String students in New England are lucky in that they have plenty of summer music camps they can attend not too far from home. I attended several intensive music camps as a teen geared towards serious string players, although of course traveling all the way from Iceland I guess I had a little further to go than most. For sure it was worth the airplanes and buses, because during these 6-week long camps I spent invaluable hours developing as a classical violinist and musician. Not to mention the friends and memories I made that nourished me for a long time after camp ended.
Typically I would spend 4 hours practicing each morning, and for me this was huge because I was never a particularly diligent student, at least not for extended periods of time. This meant that I improved immensely during these summers, and it was all made easy by being together with a community of string students who were all there for the same reason – to learn! We would have chamber music rehearsals in the afternoons, and then we listened to faculty concerts in the evenings or performed ourselves. This was of course all mixed with general teen shenanigans that I won’t go into here, except to say WE HAD FUN … as one should at summer camp 🙂
Whether you are in for an intensive experience with the goal of practicing a lot, or you just wish to play in an orchestra or chamber group for a more relaxed experience, there is plenty to choose from. In addition to music instruction, all of these camps offer a wide range of recreational activities for students, including swimming, hiking, and sports. They also host regular concerts and performances, which are open to the public.
Here are 5 great summer music camps in New England for string players:
Point CounterPoint Chamber Music Camp
PCP is a summer music camp located in Leicester, Vermont. It was founded in 1963 and has been providing young musicians with a high-quality chamber music education ever since.
The camp is situated on a beautiful lakefront campus and offers a two-week program for string, wind, and piano students aged 11-18. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive chamber music education, including daily coaching sessions, ensemble rehearsals, masterclasses, and performance opportunities.
Point CounterPoint focuses on the musical and personal growth of each individual student. The camp has a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for individual attention and tailored instruction. Students also have the opportunity to participate in classes on music theory, improvisation, and music history.
The faculty at Point CounterPoint is made up of experienced and highly qualified music educators and performers from around the world. The faculty works closely with students to provide them with the tools and techniques they need to improve their playing and develop their musical voice.
New England Music Camp (NEMC)
NEMC is a summer music camp located in Sidney, Maine. It was founded in 1937 and has been providing young musicians with a high-quality music education ever since.
The camp is situated on a beautiful lakefront campus and offers a wide range of music programs for students of all levels and ages. The core program is a six-week residential program for students aged 11-18, although there are also shorter programs available for younger students and adults.
NEMC offers instruction in a variety of music styles, including classical, jazz, and musical theater. The faculty consists of experienced and highly qualified music educators and performers from around the world, and students have the opportunity to receive individual instruction as well as participate in ensembles and performance groups.
One unique aspect of NEMC is its commitment to fostering a strong sense of community among its students. The camp’s small size and supportive atmosphere make it a great place for young musicians to make friends and collaborate with other musicians from around the world.
Kinhaven Music School
Kinhaven Music School is a summer music camp located in Weston, Vermont. Founded in 1952, Kinhaven provides a comprehensive music education program for young musicians aged 8-18.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in classical music, including daily orchestra and chamber music rehearsals, private lessons, and classes on music theory and history. Students also have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, solo performances, and small ensemble groups.
Kinhaven is a great choice for those who are looking for a supportive and collaborative community. The camp has a non-competitive atmosphere that encourages students to work together and support each other in their musical pursuits. This approach allows students to develop their musical skills and creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
The faculty at Kinhaven is made up of experienced and highly qualified music educators and performers from around the world. The faculty works closely with students to provide them with the tools and techniques they need to improve their playing and develop their musical voice.
The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music
The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music is a summer music program located in Nelson, New Hampshire. Founded in 1971, Apple Hill provides a unique approach to chamber music education that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and community.
The program is designed for intermediate to advanced level students, ages 13 and up, and includes daily chamber music rehearsals, private lessons, masterclasses, and concerts. Students work closely with a faculty of experienced and highly qualified music educators and performers from around the world.
The focus at Apple Hill is its approach to chamber music coaching. Rather than providing students with a set repertoire to work on, the faculty encourages students to explore different styles and genres of music, and to work collaboratively to create their own arrangements and compositions. This approach allows students to develop their creativity, improvisation skills, and musical independence.
The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival is a summer music program located in Burlington, Vermont. Founded in 2005, the festival provides a comprehensive chamber music education program for intermediate to advanced level students.
The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous and immersive chamber music experience, including daily chamber music rehearsals, private lessons, masterclasses, and concerts. Students work closely with a faculty of experienced and highly qualified music educators and performers from around the world.
At Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival each student is assigned a mentor, who works with them throughout the program to provide individual attention and guidance. This approach allows students to receive tailored instruction and support as they develop their musical skills and creativity.
