Hi All, I am currently working on the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto with a great teacher who subs often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. I’ve asked my teacher this question before and I feel like he doesn’t really mind what summer program I attend, as long its decent. I’m pretty flexible with either an all summer long program or a program that lasts a few weeks. I’m looking mainly for a program with a good amount of practice time set aside and also a good chamber music program for my level of playing. Are there any summer program recommendations that is realistic for me to apply for and possibly be able to get accepted? I am planning to attend next summer, which will be the summer before I head to college. Thanks so much in advance!!
The ones I have heard about (from musicians and instructors) are Interlochen, Aspen, Marrowstone and of course Tanglewood. My D’s high school is known for music and the most talented orchestra kids usually go to Interlochen.
Yellow Barn and Brevard could be added to the above. Tanglewoos is BU Tanglewood Institute or BUTI. There are many others that people here will add for you. What is your instrument? Are you interested in orchestral or chamber work?
Meadowmount. Known as a practice camp. Chamber music also.
Aria International Summer Academy also calls itself a “boot camp”
You should be certain of your teacher assignment at Interlochen. There are students who choose to attend Interlochen right before starting college, but many older students find the “camp” components - cabin inspections, organized sports and games, etc - not what they wanted. There is chamber music at Interlochen, but the focus is orchestra.
Will you be a college music major? Some college/conservatory teachers also teach at summer camps/institutes. If you have teachers you will be auditioning with, you might take their summer plans into consideration.
There is a sticky thread above with other suggestions.
Yellow Barn (for all ages) and Aspen (especially for pre-college age students) are two of the most difficult admits of any summer festival/camp. Check the audition requirements of the places you could be interested in. This will give you a rough idea of what is expected.
I agree with Momofadult that many of the top programs (e.g., Yellowbarn, or Aspen) are likely out of your reach right now. I suggest you go back to your teacher. If he is subbing for the Philly Orchestra he must have some knowledge of programs. Since we don’t know your level of playing, we can’t give concrete advice. There are many, many programs out there. Without direction from someone who knows your playing you could squander a lot of money and time on applications for programs that are not realistic. Meadowmount is known as a great “practice-camp” (as in, you do a lot of practicing) but there are many other possibilities. The Castleman Quartet program might fit the bill for you: there you get private lesson time, daily practice time, great chamber music, musicians on multiple (but high) levels. Kinhaven Senior Session is wonderful for chamber music and is easier to get into. [Edit: I see Momofadult also recommended Meadowmount–at first I only noticed her second message.] And I also agree with her suggestion to look into Aria. I did hear that ENCORE has reopened, reinvented, and heard good things about it.
Does anyone have any feedback on these programs: daughter weighing options between them. She is a string player and looking for a more intensive, less “campy” program at which she can gain real improvement but not cutthroat.
1 - Ingenium Academy (Winchester UK - purports to have London Symphony faculty) - would really appreciate info on this as there are no reviews I have discovered online although the videos show a fairly good level of playing ability.
2 – Eastman Music Horizons (Rochester, of course)
3 – Philadelphia International Music Festival (Symphony program)
4 --Intermuse International Music Institute & Festival (Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland) - this one I also don’t have a feel for from the internet. Limited to 35 players.
5 - Indiana Summer String program (Jacob School of Music)
Any insights are much appreciated!
Indiana Summer Academy (is that the one you mean?) has a good reputation. I’ve known a number of students who have attended. Perhaps better for those at the beginning of the “major concerto” level sequence (Bruch, Lalo, etc - or below that level if admitted) than for students who are playing Tchaikovsky decently already. I don’t know how they divvy up their faculty. The teacher assignment can always make a difference, but it is expected that the students practice seriously for good portions of their day.
Don’t know about the others from personal or anecdotal experience. Has she applied already to any? The deadlines may be closed or coming up fast.
Eastman has a great reputation of course.
I don’t know anything about Eastman’s summer program. I do know that Indiana’s summer Academy has a number of faculty members well known for their experience in developing young violinists.
If you’re a competitor and getting back and forth from Michigan is a possibility then Interlochen Arts Camp.
http://camp.interlochen.org/high-school-music-summer-programs
Interlochen, Eastman, and Indiana are my personal favorites (based on reviews from friends and acquaintances) I never went to any of them (no money/time) but these are all very well known and both fun/educational.
Hello, were you able to get some information/feedback about Ingenium Academy in the UK, please? We are considering it but are a bit surprised by the lack of online feedback- there is none! Thanks in advance.