Summer Camps
Your Soundtrack to Summer Starts Here
From first notes to bold new musical goals, MacPhail Camps offer something for every young musician. With world-class teaching artists and programs across ages, instruments, genres, and experience levels, students build skills, explore creativity, and make music all summer long. Whether they’re just getting started or ready to take their music further, MacPhail will help make summer unforgettable.
Financial assistance is available. If tuition is a barrier, we encourage you to apply. Learn more.
Looking for summer lessons, classes, or ensembles? Explore MacPhail’s summer semester offerings.
Not sure where to start? We can help.
Share a few details and we’ll send camp recommendations based on your camper’s age and interests.
Camps for Kids
Ages 3–12
Whether they’re exploring different instruments, creating their own music, or bringing stories to life through song and movement, our kids camps help young learners discover the joy of music in a fun, supportive environment.
Camps for Youth
Ages 11–18
Designed for developing musicians, our youth camps combine focused skill-building with creative music-making across genres and instruments—giving teens the opportunity to perform, create, and connect while growing in confidence and musicianship.
Why Choose Camp at MacPhail
- World-class teaching artist
Learn from professional musicians and educators who know how to challenge, inspire, and support students at every stage.
- Camps for every age, instrument, and musical interest
From trying music for the first time to building advanced skills, our camps span classical, jazz, rock, electronic music, songwriting, ensembles, and more—meeting students where they are and helping them grow.
- Skill-building and creativity, thoughtfully balanced
Campers strengthen technique, collaborate with others, and explore creative expression in programs designed to be engaging, motivating, and rewarding.
- Rooted in expertise and a love of music
As the nation’s largest community music school with more than 118 years of music education experience, MacPhail brings unmatched depth, care, and a genuine love of music to every camp experience.
- Designed for joyful summer learning
Each camp blends high-quality instruction with the energy and fun of summer—trying new things, making friends, and discovering what music can mean in their lives.
Suzuki Summer Institute
The Suzuki Summer Institute offers masterclasses, group classes and performance opportunities for piano and guitar students, and teacher training sessions. Students experience musical growth through stimulating teaching from our excellent faculty, the motivating presence of their peers, and the nurturing support of their parents. The week’s inspiration can invigorate the children’s musical studies throughout the year.
Summer Camp Offerings
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Woodwind Camp: July 13-17
Unleash your musical potential at Woodwind Camp, a week-long program for students up to 18 years old who play a variety of woodwind instruments, including flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon....
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Voice Camp: June 22-26
Voice Camp welcomes high school students to explore the vibrant worlds of classical, opera, and musical theater in a fun, supportive setting. Designed for developing singers of intermediate and advanced...
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Suzuki Institute Teacher Training: Piano Unit 4
For teachers who have completed ECC, Books 1 and 2, and Teaching Strategies. Sunday, July 26, 2-6 p.m. CT Monday-Thursday, July 27-31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday July 25, 9a.m.-12:00pm CT...
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Suzuki Institute Teacher Training: Guitar Unit 6
For teachers who have completed ECC, Book 1 and Book 2 and have a current Suzuki studio. Sunday, July 26, time TBD Monday-Thursday, July 27-30 4pm-8pm CT Observations between 10:00am-4:00pm...
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Suzuki Institute Half Day – Piano Book 1 (Age 6 & Under)
Half Day Suzuki Piano Book 1 – Age 6 and under 3 classes per day Tuition: $335 • Three classes will be scheduled between 9:00-12:00, Mon-Thurs • Friday will include...
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Suzuki Institute Half Day – Guitar Book 1 (Age 6 & Under)
Half Day Suzuki Guitar Book 1 – Ages 6 and under 3 classes per day Tuition: $335 • Three classes will be scheduled between 9:00-12:00, Mon-Thurs. • Friday will include...
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Suzuki Institute FULL DAY – Piano Book 1 & up (Age 6+)
Full Day Suzuki Piano Book 1 and above – Ages 6 and up 5 classes per day Tuition: $595 Five classes will be scheduled between 9:00am-4:00pm Mon-Thurs Friday will include...
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Suzuki Institute FULL DAY – Guitar Book 1 & up (Age 6+)
Full Day Suzuki Guitar Book 1 and above – Ages 6 and up 5 classes per day Tuition: $595 Five classes will be scheduled between 9:00am-4:00pm Mon-Thurs Friday will include...
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Suzuki Institute – Teacher Observation
Suzuki Institute – Teacher Observation $37 per day For more information, please contact Susan Sophocleus: [email protected]
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Summer Strings Bootcamp: June 29-July 2
Immerse yourself in the world of string music at Summer Strings Boot Camp, a week-long camp designed for youth string players — violin, viola, and cello — in grades 4...
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Summer Sampler: June 15-18
Kickstart your musical journey at MacPhail’s Summer Sampler Camp, where students explore the rudiments of music through engaging and interactive learning! Intended and perfect for beginners, this camp offers a...
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Summer Sampler: June 29-July 2
Kickstart your musical journey at MacPhail’s Summer Sampler Camp, where students explore the rudiments of music through engaging and interactive learning! Intended and perfect for beginners, this camp offers a...
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Summer Sampler: June 8-12
Kickstart your musical journey at MacPhail’s Summer Sampler Camp, where students explore the rudiments of music through engaging and interactive learning! Intended and perfect for beginners, this camp offers a...
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Strings Camp – Austin: July 20-24
For students ages 8-19 with at least 1 year of playing experience, this is an exciting opportunity for students to come together to sharpen their skills while exploring new areas...
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String Chamber Music Orchestra Camp: August 10-14
Join us at String Chamber Music Orchestra Camp, a week-long program designed for string students ages 12-19 who are passionate about playing in both small ensembles and large string orchestra...
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Songwriting Camp for Kids: August 3-7
Ages 6-8 years Does your child make up songs at home? Join us in taking your child’s songwriting skills to another level. Students will create lyrics from familiar tunes, compose...
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Sing Play Act! Camp: July 13-17
Ages 4-6 years If your child enjoys singing, acting, creating art, inventing songs and stories then this camp is perfect! Together students will create a musical from scratch through an...
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Songwriters Lab Summer Camp: August 3-7
Discover your voice and share your story at our week-long Songwriting Lab at MacPhail! Designed for students 14 to 19, this program provides an inspiring and supportive environment to explore...
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Sing Play Act! Camp: June 8-12
Ages 4-6 years If your child enjoys singing, acting, creating art, inventing songs and stories then this camp is perfect! Together students will create a musical from scratch through an...
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Sing Play Act! Camp: June 15-18
Ages 4-6 years If your child enjoys singing, acting, creating art, inventing songs and stories then this camp is perfect! Together students will create a musical from scratch through an...
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Sartory String Quartet Institute: July 6-10
Join us for the 2026 Sartory String Quartet Institute! Students at this 5-day Institute are placed in chamber ensembles with other students of similar age and proficiency. All ensembles receive...
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Rock Week (High School): July 6-10
Get ready to rock at Rock Week, a high-energy, week-long music camp for high school students up to 18 years old. Designed for young musicians who play guitar, drums, bass,...
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POP, SIZZLE, BANG! Camp: June 15-18
Ages 3-5 years Celebrate summer fun with MacPhail Center for Music! Preschoolers will explore holidays and celebrations around the world through movement and instrument exploration. Students will engage with foundational...
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Rock Week (Middle School): July 6-10
Get ready to rock at Rock Week, a high-energy, week-long music camp for middle school students. Designed for young musicians who play guitar, drums, bass, piano or sing, this camp...
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Piano Camp – Minneapolis: June 22-26
Unlock your musical potential at Piano Camp, a week-long immersive experience tailored for piano students ages 8-14 looking to refine their playing skills. This camp is ideal for late elementary...
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Piano Camp – Austin: June 22-26
Here’s your chance to be a part of a fun, exciting piano camp for elementary students of all musical levels. Students will enjoy creating music with friends while experiencing engaging...
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Percussion Camp (Middle School) – Minneapolis: July 13-17
Discover the rhythm of your potential at Percussion Camp, a week-long program tailored for 11-14-year-old percussionists with at least one year of band experience or private instruction. This camp is...
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Percussion Camp (High School) – Minneapolis: July 13-17
Discover the rhythm of your potential at Percussion Camp, a week-long program tailored for high school percussionists with at least one year of band experience or private instruction. This camp...
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Musical World Camp: August 10-14
Ages 5-7 years Take a musical journey around the world! In this camp, we will explore the ways that children of different cultures play music and games, tell stories, sing,...
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Music, Lyrics & Ukulele Camp: July 13-17
Ages 6-8 years Looking for a day-long music camp for your early school-ager? Look no further! This camp combines activities from our Songwriting Camp for KIDS! with a dive into...
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Musical Families Camp – Austin: June 22-26
Calling all young campers! This multi-age experience for families promotes music awareness and appreciation through the various integrated arts activities based on seasonal themes. The lively class meets the varied...
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Introductory Chamber Camp for Adults: July 6-8
Open to adult String, Woodwind, Piano, Harpsichord, Harp, Classical Guitar, French Horn, and Trumpet Discover the joy of playing music with others at Introductory Chamber Camp for Adults, a supportive...
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Electric Guitar Camp: July 13-17
All Genres Welcome! For Middle and High School Students! Plug in and level up your skills this summer! Our Electric Guitar Summer Camp invites middle and high school students of...
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Electronic Music Recording Arts Camp: July 20-24
Step into the world of music creation! Designed for ages 13–19, this hands-on camp gives young artists the chance to dive into music production, beat making, songwriting, singing, and DJing....
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Jazz Camp: July 20-24
Dive into jazz at our week-long summer camp for high school students at MacPhail Center for Music! This exciting program offers an immersive experience for aspiring jazz musicians of all...
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Composition Camp: August 3-7
Unleash your creativity at our week-long Composition Camp, designed for young composers! This inspiring program offers students the opportunity to explore the art of music composition through hands-on writing sessions,...
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Brass Camp – Minneapolis: June 29-July 2
Dive into the vibrant world of brass music at Brass Camp, a four-day camp designed for brass players of all skill levels and instruments, including trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium...
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Beginning Ukulele Camp: July 6-10
Ages 6-8 years Join this weeklong dive into basic ukulele playing for children ages 6-8 years. Children will explore the ukulele, learn a few chords, create songs, act out stories...
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Beginning Ukulele Camp: August 10-14
Ages 6-8 years Join this weeklong dive into basic ukulele playing for children ages 6-8 years. Children will explore the ukulele, learn a few chords, create songs, act out stories...
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Animals On Parade: Musical Trolley Camp: June 22-26
For ages 4-6 Playful animal themes will inspire us to learn about contrasting musical concepts such as fast/slow, forte/piano, legato/staccato, and steady beat through exploration of orchestral instruments, singing, moving,...
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Adult Chamber Music Camp: July 6-15
Open to adult String, Woodwind, Piano, Harpsichord, Harp, Classical Guitar, French Horn, and Trumpet Elevate your musical journey at the Adult Chamber Music Camp, a two-week-long workshop that meets 3...
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Animals On Parade: Musical Trolley Camp CHANHASSEN: Aug 3-7
For ages 4-6 Playful animal themes will inspire us to learn about contrasting musical concepts such as fast/slow, forte/piano, legato/staccato, and steady beat through exploration of orchestral instruments, singing, moving,...
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Advanced Piano Camp – Minneapolis: August 3-7
Join us for an immersive and inspiring week-long summer camp designed for advanced piano students seeking to refine their artistry, deepen their musical understanding, and connect with like-minded peers. Set...
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MMFL Vocal Performance Workshop: July 13-17
Whether it’s opera or music theater, a top 40 hit or art song, vocal songs are written with the intent of conveying a message to the audience. In this week-long...