8 features of the best summer music camps in the U.S.
From connecting with renowned artists to taking part in life-changing performances, here are some of the features that make the top summer music camps stand out.
Summer music camps offer young musicians a chance to connect with peers, practice passions, and make memories that last a lifetime. If you’re a young musician looking to grow your skills and your community, or a family member of a young musician looking for the best summer music camps, the number of options available may seem overwhelming.
There are many factors to consider when selecting the best music summer camps for a young musician—price, location, prestige, and the number of specialized programs may play into your decision. Below, we’ll explore some of what the best summer music camps in the U.S. have to offer so you know what to look for as you make your decision.
1. World-class educators
For many young musicians, the opportunity to learn from professional musicians and expert instructors is one of the most exciting aspects of music camp. Many of the best summer music camps invite world-class, professional musicians to mentor students, offering both technical support and inspiration.
“I like to nurture students and help identify their individual strengths, which is a key factor in shaping a musical persona that will make its mark both on and offstage,” says violinist Martin Chalifour. Celebrating his 30th season as Principal Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, he recently also served as a Valade Fellow and Instructor of Violin at Interlochen Arts Camp in 2026.
“My goal is to help students become self-sufficient, discriminating artists,” Chalifour explained. “I discuss practice techniques often and develop individualized scale routines. I encourage initiative and expressive musicality as well as precision. Above all, music needs to bring obvious joy to the student, regardless of the difficulties.”
Summer music camps often attract the attention of professional musicians looking to give back and mentor the next generation of passionate artists. As you look into which programs are best for you, consider whether they involve professional musicians skilled in your instrument. These types of mentorships can be key to improving technical skills, building your professional network, and gaining confidence in your artistry.
2. Peers who are passionate about your interests
It can be challenging for a young musician to find other musicians in your area who share your passion for your instrument or music genre.
While the internet offers the opportunity to virtually connect with like-minded artists, nothing can truly replace the feeling of playing your instrument in-person alongside other passionate musicians. The best summer music camps will offer ample opportunities to connect with artists in your discipline and make friendships that last a lifetime.
For Interlochen Alumnus and GRAMMY® Award-winning conductor Cristian Măcelaru, this sense of community is the most important part of music camp: “All of a sudden, as a young person, you find out that you are not the only person in the world that has that unique interest and desire and passion. And you find a community.”
3. Alumni networks to support your music journey
As you look into which music camps are best for you, consider the level of prestige of each camp and the connections they have to respected institutions in the music world. With nearly 100 years of Arts Camp, a large number of young musicians have called Interlochen home, including famous musicians and artists of all disciplines. This growing network of alumni can become a valuable networking resource in your professional journey.
Conductor Keitaro Harada explains that the connections you build at summer camp can grow into a network you’ll benefit from for the rest of your life: “Interlochen is a place of connection. You meet talented artists your own age from around the world. If you come here as a musician, you go home with friends who are dancers and poets and screenwriters. If you come here as a painter, you go home with friends who are musicians.”
While you build your musical skills, you’re also building the foundation for an exciting, creative life. Harada continues, “Interlochen is the common denominator that brings artists together. Those connections are crucial because they become the friends and collaborators you'll have for the rest of your life."
Both the students you learn with and program alumni can become future connections for your career. Joining a community of young musicians can not only increase your motivation to grow as an artist, it can also help you access support and guidance that lasts the rest of your life.
4. Locations that inspire creativity
Whether they’re located in metropolitan arts districts, or scenic natural settings nestled in the countryside, the best summer music camps will offer unique and inspirational environments for artists to thrive in.
At Interlochen Arts Camp, students experience the best of northern Michigan, honing their craft between two beautiful lakes that surround the campus. Many of Interlochen’s programs and activities work in tandem with this environment, with artists drawing inspiration from the land around them.
For some, this tranquil environment is a big reason why they’re drawn to summer camps like Interlochen, for others, they might feel more comfortable in a more urban environment. As you look at various programs, consider what energizes you as an artist, and what environments you’d feel at home in.
5. Ample performance opportunities
For many young musicians, overcoming performance nerves can be the most difficult part of learning an instrument. The best arts camps will give students a variety of performance opportunities to build confidence and gain essential experience in performing in front of a crowd.
Interlochen Arts Camp offers students over 400 performance and presentation opportunities each summer, giving students the opportunity to refine their discipline and build confidence as they perform in a variety of settings and audiences.
If you or the young musician in your life are looking to improve performance skills, consider how often you'll be able to perform at each summer music camp and if you'll have opportunities to work directly with instructors to address any performance concerns.
6. Student life activities
A well-rounded camp experience should also include plenty of breaks away from music to rest, make friends, and create summer memories to last a lifetime. The best summer music camps will make time for students to take part in a diverse array of student life activities and experiences to make their time at camp as special as it can be.
Some arts camps may schedule group outings, games, or sporting tournaments throughout the summer for students to enjoy. Others may open up the more scenic parts of their campuses for students to enjoy during free time.
At Interlochen, students can enjoy swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, or sailing during their free time. Interlochen also hosts social mixers, holiday parades and festivals, and a mix of recreation activities like crafting sessions and sports competitions.
As you look for the best program for you or your loved one, consider how much free time is offered and whether or not students are given opportunities to unwind and make friends.
7. State-of-the-art facilities and resources
Another important feature of the best summer music camps is the state-of-the-art resources, venues, and unique opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t have access to at home. Depending on how specialized the organization is, they may have unique instrument repair capabilities, recording studios, performance halls, and more.
The best institutions will offer students a taste of what it’s like to work at a professional level—giving them a sneak peek at what their hard work and practice can bring them.
Măcelaru, an Interlochen alumni himself, explained that the resources and opportunities he found at Interlochen not only gave him the opportunity to reach his dreams, but to see what was even possible to dream.
“Interlochen gave me the tools to create a dream first and foremost, and then it showed me the path to achieve it,” Măcelaru said.
In addition to facilities and resources built specifically for musicians, another key resource to look out for is access to health services. Interlochen Arts Camp offers 24/7 access to health professionals who provide information, promote overall wellness, and respond in case of sickness, injury, or counseling needs.
The best music camps will ensure students stay safe, healthy, and supported during their stay so they can focus on improving their craft and having an enjoyable experience.
8. Financial aid options
The best institutions will also make it a part of their mission to ensure a memorable camp experience is available to all students, regardless of financial status.
Many summer music camps offer a variety of scholarships, financial aid options, and payment plans to ensure that no talented student is turned away. As you look into which programs are best for you, we encourage you to reach out to each institution’s financial aid departments to help understand what options are available for your family.
Conclusion
Summer music camps are not only a great opportunity for young musicians to grow their musical skills, they’re also an encouraging environment to gain confidence, community, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
There are hundreds of excellent programs across the country that are designed to encourage and support young musicians—as you look into which program is right for you or your family, consider:
- What they hope to get out of the program (are they looking for specific instrument support, music industry connections, chances to make friends and community)
- What types of financial support the program offers
- The location of the program
- The resources and student life activities offered by the program
If you’re interested in taking part in a historic summer music camp in northern Michigan, you can find more information about Interlochen Arts Camp here.
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook
