Adults and children alike will find something for them in our many summer camps, classes, and workshops. Our camps and boot camps provide weeklong specialized experiences in strings, woodwinds, brass, guitar, percussion, jazz, rock, musical theater, and more. And our Weekend Workshops provide an infusion of musical adventure in highly concentrated doses. In addition, we offer classes for all ages and abilities.
Camps, Classes and Workshops:
(Adults)
For adults with experience playing the blues guitar idiom, this advanced class will bring your guitar skills to the next level! With a heavy emphasis on improvisation and advanced forms of the blues, concepts covered will include altering and ‘dressing up’ the 12-bar form, using major and minor blues scales across the neck, use of chromaticism and arpeggios in soloing, soloing over chord changes, minor blues, chord and scale theory, reading and writing basic music notation, and transcribing blues solos.
(Ages 14 - 18)
Summer is the perfect time to improve your guitar skills! For intermediate and advanced jazz, rock, and blues guitarists, this week-long class will take your playing to the next level while learning popular and jazz songs. Concepts covered include chord and scale theory, modes, 7th chord voicings, reading and writing musical notation, reading chord charts, basic ear training, improvising, and ideas for practicing. Small class size allows for lots of individual attention.
(Adults)
The perfect introduction to the blues for adult novices! Participants will learn the skills needed to join a blues jam/open mic or even just jam along to their favorite recordings. Concepts covered include the 12-bar blues form, the blues scale, basic 7th chord voicings and accompaniment patterns, picking, lead guitar techniques, working from simple music notation, chord charts and tab, and lots of improvisation.
(Ages 9 - 13)
This new summer course is the perfect way for students to get started in writing their own music. In addition to simple composition assignments, students also analyze pieces and learn how to use them as models for their own works. Participants may have the opportunity to have their compositions performed in a future Levine recital.
(Ages 10 - 15)
Learn how to play the electric guitar this summer during this week-long class for absolute beginners! Students will learn the fundamentals of popular guitar playing, including open position chords, strumming patterns, pick technique, basic note reading and writing, simple improvisation, and even popular songs! Small class size allows for lots of individual attention from Levine's outstanding guitar faculty.
(Adults)
It’s never too late to start learning the guitar! This is the perfect class for adult novices interested in starting a strong foundation on the guitar. Concepts covered include note reading, basic right- and left-hand technique, scales, arpeggios, and several beautiful songs. Participants need not have any previous experience or musical knowledge.
(Teens and Adults)
This one-week intensive course is back by popular demand! Learn the basics of vocal technique and production that are essential for all vocal music. This class is ideal for complete beginners as well as singers who have had no formal training. Don’t be shy – come and find your real voice!
(Ages 14 - 18)
Now in its 8th year, join us for the best week-long workshop available to high school students in the area. You’ll participate in interactive workshops and rehearsals for clarinet choir, jazz clarinet, reed working, chamber music, master classes, Senior Regional workshops, sound production and more, plus a final concert. Added together, you will get an action packed week geared to the serious high school player!
(Ages 11 - 16)
This new course teaches students the necessary theory skills and concepts to enter Levine’s Advanced Placement (“AP”) Music Theory class in the fall. Students hone their singing and rhythmic skills and strengthen their understanding of basic music fundamentals so that they are adequately prepared for the demanding AP curriculum.
Please note: Students who wish to take this class must take the AP/ Fast Track placement test that will be given in May 2012.
(Ages 9 - 12)
Designed for brand new singers, this introductory class will give young singers an idea about what learning good vocal technique is all about. The basic rudiments of singing are covered in a group setting. The class is a fantastic preparation for the Levine School’s Vocal Basics class, held each Fall and Spring.
(Ages 14 to Adult)
Want to learn how to sing but don't quite know where to start? A beginning voice class is a great place to start! Learn the basic rudiments of singing – body alignment, breathing, tone production and resonance – in a friendly, safe group environment. This class is a not a chorus, but rather a precursor to private instruction. Participants learn songs together as a group and, for those wanting to do so, perform for their classmates.
(Adults)
This three-day workshop is designed to give amateur jazz musicians an opportunity to come and expand their jazz experience under the direction of Levine's expert jazz faculty. The workshop includes small and large group jam sessions, level-specific jazz instructional sessions, as well as an end-of-weekend concert. The weekend is open to adult jazz musicians of all levels and to all instruments.
More information and enroll online(Ages 6 - 8)
This beginner orchestra has been designed and inspired by the conductor’s experience with the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra System. Young string players are introduced to their instruments through an orchestral experience, as the group environment has proven to be an encouraging and rewarding experience for young beginners. Students will learn the basics of the instrument’s (violin, viola, or cello) technique.
(ages 3 1/2 to 12)
Join us as we hop across the pond to explore the music, arts, dance and culture of the British Isles. Through singing, dancing, playing instruments and sharing artistic experiences, children develop skills for creative expression and aesthetic awareness that will last their entire lives.
Campers gain invaluable experience as they are introduced to instruments in small groups, learn complex musical structures using the Orff instrument range and sing in harmony in large and small groups. Rising 3rd graders and above receive daily instruction on an instrument of their choice and play at the end of session performance. Each session ends in a concert featuring campers' musical and dance performances and art.
Learn more about the Music and Arts Day Camp.
(Ages 12 - 18)
Back for its second year! This three-week summer intensive is designed for middle school and high school students interested in developing both their individual and ensemble performing skills. Guest artists join Levine's expert faculty in coaching students on audition techniques, character development, monologue selection & performance, song selection & interpretation, and basic musical theater blocking and movement. The intensive culminates in a cabaret-style performance showcasing the material covered during the program, as well as a workshop and critiqued performance with master guest artist Roger Grodsky, Associate Professor of Musical Theater from the renowned University of Cincinnati -- College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)!
Available spots are limited and will fill quickly, so enroll early.
(Adults)
If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano, get a jump start! In this concentrated two week course, students acquire basic pianistic and music notation skills. During class, each student will have access to his/her own accoustic piano. A piano or keyboard is required at home.
(Ages 8 - 12)
Piano+ is a week-long program celebrating the joy of creating music at the piano. The program focuses on 16 young pianists who experience together the fun and excitement of creating their own music through improvisation, harmonization, composition, and ensemble training. Taught by Melinda Baird, Julian Trail, Soyoon Yim, and Charles Williams (voice), the week also includes special guests, fun breaks, and a final showcase.
(Ages 11 - 18)
This fun-filled camp is a great opportunity for talented young musicians in middle and high school who are interested in performing rock, jazz or blues. Participants are grouped into bands based upon skill level, the wishes of friends to play together, and the type of music each person enjoys. During the week, students work to develop their performance and ensemble skills in their group, improve their technical and improvisational skills in instrument-specific sessions, gain experience in all three genres of rock, jazz, and blues, and enjoy workshops and demonstrations by Levine's stellar rock and jazz faculty. Each band will show off their skills in a final concert on Friday!
(Adults)
The perfect birthday or Father’s Day gift! Take your playing to the next level with this intense rock 'n roll experience. Designed for all levels of guitar players, bass players, drummers and singers, you'll be matched with other like-minded musicians and receive hours of professional coaching with your group. Finish the class performing covers or original songs on stage at an area concert venue.
(Ages 11 - 18)
Dedicated to the specific needs of saxophonists ages 11-18, Levine's Saxophone at Strathmore summer camp has become an important event for musicians throughout the DC metropolitan area. Take part in a fun-filled week of individual instruction, chamber music, and large saxophone ensembles, culminating in a final student performance at The Music Center at Strathmore.
(Teens and Adults)
Are your weak music reading skills holding you back? Are you "faking it" at choir rehearsal? Nervous about having to read music in an audition? This class will teach you to read the music you’d like to sing.
(Ages 9 - 12)
Feeling a little nervous about having to sight read in that upcoming audition? Come and brush up your skills and learn a few tricks that will help you overcome your nerves. For string players only.
(Ages 15 to Adult)
Do you love singing and want to sing all types of music, but don’t know how to carry your technique from one genre to the next? You are not alone. While some foundational principles of singing apply across many styles of music, there are also some differences in approach. This class will help intermediate-level singers understand different vocal styles as well as develop a flexible technique that will allow them to perform music of different genres convincingly. Private lesson experience is recommended.
(Ages 8 - 13)
Develop your ensemble skills in a fun-filled environment! This week-long camp is a great opportunity for violinists, violists, and cellists to make music together and learn from the area's leading professional musicians.
Prerequisite: students should be taking private lessons.
(Ages 12 - 18)
Develop your chamber ensemble skills in a fun-filled environment! This week-long camp is a great opportunity for violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists to make music together and learn from the area's leading professional musicians.
Prerequisite: string players should be taking private lessons.
(Ages 11 - 18)
This week-long camp provides percussion students of all levels and abilities with an interactive learning experience that focuses on both group and individual instruction. Through guidance from Levine’s expert faculty, students develop their technique, learn percussion ensemble repertoire, and participate in daily master classes. The week culminates in a final recital featuring both ensembles and soloists.
No audition is required, but participants must be able to read percussion music. Please note: Levine will provide all equipment, but students are welcome to bring their own instrument if they wish.
Levine offers private instruction year round in 22 instruments and voice – for the beginner, lifelong amateur, or budding virtuoso. Private lessons provide students with individual instruction with one of Levine’s talented faculty members and are geared towards the specific goals, needs and aspirations of each student regardless of experience or age. Lessons are availalbe in both traditional and Suzuki methods.
Work with your teacher to arrange your lessons around your summer plans! Packs for 4, 6 or 8 lessons are offered during the summer months.
(Ages 3 - 4 years without parent/caregiver)
Join us for fun this summer as we take a trip around the world and visit a different continent each week! We start our journey in week one here in North America, and then head below the equator to South America for week two. After that, we hop across the Atlantic to visit our friends in Europe for week three. Then it’s time to go down under as we explore Australia in week four and then finally in week five we take a trip to Asia.
This class is the first in a series for young children designed for independent music making. Children playfully engage in a wide variety of musical activities, including singing, dancing, and playing basic pitched and un-pitched percussion instruments. Through musical stories, games, and activities, children will also be introduced to basic rhythmic and melodic concepts.
(Ages 5 - 6 years without parent/caregiver)
Join us for fun this summer as we take a trip around the world and visit a different continent each week! We start our journey in week one here in North America, and then head below the equator to South America for week two. After that, we hop across the Atlantic to visit our friends in Europe for week three. Then it’s time to go down under as we explore Australia in week four and then finally in week five we take a trip to Asia.
This class expands on the musical foundation presented in the Exploring Music class*. More complex songs and games are used to reinforce and expand musical literacy concepts such as beat, rhythm, melodic form, harmony, and expression. Children develop musical independence through improvisation and learn to read basic notation as well as other musical symbols. Movement continues to play an important role, as circle games and line dances are incorporated.
* Please note that Exploring Music is not a prerequisite.
(Ages 4-5 years without parent/caregiver)
Join us for fun this summer as we take a trip around the world and visit a different continent each week! We start our journey in week one here in North America, and then head below the equator to South America for week two. After that, we hop across the Atlantic to visit our friends in Europe for week three. Then it’s time to go down under as we explore Australia in week four and then finally in week five we take a trip to Asia.
This class reinforces and builds on musical skills introduced in the Adventures in Music class*, and introduces pre-notation for music reading. Children expand their musical vocabulary, pitch matching, and rhythmic abilities through songs, chants, and the use of pitched and un-pitched percussion instruments. They will develop listening skills, concentration, and a sense of timing as more complex and ensemble activities are introduced.
* Please note that Adventures in Music is not a prerequisite.
(Ages 4 - 24 months with parent/caregiver)
Join us for fun this summer as we take a trip around the world and visit a different continent each week! We start our journey in week one here in North America, and then head below the equator to South America for week two. After that, we hop across the Atlantic to visit our friends in Europe for week three. Then it’s time to go down under as we explore Australia in week four and then finally in week five we take a trip to Asia.
This class provides a wonderful opportunity for babies and toddlers to discover the joys of making music as they participate in musical activities such as singing songs and lullabies, chants, simple finger plays, wiggles, bounces, listening and movement. Simple percussion instruments are used, such as colorful shakers, drums and bells, and concepts such as body/spatial awareness, numbers and colors are reinforced through musical play. Participants receive guidance on children's musical development, along with tools that support the creation of a nurturing musical environment at home.
(Ages 2 - 3 years with parent/caregiver)
Join us for fun this summer as we take a trip around the world and visit a different continent each week! We start our journey in week one here in North America, and then head below the equator to South America for week two. After that, we hop across the Atlantic to visit our friends in Europe for week three. Then it’s time to go down under as we explore Australia in week four and then finally in week five we take a trip to Asia.
This class provides a wonderful opportunity for a parent or caregiver and child to make music together as they participate in slightly more complex musical activities, including singing songs and lullabies, chants, finger plays, wiggles, bounces, listening and movement. Call and response activities are introduced as well as activities that encourage creativity and individual contribution. Simple percussion instruments such as shakers, drums, and bells are used to enforce the learning of steady beat. Concepts such as body/spatial awareness, numbers, colors, shapes, seasons, family, and animals are reinforced through identification games and musical play. Participants receive guidance on children's musical development, along with tools that support the creation of a nurturing musical environment at home.
(Ages 12 - 18)
Young musicians need to know their way around a piano keyboard, and this interactive four-day class shows them just what they need to know. Students who are already proficient on their own instruments or in their vocal training learn how to use the piano keyboard as a critical reference in studying music theory and ear training. Participants learn the layout of scales and chords, along with general keyboard concepts that will help them understand the harmonic elements in repertoire they learn on their own instruments.
(Ages 14 to Adult)
Throughout this series of engaging workshops, participants review the basics of theory, with an emphasis on music written for the voice and choruses. Ear-training is included as an integral part of each workshop. Students can enroll in one workshop at a time or all four as a course. Prerequisite: students should have basic music reading skills in both treble and bass clefs.
(Ages 5 - 6)
This course is a traditional group class introduction to the violin. Students will learn proper care and handling of their instruments, proper posture, holding positions for the violin and bow, rhythmic bowing patterns on the open strings, three simple melodies by rote, and beginning note reading skills. Parent attendance and participation is required.
