Can participants live off-campus?
Participants may live off-campus and commute each day.
The Ohio University School of Music welcomes students to our 2023 Summer Music Academy! For more than 15 years, young musicians and vocalists have been coming together on our Athens, Ohio campus to enhance their musicianship, develop their performance skills, and collaborate with fellow high school musicians from the region and beyond. In 2023 we look forward to a new year of band and chamber ensembles, master classes, and exciting seminars taught by School of Music faculty, all culminating in our finale concerts on Friday and Saturday!
The OHIO Summer Band Camp is an immersive experience designed for high school brass, woodwind, and percussion students. Daily classes include both large ensemble sessions and master classes with instrumental faculty, in addition to seminars that explore content such as conducting, different musical styles, and marching band. Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
Ohio University’s new Contemporary Music and Digital Instruments program offers an opportunity for students to combine popular music and technology to create their own musical works. Composition and performance are taught through hands-on experiences with a wide range of digital instruments including loopers, MIDI controllers, digital audio workstations, beat making software, and synthesizers. Students benefit from individual and group instruction, as well as seminars that explore a wide variety of musical styles. Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday, July 1, in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
The OHIO Summer Music Academy Piano program provides pre-collegiate students with the opportunity to study piano in a stimulating and nurturing learning environment under the guidance of our distinguished artist faculty and guests. The program also provides participants with both individual and group instruction, supervised practice time, master classes, ensemble study, performance opportunities, and seminars on a variety of topics (i.e. jazz piano, organ, practice strategies, careers in music, etc.). Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
The OHIO Summer Music Academy Strings program is an immersive experience designed for high school strings students. Daily classes include both large and chamber ensemble sessions and master classes with instrumental faculty, in addition to seminars that explore a variety of musical styles and practice. Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday, July 1, in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
High school students interested in voice performance work directly with our distinguished vocal music faculty and guests to build their voices and develop their singing techniques. Vocal music students will explore contemporary a capella, choral music, vocal music recording, and live stage performance in addition to explorations of composition, music theory, and studies of extraordinary vocal performers. Participants will have several opportunities for public performance during the program including the finale concert on Saturday, July 1, in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
Online registration is now open.
All students will have the opportunity for master classes with faculty on their instrument as well as an ensemble experience.
All brass and woodwind musicians and percussionists rehearse and perform with the wind ensemble. The ensemble rehearses daily and presents a concert at the end of the Summer Academy. This group also performs with the Athens Communiversity Band as part of the “Under the Elms” concert series, an outdoor summer concert series that has been an Athens tradition for more than 70 years!
String players rehearse and perform with a chamber ensemble. The size and instrumentation of these ensembles is determined by the number of string academy participants, and the group(s) perform at a concert at the conclusion of the academy.
Vocalists rehearse and perform with a vocal ensemble. The size, makeup, and repertoire of the ensemble is determined each year based on vocal academy participants, and the group performs at a concert at the conclusion of the academy. This group may also have the opportunity to perform at home games of the Southern Ohio Copperheads in Bob Wren Stadium!
CDMI participants create, rehearse, and perform in ensembles along with participants in other instrumental streams. The size and makeup of these ensembles is determined each year based on CDMI academy participants, and the group performs at a concert at the conclusion of the academy.
In addition to the large instrumental ensembles, students have the opportunity to participate in various chamber ensembles (brass quintet, trombone ensemble, clarinet ensemble, etc.), determined each year based on Music Academy participants.
In addition to ensembles groups and master classes, academy participants have a choice of various classes to attend. Topics may include: music theory, rock composition and electronic music, instrument maintenance and repair, acoustics, improvisation, and music leadership topics with members of the Ohio University Marching 110.
Students are invited to participate in a variety of evening activities including faculty concerts, student performances, and a variety of recreational activities. Students who are commuting to the program are also welcomed to join in the schedule of evening activities and may visit local restaurants and the dining hall with the group if desired on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Please note: For security purposes, only students registered to stay in residence halls may enter residential buildings. Some recreational activities such as movie nights or craft nights may take place inside the residence halls and would be limited to those students in residence.
7:30–9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast served in Voigt Hall for students in residence |
9:30–10:50 a.m. |
Wind Ensemble Rehearsal (applied lesson pullouts) |
11:10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
Masterclasses with Applied Faculty |
12:30–1:30 p.m. |
Lunch at local restaurants on Court Street |
1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Selected Class A (Theory, Instrument Repair, etc.) |
2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Selected Class B (Improv, Student Leadership, etc.) |
3:30–4:30 p.m. |
Wind Ensemble Researsal (applied lesson pullouts) |
5:00–6:00 p.m. |
Dinner at The District on West Green Dining Hall |
6:00–7:30 |
Free time |
7:30–8:45 p.m. |
Evening concert/Recreational activity |
OHIO Summer Music Academy – June 25–July 1, 2023 Program fee for all areas of the Summer Music Academy |
$375.00 |
Housing and Meal Plan Fee – June 25–July 1, 2023 Sunday–Saturday, 6 nights accommodation in university residence halls including all meals |
$395.00 |
Total Cost, Commuting Participant: |
$375.00 |
Total Cost, Residential Participant: |
$770.00 |
Linen Package – includes all twin extra-long bedding, pillow, and towels |
$15.00 |
Daily commuter parking pass – one week |
$15.00 |
Overnight parking pass – one week |
$35.00 |
Recommended cash for student incidental purchases |
$25.00–$50.00 |
Some financial aid and scholarships are available to assist with program fees. To apply, upload your financial aid and/or merit scholarship application along with your registration.
For merit scholarship applications, you may upload or link to a 2-minute video of the applicant performing a solo or an excerpt of a solo. Upload can be done during the registration process or sent by email  to summerarts@ohio.edu no later than April 28, 2023.
All students who have auditioned and been invited to participate in a 2022-2023 School of Music on-campus event (i.e. Honor Band, Woodwind Day, Trombone Day, Horn Day, etc.) are eligible for a 50% scholarship to be applied toward their Program Fee. This scholarship does not apply to the Housing and Meal Plan Fee. Eligible students who have participated in these events will receive further information about how to apply these scholarships when registering and paying for their program.
OHIO Summer Music Academy – June 25–July 1, 2023 Program fee for all areas of the Summer Music Academy with 50% scholarship |
$187.50 |
Housing and Meal Plan Fee – June 25–July 1, 2023 Sunday–Saturday, 6 nights accommodation in university residence halls including all meals |
$395.00 |
Total Cost, Commuting Participant: |
$187.50 |
Total Cost, Residential Participant: |
$582.50 |
NEW! Undergraduate Scholarships: The College of Fine Arts will guarantee a $2000 scholarship to all summer pre-college students who successfully complete their program and then matriculate to an undergraduate degree in the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University.
Scholarships will be applied to OHIO University Undergraduate Tuition upon admission and matriculation into a College of Fine Arts major. Scholarships are distributed over four years of study ($500 per year) with maintenance of eligibility (major in the College of Fine Arts, 3.0 GPA, 15 earned hours per Fall/Spring term). Pre-College Scholarships are stackable with other OHIO awards and scholarships up to the full cost of resident tuition.
Ohio University staff, faculty, and alumni, as well as their children and dependents, receive a 10 percent discount on program fees. Enter employee name and department or enter your degree program completed and year of graduation at registration to receive your discount. Only one discount will apply.
Step 1. Visit our online registration page.
Step 2. Complete all Student Information and Parent Information sections of the registration form.
Participants may live off-campus and commute each day.
It is not necessary to have a car while staying on campus. Participants can walk to all areas of the campus easily and use Athens Public Transitto access local amenities. If parking on campus, participants must purchase either a commuter or overnight parking pass. View campus mapas a guide.
Yes, students who choose to stay on-campus will share a room with one other participant. Students may request a roommate in advance.
Minors and adults will be housed in separate halls.Â
All students staying in residence on campus are automatically enrolled in our meal plan for the duration of your stay, which provides for all meals at our campus cafeterias and allows participants to explore Uptown Athens by visiting several local restaurants. Meals include healthy, fresh options for all dietary needs.
We encourage all participants to register for the full program in order to take advantage of all that the Summer Dance Institute has to offer! For those whose schedules do not allow full participation we are now offering a single week registration option as well as daily drop-ins for morning technique classes and full-day sessions. Please use the registration link at the top of the page to select the option that best fits your schedule.
Students may be divided according to age range and technical ability. If any adjustments are necessary, the workshop faculty or staff will speak to the dancers individually.
Each day begins with a morning technique class taught by company members of the featured visiting dance company, followed by repertory and elective courses such as composition with breaks in between. Each day ends with nightly activities including DCDC rehearsals to observe, improv jams, and wellness workshops.Â
The program will host nightly events that may include open company rehearsals, a lecture or demonstration from the company, dance movies, wellness and nutrition seminars, improv jams, etc.
Regarding clothes: enough dancewear to get through one week (laundry facilities in dorms), umbrella, a light jacket/sweatshirt, and clothes to wear to performance (can be informal). Campus recreation facilities are available to participants so you may choose to bring additional athletic clothing including a swimsuit and towel.
Regarding health and wellness: prescription, over the counter medicine, or any necessary toiletries (there is a CVS within walking distance). Â
Regarding miscellaneous items: personal electronics and chargers, alarm clock, journal, yoga mat or large towel, knee pads, and water bottle.Â
You may choose to bring your own linens (extra-long twin sheets, blanket, pillow, towels) or select the add-on linen package with the housing and meal plan. (If you do not have an extra-long twin sheet set, two flat sheets of another size will fit the mattresses).
Regarding important items: health insurance information, bankcard or cash for two weeks (several ATM machines within walking distance).
There is free guest wifi access across campus.
There are plenty of things to do and see on the Ohio University campus and in the surrounding Athens area. Take a walk to Court Street to visit local restaurants, bakeries, shops, and cafĂ©s as well as see open mic nights, spoken word, and local musicians. Spend time on the College Green enjoying a picnic with friends. Take a hike on one of the many trails Athens has to offer.Â
Visit Athens County website for more ideas and information!
For more information about registration or details about summer programs,
please email summerarts@ohio.edu.
(residential stay June 25–July 1, 2023)
Details: Courses run 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday unless specifically noted otherwise. Some courses may have final performances or events outside these hours, please see individual course descriptions.
Cost: Program fees are $375.00 with the option to enroll for 1.0 university credit. Residential stay with all meals included is an additional $395.00.
The OHIO Summer Music Academy is designed for high school musicians and performers who want to enhance their musicianship, develop their performance skills, and collaborate with talented high school musicians from around the world. Along with our award-winning faculty, the program welcomes distinguished musicians and performing artists to work with students and share their experiences in the field. Students in all areas receive individual instruction and participate in group practice sessions and seminars each day, though individual schedules may vary. The program ends with a finale concert on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
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