Countdown to Summer: Your Guide to a Successful Summer Music Camp

Summer Camp Matters! 🌞 

Every summer, something truly magical happens for young musicians around the world: music camps.  Whether it’s a few weeks deep in the woods at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp or an inspiring creative immersion at Interlochen, all are filled with creativity and growth. The experience goes far beyond just playing and performing, it’s where music becomes part of who you are – where friendships form that last a lifetime, and young hears discover more about themselves than they ever expected.  

We’re thrilled to share this powerful reflection from Shar Music’s own Braden Thompson, whose words perfectly capture the spirit of the summer music camp journey:

“Every year, summer music camps breathed fresh air into my life. An escape from the doldrums of the day-to-day, the perennial pilgrimage to music camp became an important touchstone in my adolescence. It gave me an opportunity to both assess my own growth musically as well as marvel at the progress of my friends and peers. Sure, that came at the expense of my own bed and a peaceful co-existence with bugs, but what a small toll for an invaluable experience.

And every year, too, tens of thousands of students all over the world make their trek to camp. Often, as in my experience, this melting pot of mostly unrelated and disparate people creates an environment rife with creativity, connection, and innovation. If it isn’t enough to bond with your friends in the trenches of orchestra rehearsal, you also eat your meals with them, recreate and sleep alongside, hiking to and fro; so much time is spent with these people. Use this time to forge deep friendships, they will always be cherished, long after your time at camp is over.

Most importantly, though, do what you’re there to do: make music! As the cliché goes, music is the universal language. Through it, you will bond with not only your friends, but also with those teachers and staff that surround you. Allow yourself the freedom to explore your musicality. As you experiment and try new things, you will discover the bounds of your abilities. This new frontier is where you will spend your year, so take special note of it. Use it as a guidepost and you will be amazed by your improvement come the same time next year.

To be free and explore, one must first be prepared! Before you go to summer camp, ensure you bring anything that may be required to be functional and efficient with your studious hours there. A no-brainer, have your instrument and bow, case included, but what else might you need?

First, take everything you’ll need to effectively practice. A metronome, a pencil, and sheet music should be a good start. Or, for those modern, yet ancient musicians, all you’ll need is your tablet and stylus! Perhaps your camp is more rustic? In that case, a music stand will be your best friend. Don’t forget those things not replaceable by technology! All accoutrements for your instrument – rosin, an extra set of strings, a cleaning cloth – will be vital to maintaining the health and wellbeing of your instrument. If you are travelling far, be sure to check and how the camp’s climate differs from your own. Additional humidification tools may be necessary for maintaining your instrument.

Finally, the overarching themes here should be clear: be prepared and be free. Allow yourself to explore every facet that interests you. Ask questions and be critical. But in order to do this comfortably, remember to be prepared! Peace of mind and a good attitude will go a long way to getting the most out of your time at camp. Summer music camp is about making music and connecting with others! Above all, enjoy yourself!” 

🎒 What to Pack: Shar’s Complete Checklist (Check out our Camp Essentials Page)

Heading to camp? Don’t forget these essentials to keep your music-making stress-free and inspired. Print this list and check it twice!

🎻 Instrument & Care Supplies