#5 - Summer Plans for Musicians

January 7, 2004 - Revised November 13, 2006
Links Added July 1, 2007

It’s never too early in the year to make summer plans. In fact, application deadlines and auditions dates for many summer music programs are as early as December or January. I highly recommend looking into these opportunities. I have personally performed and/or taught at eight different programs so far, and I have learned from and enjoyed each one.

Summer music festivals and camps can be a valuable part of one’s training. They can provide audition experience, travel, education, and ensemble experience. Many programs provide lessons or ensemble coachings. Some are paid professional jobs, some are educational and charge a fee (although they frequently offer scholarships), and some are always free, awarding full scholarships to all participants.

For a list of summer camps and music festivals you can start at this part of my links page where you will find the following categories:

• Music Camp, Festival, & Competition Directories
• Music Camps - Junior High through High School
• Music Camps, Festivals, & Competitions - High School
• Music Festivals & Competitions - College, Graduate Students, Post Graduates
• Music Festivals & Competitions - Professional
• Workshops & Conferences

Camps often do not require an audition. Summer festivals for college-aged players usually hold auditions the winter or spring before each season. Professional festivals (or the professional orchestras affiliated with any festival or camp) usually audition for permanent positions like year-round orchestras, although some of them will hold seasonal auditions. Openings for professional groups are therefore less frequent. Workshops, conferences, seminars, and clinics are held at various times of the year and are usually open to everyone for a fee.

Good Luck!