Summer is fast approaching and now it's a good time to start thinking about continuing to study music over the summer.  Taking private music lessons is one of the most effective ways to progress on any instrument.  On-on-one instruction allows students the individualized teaching and feedback they need to improve the most quickly.  In addition to taking private music lessons over the summer, there are numerous music camps for all levels of students and all styles of music.  Participating in summer music camps is a fun way to improve musically over the summer, make new friends, and have fun in the process!  I attended a few of these camps when I was in middle school and high school and I have many great memories.  It is important to note that there are overnight camps and day camps.  Typically, overnight camps are geared toward kids and are around one week in duration.   This can be a great experience for the students to be immersed in the music in a wonderful and positive environment, make some new friends, and be on their own.  Day camps run throughout the day and can be a great option for those with a busy schedule or the happen to live close by.

Hayward La Honda Music Camp

I attended the La Honda Music camp for one year when I was in middle school and I had a whole lot of fun!  Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the week-long camp has campers stay in cabins on the premises.  In addition to concert and wind ensembles, jazz bands, and all sorts of clinics and classes, the camp has a variety of other non-musical activities like swimming, archery, and rock climbing if you need a break from the busy music schedule.  The La Honda Music Camp is a great option for those kids that want a a full spectrum music experience and a chance to camp out in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains.

San Jose Jazz Camp

The San Jose Jazz Camp is a jazz intensive day camp held in conjunction with the San Jose Summer Jazz Festival.  The camp is obviously geared towards intermediate to advanced students that are seriously interested in jazz.  This year’s special guest instructor is two-time Grammy Award-winning drummer Peter Erskine.  Designed for middle and high school students with skill levels from intermediate and up, the SJZ Summer Jazz Camp offers immersion in every aspect of jazz—from theory to performance. Each student participates in both a small ensemble and big band, and one advanced ensemble will be chosen to play on the Main Stage of the 2018 San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, August 9-11. Gain extraordinary experience in music theory, improvisation, composition, ear training, performance and more.   

Stanford Jazz Workshop

I attended the Stanford Jazz Workshop for three years in middle school and high school.  This camp was one of the best musical experiences of my life.  What I remember the most is being totally immersed in music for the entire duration of my stay.  This is what you want when learning to play jazz.  The camp now features several different day and overnight week-long camps.  They bring in well-known jazz artists from all over the country to work with students and this adds so much to the musical experience!  The camps are packed with events and concerts featuring some of the best jazz musicians around.  In addition, depending on the camp, there are nightly jazz jam sessions held at the cafe.  Stanford is a beautiful campus and to have the opportunity to take part in this great musical experience is priceless.

South Bay Summer Jazz Intensive

The South bay Summer Jazz Intensive is a week-long jazz workshop located in Saratoga and focuses on building musicianship skills for success in jazz improvisation and performance.  This is a great option for those looking for a jazz focused summer camp local to the Los Gatos area.  Kristen Strom and Nils Johnson, two local jazz musicians and educators, are directing the camp.

private Lessons and group classes

If you are interested in taking private music lessons or group classes with me over the summer, I have studios located in Mountain View and Cupertino.   Studying throughout the summer is the most effective way to improve and prepare for auditions coming up the beginning of the school year.  CLICK HERE to contact me for more information and with any questions.