Summer programs are the best way to connect with a community of individuals who are strongly passionate in the same field as you.

They are also a gateway to connecting with experienced musicians and learning from them, and strongly inspiring your journey in music.

Here is the ultimate list of music programs for high schoolers!

Before you continue, consider signing up for the Qurios Institute Mailing List, where you get updates and posts of even more opportunities and scholarships!

NYO-USA The National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America is a prestigious program that brings the brightest players across the country to go on a tour to see some of the music capitals of the world while serving as music ambassadors.

The NYO-USA offers a variety of programs, including NYO2 (a summer intensive for musicians 14

- 17), and NYO-Jazz, a summer intensive for jazz musicians.

Eligibility: 14-17 (some allow up to 19 years) Musician Generally, the application opens up in September, with the excerpts being released a month prior.

Throughout the months, certain files are due until December, where the application closes and status is given in February.

In the summer, the ensembles will gather from July 20 to August 1

5. The musicians go to a variety of locations, varying from year to year, each depending on which program you plan to attend.

Sphinx Performance Academy Sphinx Performance Academy (SPA) is a full-scholarship intensive summer chamber music and solo performance program for string musicians ages 11-1

7. Curriculum includes lessons, masterclasses, recitals, career enrichment sessions, and mentorship tailored to each student.

Eligibility: Eligible Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass Be 11-17 years of age U.

S. citizens or legal residents in the U.

S.

This program, like many competitive ones, require an application, to which you need: A full repertoire list – Solo repertoire and chamber music learned and performed Personal Statement – Around 150-200 words expressing why you want to attend the Sphinx Performance Academy.

High resolution headshot Scanned copy of birth certificate or document indicating US citizenship or legal residence Additionally, you will have to send in a video of you performing.

You will need three separate videos of the following: 3-octave scale in any key Piece of choice with or without piano accompaniment.

The selection should be 2 minutes minimum in length.

There should be an additional contrasting piece of choice with or without piano accompaniment.

Personal statement video stating who you are, how you heard about Sphinx, what you hope to accomplish in the program, and anything you want Sphinx to know about you.

When auditioning for this program, choose repertoire that you know best and shows your highest level of technique and musicality.

The program recommends at least one of the two pieces of choice to be a concert movement.

Additionally, pick a 3-octave scale with a key that you are familiar with.

It is better to nail a scale that you know best than to play the B-sharp scale.

Rafael Méndez Brass Institute The Rafael Méndez Brass Institute is an intensive week-long seminar that focuses on career development, music business, and professional technical skills you will use throughout your career.

Throughout this week intensive, you will be hearing professional seminars and connect with a global community of musicians passionate in their craft!

Eligibility: submit a music recording pay an application fee (fee waivers available) recommendation reference (optional, BUT we recommend it for better opportunities) The program offers numerous scholarships for students to apply to.

Students are highly recommended to apply to these scholarships to be provided with more opportunities.

Interlochen Summer Program Interlochen Summer Program is a competitive camp where notable artists suchas Terry Cruz, Lorin Mazel, Jessye norman, and Norah Jones have attended Interlochen Arts Camp during their childhood.

This program is for musicians and artists who are looking for an unique experience with connections to talented professionals.

The summer program, while pricy for some, have 1 to 6 week intensives for musicians and artists to commune together and participate in master classes, ensembles, and orchestras.

Eligibility: High schooler Interested in the arts Have an audition/portfolio ready MPulse MPulse is a residential performing arts summer program designed for high school students who have interest in pursuing their area of study in a higher education setting.

MPulse Participants study with the faculty at the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance and guest teaching artists in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Programs range from one to four weeks in duration with room and board provided.

Although MPulse has an application fee alongside a tuition, students can apply for a fee waiver or for financial aid.

Eligibility: student high school nationally or internationally Applications are due early in February, and admissions notification is usually in March.

Yale's Morse Summer Music Academy The Morse Summer Music Academy is a free, month-long, intensive music program for students entering grades 5 to 11 in the New Haven Public Schools.

The program offers performance opportunities in chamber and larger ensembles, instruction in music theory, and an introduction to composition.

Students interested in participating in the program must complete an in-person audition.

Individuals should come to each performance assessment prepared to perform or sing a 1-2 minute solo, play a scale, and sight-read a short excerpt.

Eligibility: Student entering grades 5-11 Must attend New Haven Public Schools be in good academic standing be enrolled in their school’s music program (where available)-

- have a recommendation from their school’s music teacher comply with current Yale University health policies must be able to attend the entirety of the Academy (three absences will result in a dismissal from the Academy) National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute The National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute (SMI) is a summer training program for dedicated high school and college student instrumentalists interested in pursuing a career as 21st century professional musicians.

Within the program, students will be given private lessons by a member of the National Symphony Orchestra, chamber music coaching, master classes, seminars, rehearsals, performance opportunities, exposure to internationally-renowned musicians, and more.

Students accepted into the program attends SMI on a tuition-free scholarship.

Eligibility: student aged 15-20 seriously considering music as a career and willing to devote themselves to a well-rounded musical education Students who play any of the following instruments are eligible to apply for SMI: violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and harp The application deadline is Sunday, January 21, 202

4. A $30 non-refundable application fee is due upon application submission.

Students will be notified of the results by the end of March 202

4. Berklee ASPIRE Music Performance Intensive ASPIRE is a 5-week intensive that offers one-on-one instruction with Berklee's faculty to enhance your musical performance.

You will also have the chance to explore areas of the music industry such as songwriting, music production, music business, music therapy, and more through elective coursework.

The tuition fee is $5,430, with additional housing and registration fee.

However, there are scholarships available to minimize the costs!

Berklee's ASPIRE aims to imitate life as an undergrad in their college, requiring you to follow a core curriculum along with electives to sign up for.

They have a example of a schedule you can see on the website, along with abundant opportunities to perform in different locations.

Eligibility: students aged 15+ of playing or singing experience have a proficient level of English.

While proof of English language proficiency is not required, students are expected to have a sufficient understanding and control of the language international students must apply for an F-1 student visa University of Missouri

- Kansas City Saxophone Workshop UMKC's Saxophone workshop is held at the university for a week-long intensive for middle schoolers and high schoolers.

Held by prestigious and talented saxophonist professionals, this intensive involves saxophone ensemble, chamber music, clinics, masterclasses, lessons (optional) and performances.

The curriculum is designed to benefit and welcome all students regardless of background and experience.

Eligibility: middle school OR high school student saxophonist of any level Taught by Zachary Shemon, Dr.

Michael Shults, and Nation Graybeal, more information can be found in the booklet.

The tuition is $475, and the optional lessons provided is $50 for every 30 minutes.

The registration is due Jun 7th.

Concluding Remarks OK, it's pretty clear if you've gotten to the end you're pretty serious about this music passion.

In that case, check out our blog on passion projects related to music, OR our list of music internships.