“…children involved in music have larger growth of neural activity than people not in music training.  When you’re a musician and you’re playing an instrument, you have to be using more of your brain.”                                                                                                                                                                                      – Dr. Eric Rasmussen, The Johns Hopkins University

Many parents believe that sending their children to summer science camps, pre-College classes and test preparation classes will increase the chances of getting accepted into the Ivy Leagues or other “Dream Colleges”.  While this may be true in some cases, a monumental opportunity is lost when music is left out of the equation.

The Benefits of Music 

There has been much research illustrating the advantages of studying music throughout one’s life, especially during childhood.  Music involves use of the entire brain in order to address the challenges of coordinating many different body parts and interpreting musical notation and expressing it through an instrument or the voice.

Many colleges are looking for that unique student: that special young adult who is creative, multi-dimensional, works well with others, and is a great communicator.  Performing in a band, orchestra or chorus helps students learn how to work well with others (which is what employers are looking for these days).  Daily practicing and creating an effective practice routine helps a student self-critique, problem-solve, and patiently work towards reaching a goal that is not immediate.

What can a Summer Music Camp do for you?  Students that attend summer music camps get the opportunity to develop all of those skills in a fun, safe environment.  They get to meet peers from all over the world and learn about different cultures in a setting free from the distractions of school, and often, social media.  Students get exposed to different learning styles, which can help them problem-solve their own challenges and/or help others.

The Philadelphia International Music Festival 

The Philadelphia International Music Festival is a summer music camp offering students of all ages and skill levels the unique opportunity of spending 14 days immersed in classical music education and performance with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.  Festival highlights include private lessons, daily orchestra rehearsals, daily music education courses, optional daily chamber music rehearsals, solo performance and competition opportunities, daily private practice time, faculty recitals and master classes featuring principal players and other members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and much more!  Our summer music camp program is conducted on the exquisite, estate-like grounds of Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

The festival is divided into three divisions: the Children’s Division (summer music camp for students 8-10 years of age, with exceptions made for intermediate and advanced students between those ages), the Senior Division for students 11-18 years of age, and the College and Young Professionals Division.  Each program offers students the opportunity to pursue musical studies through individual, class, and group instruction.  Supervised sports, recreational, and social activities are also an integral part of our summer music festival.

Click here for more information about the Philadelphia International Music Festival