Keeping the Music Alive: Opportunities for Young Musicians

Summer break is a fantastic time for students to relax and recharge, but for dedicated young musicians, it's also a crucial period to continue honing their skills and passion for music. Pausing practice for several months can lead to a decline in proficiency and a loss of momentum gained during the school year. Fortunately, a wealth of exciting opportunities exists to keep musical talents flourishing. From immersive summer camps that offer intensive training and diverse musical experiences, to prestigious youth orchestras that provide a platform for high-level ensemble performance, the summer months can be a time of significant growth and inspiration. We want to highlight some excellent programs designed to help students not only maintain their musical abilities but also to explore new horizons, connect with fellow musicians, and deepen their love for music.

Music Summer Camps

Students are highly encouraged to attend music summer camps to keep up with their playing over the summer. Some recommended options are below. 

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ISYM 

• Birch Creek 

• Music for All Summer Symposium - Scholarships Available HERE

• Illinois State University

Youth Orchestra Auditions

We highly encourage students to audition for one of the area youth orchestras. These orchestras provide students with the opportunity to perform in an orchestra setting and work with other high school musicians from the Chicagoland area!

• Elgin Youth Symphony

• Chicago Youth Symphony

• Naperville Youth Symphony

• Youth Symphony of Dupage