fear: We are worried about Immigration Enforcement or political unrest.
Reality: We aren’t going to deny that this is a very legitimate fear for a lot of our families, especially those with mixed status families or fellows who are undocumented. However, there are programs that are likely to be safer. Look for programs that are in more rustic environments, with a closed and isolated campus. You may want to ask – or have a CMPI staff member ask on your behalf – if the camp has specific procedures for ensuring agents do not enter the campus. Most camps are private and can deny entrance to agents unless they have a warrant for a specific individual.
Programs that are specifically targeted to people of color, such as Sphinx Performance Academy, may also be a good choice, as these programs are likely to be more aware of these types of concerns. Also look for programs with diverse student bodies or people of color on their faculty. Center Stage Strings, for example, was founded by a Latina and typically has several other people of color on its faculty.
Fear: My child will feel like they are not a good player or struggle to keep up.
Reality: It is unlikely that the program would have accepted them if their level was not high enough. Having said that, sometimes the level of other students is eye-opening to students who may not have had that kind of exposure before. But it is important for students to know where they fall in the spectrum of levels before college auditions, as this can help them develop a realistic list of colleges. It also may motivate them to practice more!
Fear: We can’t afford professional recordings, and my child will not get into the right level program because of this.
Reality: We know people who have been accepted to all the top-level programs with homemade videos. If you are financially able to make professional recordings, that is great. But if you aren’t, there are many options that will work just fine. First, ask CMPI for support – they may be able to lend you a microphone/camera or set up a recording session for you. Aim for better sound over better video and try to find a location with good natural acoustics. If your child is enrolled in a music school, ask if you can use their spaces for recording. Many have free spaces you can book, or you can use a local church or temple.
Fear: We have specific fears related to medical conditions, cultural concerns, or other unique issues.
Reality: While not every camp is able to handle any type of issue, often they will try to work with your family if you are upfront about your needs. Numerous CMPI families have attended camp with medications, chronic conditions, religious or medical diets, or other cultural or religious needs.
Larger camps or those on college campus often have nurses and even doctors on staff to ensure a child’s medical needs can be met. Usually, it is just about finding a program that is a good fit and asking for accommodations.
Many camps provide access to religious services as needed. Some camps specifically include a religious component and may be a good choice for certain families. These include higher level programs like Credo and Lutheran Summer Music, as well as several programs associated with Wheaton College. Religious diets can sometimes be accommodated at programs, especially those on college campuses, while others provide access to a refrigerator and microwave so a student can store and prepare appropriate meals as needed.
Fear: My child won’t want to come home.
Reality: This one is probably just going to be true. Sorry, parents!
Images
Stock photo, summer camp pictures