It does seem as though there will be few, if any, in person programs again this summer. Some programs had already announced they are going virtual. I will say the benefit that we found was the ability to choose more than one program, and that allowed access to several university faculty, which was great for my son last summer, as it was his first time applying to anything like these programs. Of course, in person is preferable and I was really hoping he could travel to a program this summer, but we are already looking at some virtual programs for him again this year, to get even more faculty access from different schools.
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For strings students, here is a list of some schools / festivals that are currently planning to offer in-person programs this summer:
Bowdoin (planning to offer a virtual program if in-person is not possible)
Brevard (in-person)
Gingold (2 wks virtual, 1 week in-person)
Heifetz (hybrid, in-person with virtual elements)
Meadowmount (also offering a virtual program, and may offer a split program of 3 wks in-person and 4 wks virtual)
Application deadlines are quickly approaching. Good luck!
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Thanks @IronCitEE this list is helpful. We’ve submitted for Bowdoin. D is working on her Heifetz application now. She’s probably going to also submit for Gingold and EMF. Hopefully something pans out.
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My son is registered in High school intensive composition at Berklee this coming July. no confirmation yet.
Atlantic Music Festival is offering an online option even if they decide to go in-person this summer (and part of the tuition will be refunded if you choose the online option). They are still accepting applications so it might be a good choice if anyone is unsure about the plan for summer.
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Does anyone know anything about Sewanee? How does it compare with Tanglewood, Interlochen and others in terms of level of players? thx
Also, any feedback on EMF .Same questions. How compare with other programs in terms of level of playing. thx
A number of years ago, my kid went to EMF for two summers. He really liked it and felt the quality of instruction and the ensembles were excellent. For context, he had been at BUTI the previous two summers and was at Aspen the summer after EMF. He still says their quality is excellent.
Not sure they are doing in person this summer, you need to check that.
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For those who may be interested, Kinhaven music camp plans to run in-person this summer. My son was incredibly happy there. They have a 6 week senior session late June to early August, followed by a two week junior session for middle school aged students.
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Thank you that’s very helpful. My D was supposed to go to BUTI/YAO last summer and it’s cancelled again. EMF is planning to be in person so we are looking into it as an option. Could you tell me the age of your child when he/she went and instrument? Thanks so much.
My son went as a 19 and 20 year old…the years after his freshman and sophomore years of college. He was a trumpet player.
Thank you so much! very helpful!
Orford is another option that might have their summer onsite. Aria is also online but is another option to consider
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Hi! I am new here. Really enjoyed reading all of your posts! Lots of thanks!
My child was accepted to Interlochen, BUTI and Brevard last summer (high school camp), but was not able to attend any of them due to Covid. Was very disappointed.
This year he submitted application very early to Brevard in December last year. We haven’t heard any updates.
Any of you guys applied to summer music camps? Got any updates so far?
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Any information about Atlantic Music Festival at Colby? I found it Doing an internet search but know nothing about it. Anyone?
It is 6 weeks, ages 13-17, 100+ students, beautiful setting and a really excellent option. Pre-College Program (atlanticmusicfestival.org)
Atlantic applications close 2/15 I think.
ps Composition students love Atlantic (I am more familiar with the college-level program). It is a top choice for a US program.
pps Walden School in Dublin NH is another wonderful longish program for high school composers, and applications are open
Thank you so much. My daughter is a string player currently a junior in high school. She was supposed to go to BUTI last summer. Any idea how the high school program compares with BUTI, EMF or any others. ( in terns of playing level) Just looking for some options for this summer.
One important benefit is being able to participate in seminars, masterclasses and electives offered by the college-level program. Atlantic Festival would give some opportunities to work with peer composers and guests, and also has a connection to the world-renowned IRCAM in Paris, which offers programming, experience in MAX and electronic music at the Festival. At the high school level they have classes in the preparatory skills in theory and ear-training. So the offerings may be varied and even interdisciplinary. Instrumental Program (atlanticmusicfestival.org)
Please note I do not have personal experience. I am passing along what I have heard minimally and info on the website as well, which you have probably seen 
Did anyone see the info released by BUTI yesterday? I am a lot confused. Totally online but same application fee and audition requirements? Not sure if my S24 should apply or not. He is a flutist and precollege at MSM and would be interested in an online experience but it seems like a lot of work and expense for an online program of unclear benefit. Was going to have him apply to Interlochen but the dates dont work with my S21 graduation.
Our preference is definitely live.
I like that BUTI converted to shorter sessions though. That’s actually the thing I worry about with Interlochen (we applied there) - if she gets in, and then they change their minds and go online again, we’re not interested. Not for six weeks. My kid needs a break from all the screen time! We’d consider three week or two week sessions if online is our only option.
I’ll be curious what BUTI’s tuition charge ends up being. It’s a little odd that they opened their application without posting tuition information.
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