Summer Camp

August 4–15, 2025

Learn Side-by-Side with Top Young Professional Musicians

Click here for details about our Grand Finale concert on Friday, August 15!

Program Details

For:
Young musicians ages 10–18
No audition is required at the time of application. Students must have at least one year of instrumental music experience in order to enroll.

When:
August 4–15, 2025
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Final registration deadline is June 15, 2025.

Where:
Rutgers University, Camden Campus — Fine Arts Building / Gordon Theater
314 Linden Street, Camden, NJ 08102

Tuition:
$625 for the full two weeks

• Register on or before March 31, 2025 for a 10% early-bird tuition discount
• Sibling discounts are available (first child pays full tuition; each additional child receives a 25% tuition reduction)
• Financial aid is available

Camp Conductors

Matt Gould — Wind Ensemble and Full Orchestra
Joanne Erwin — String Ensemble

About the Program

The Symphony Summer Camp is a rare opportunity for young people to learn from current students and recent graduates of The Juilliard School in New York and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, two of the top music conservatories in the country.

Professional musicians will play side-by-side with small groups of students for two weeks, exposing students to an exceptional level of talent and instruction. The program culminates with a final concert where professionals and students perform together in small and large ensembles.

In addition to learning from professional musicians and conductors, students will have a chance to make important connections with influential teachers and musicians over the course of the program.

Symphony Summer Camp tuition includes:

• Instrumental group lessons: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, and double bass
• Two elective courses
• Participation in at least one chamber music ensemble
• Participation in at least two large ensembles (Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Full Orchestra)

2025 Elective Courses

Conducting Seminar

Learn basic conducting elements such as posture, beat patterns, showing dynamics, and more. Each participant will have the opportunity to conduct one of the camp ensembles. Please note: This class is limited to five participants and slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Creative Listening

Students will listen to examples from every era of classical music, from the earliest Gregorian chants through music by today’s living classical composers. Participants will also have the chance to share favorite music with each other. This class is a fun way to broaden musical horizons.

Exploration of Popular Music

Dig into the musical components of genres such as rap, pop, and hip hop to discover what makes this music so popular.

Music Theory — Scale Study

Students will use this year’s music theory class to make serious progress on scales. Whether a beginner or advanced player, teachers will challenge participants and build knowledge of all things scalar.

Sight-Reading

This course focuses on understanding and reading rhythms, an integral part of sight-reading. Students will also learn tips and tricks to strengthen sight-reading skills.

Technology for Musicians

Students will learn about technologies for musicians, including recording and notation software, plus apps and other tools that can enhance practice sessions.

Register Today

We encourage aspiring young musicians to take advantage of this opportunity to play and learn side-by-side with highly talented professionals. Tuition of $625 covers the full two-week program (35+ hours of instruction and performance experience). Full and partial need-based scholarships are available.

The registration deadline is June 15, and classes are expected to fill quickly.