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Classical Music Camps in Maine

The state of Maine has summer camps for music students of all ages and abilities. For younger musicians, the New England and Encore-Coda camps combine music education with sports and other activities. The Bar Harbor Brass Week attracts college and high school students, while the festival at Bowdoin is for students intending to pursue a professional career.
  1. New England Music Camp

    • This camp was established in 1937 and combines intense music practice with sports and relaxation activities. The camp takes place from June through August; students can stay for the entire duration, or take one of two four-week programs. The daily music practice schedule lasts until lunch, after which students attend a sports class. There are also weekly performances in the evenings and weekend afternoons. The 2011 season fee is $4,500 for a short program and $7,000 for the full program. Financial aid is available for students who have difficulty paying.

    Camp Encore-Coda

    • Camp Encore-Coda has been held annually in Sweden, Maine since 1950. The camp mixes music with traditional summer camp activities. Jazz, rock and pop music are also taught here. Sixty professional musicians and music teachers teach orchestral instruments, plus piano and guitar. Group activities include orchestral and chamber work, ensembles for individual instruments, rock bands and jazz combos. Students give weekly concerts and also attend concerts by professional musicians. As of 2011, the fee is $7,100 for the full seven-week program and $3,850 for the three-week course. Scholarships are available.

    Bowdoin International Music Festival

    • This prestigious summer camp is for musicians 13 and up. It attracts music students from around the world. Based at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, the camp gives students six weeks of intensive study with renowned instructors from academic institutions and symphony orchestras. Musicians can take a three- or six-week course. Guest musicians give public performances throughout the festival. The 2011 fee for the six-week course is between $4,500 and $5,700. The three-week course costs $2,550 to $3,150.

    Bar Harbor Brass Week

    • This is a small, residential course held at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. It's for high school and college students, or trained musicians about to begin a professional career. Applicants take part in master classes, workshops and private classes while also playing in chamber ensembles. The course always takes place in June. The course is free for college students, although there is a $100 administration fee. As of 2011, high school students from Maine pay $700 and out-of-state students pay $900. Maine students not requiring college accommodation pay a reduced fee of $375.

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