Some people attend summer hockey camp, while others go to Tech Camp. For musicians, there's summer music camp.
Music camps are typically day camps that run for one to two weeks. They generally involve private lessons, ensemble work, and master classes with leading teachers, conductors, and performers. Many offer seminars on various aspects of performing, such as:
- accompanying
- improvisation
- memorization
- movement
- musical interpretation and style
- performance anxiety
- proper technique
The programs often conclude with a performance. Some also feature performances by faculty members.
Here is a look at five Alberta-based summer music camps for students of various ages and abilities. These programs attract students from across Canada and the northwestern United States.
Singspiration Singing Camp for Youth Singers
Singspiration was established in 2000 for youths in Grades 4 through 12. Campers sing in a choir, learn handbells, attend art classes, and enjoy some outdoor activities. In 2006, Singspiration received the Patricia Cook Memorial Award from the the Alberta Choral Federation for its service to advocacy in arts education in Alberta. Singspiration is held at Concordia University College.
Band, Choir, Piano and Musical Theatre for Youth at Music Camp Alberta
Music Camp Alberta has been offering summer music programs since 1957. Seven summer programs are offered, which are held at Red Deer College:
- David J. Peterkin Symphonic Band Camp: For high school students with at least three years experience on their instrument.
- Piano Workshop: For high school students with at least their Grade 5 piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music (or equivalent).
- Youth Contemporary Choir Workshop: For high school students with choral experience to study acoustic vocal jazz techniques and learn about contemporary music genres.
- Intermediate Band Camp: For students in Grades 8 - 10 with at least two years' experience on their instrument.
- MusicCamp Girls' Choir: For girls aged nine to 14.
- MusicCamp Boys' Choir: For boys with unchanged voices.
- Musical Theatre for Young Singers: For students aged nine to 14.
Fine Arts Camps for Children, Youth and Adults at the Calgary Arts Summer School
The Calgary Arts Summer School (CASS) is an inter-disciplinary summer arts school established in 1993. CASS currently offers nine camps:
- Musical Theatre Showtime: For students aged nine to 19. Students plan, produce and present a scripted musical production.
- CASS-Amici String Camp: For string players between five and 18 with at least two years' experience on their instrument.
- Choral & Collaborative Music Making Camp: For vocalists, pianists and string players aged 12 to adult. Pianists should have a minimum of Grade 8 Royal Conservatory, Conservatory Canada, or the equivalent. Other instrumentalists should have two or more years of playing experience on their instrument.
- Improv Camp: For students aged eight to 12 years. Participants will create and develop their very own characters, write dialogue, and put together skits.
- Adult Piano Camp: For adult pianists of various levels.
- Piano Camp: For pianists aged 10 to adult, intermediate to advanced. Students also explore choir, art, improvisation, the Alexander Technique, and more.
- Jazz Connection Workshop: For all instrumentalists aged 13 through adult. Students explore improvisation, jazz styles through working in combos, and big-bands. Pianists should have a minimum of Grade 6 Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada, or equivalent. Other instrumentalists should have two or more years of playing experience on their instrument.
- Music, Drama, Movement & Art Camp: A summer arts camp for students aged four to 10. No previous experience necessary.
- Play Writing Camp: For students aged seven to 12. Students create, rehearse and perform their own unique play in five days.
CASS also offers an annual Music Theory Workshop in conjunction with Music Theory Network, an annual Piano Pedagogy Workshop and Recital featuring CASS Faculty. Check CASS' website for camp locations.
Guitar, Drums, Recording and Jazz at Alberta College
Alberta College at Grant MacEwan University offers five summer music programs on the Alberta College campus:
- Guitar Basics: For beginners to provide an introduction to the guitar.
- Summer Guitar Workshop: For beginner to advanced level guitarists.
- Drum Workshop: For beginner to advanced level percussionists, aged 13 and above. Students explore swing, rock and Latin music.
- Studio Recording Techniques: Explores the techniques involved in the operation of studio recording equipment. Students receive a combination of instruction and studio time.
- MacEwan Summer Jazz Workshop: For students aged 13 to 20. Students explore improvisation, jazz styles through working in combos and big-bands.
Complete Vocal Experience at The University of Lethbridge
The Southern Alberta Vocal Experience is comprised of two summer singing camps, the Teen Summer Vocal Experience and the Senior Summer Vocal Experience. Participants explore choral literature, musical theatre, operetta, opera, and solo repertoire. Students also attend classes in acting, the International Phonetic Alphabet, lyric diction, movement, and stage make-up.
Registering for a Summer Music Camp
Summer music camps do fill up quickly. Check the camp websites for detailed registration information. Some offer scholarships and bursaries for those who require financial assistance.
Musicians can research the summer programs available in their area. Young musicians should discuss with their music teacher and parents which program is most suitable for them.
Whether the goal is to learn a new skill, keep those musician fingers nimble, continuing education, or improve one's performance savvy, summer music camps are a wonderful way to further one's musical development. They also offer the valuable opportunities of making new friends and working with world-class musicians, teachers and conductors.
Rhona-Mae Arca - Rhona-Mae is a Registered Music Teacher. She has an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, B.A. (Music) and ...
