My son is a junior interested in majoring in Music Education-Voice.
We are looking at Florida State University’s Choral Ensemble Camp and Ithaca College’s Summer Music Academy - Vocal Program (possibly auditioning for the Performance Track). We’ll probably only do one of the two, so I’m interested in any experiences with either or both to help us make a decision.
My son did not go to the camp but FSU is one of the best in the nation for choral and music education. The camp would be a great way of checking out the music school.
My daughter attended Ithaca’s Summer Music Academy twice (as a rising sophomore and junior) and loved it. It was extremely well run and helped her confirm that she wanted to be a music major in vocal performance. Ithaca has an excellent music education program and many of the voice friends she met there ended up at Ithaca for undergraduate programs in music ed and/or vocal performance. Good luck to your son and with making the decision!
Agree 100% with @RKopera about Ithaca. D attended one year (with RKOpera’s daughter, in fact) and loved the program. The structure is very representative of a music school experience : classes, lessons, rehearsals, performances, but also life in a dorm, eating in the cafeteria, having a roommate… Was definitely instrumental in helping her decide to major in music (no pun intended, as she is a vocalist ). Good luck.
Another positive review of Ithaca. My daughter did Ithaca SMA last summer, before her junior year. She loved being with other people who geeked out over music as much as she does. The electives range from conducting to jazz choir. They worked hard every day. The final concert displayed the musical talent of the students and also the joy they have for music. She made good friends there and keeps in touch with them. The faculty was super supportive. Really good experience!