Joining a music and performing arts program offers a good chance to learn new skills and explore one's interests. Early exposure to such programs would allow you to explore multiple creative subjects that may prepare you for advanced courses and options in the specific field.
Additionally, involvement in music and performing arts programs is going to show college admission officers your dedication and your diversity in interests. This will help set you apart from your peers and give you a competitive edge in your college applications. Here’s a list of 10 music and performing arts programs for teens to join!
1. National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
Location: Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, New York
Program Dates: July 5 - August 7, 2025
Cost: Free for all participants
Eligibility: Ages 16-19
Deadline: 2025 Applications have closed. Audition excerpts for 2026 program will be posted in late July 2025
The National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) unites the nation’s talented young musicians every summer for an extraordinary musical journey, involving training with world-class professionals. A worldwide tour of some of the most famous concert halls in the world is also a part of the program.
2. Lamont Summer Academy
Location: University of Denver
Program Dates: June 18 - July 2, 2025
Cost:
Residential: $2,500
Commuter: $1,950
Eligibility: Ages 13-18; open to all instruments, singers and composers
Deadline: 2025 Regular Application closed on March 15
Lamont Summer Academy invites young musicians aged 13-18 for intensive study with world-class faculty, daily ensemble rehearsals and diverse minors which include composition and entrepreneurship. The Academy offers a supportive environment to grow as a musician and make lifelong connections.
3. Interlochen Arts Camp
Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts; Interlochen, Michigan
Program Dates:
One-week (Intensive): June 14 – 20
Six-week Art Camp: June 22 – August 3
Cost: $1950 for the one-week program and $10,180 for the six-week camp.
Eligibility: Students currently studying in grades 3-12.
Deadline: 2025 Applications closed on January 15th
Interlochen Arts Camp provides a variety of intensive programs ranging from one week to advanced six weeks for students. Campers will be able to hone their craft in one of seven art disciplines, enjoy classic camp activities, and bask in the beauty of nature. Interlochen provides students with the finest instructors and a vibrant backstage community of like-minded peers from around the world.
4. Summer Conservatory: Pop Star (Recording Artist)
Location: AMDA campuses in Los Angeles or New York City (on-campus); online options also available
Program Dates:
Three sessions for summer 2025 (each two weeks):
Session 1: June 29–July 12
Session 2: July 13–July 26
Session 3: July 27–August 9 (NYC only).
Cost:
On-campus: $6,134 (with housing), $4,643 (without housing)
Online: $2,513
Eligibility: Open to high school students completing grades 8–12, ages 14–19 at time of enrollment.
Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended as sessions fill quickly.
The AMDA High School Conservatory’s Pop Star: Recording Artist program offers aspiring singers and performers a unique chance to train like a professional. Over two weeks, students receive expert guidance in vocal performance, recording studio techniques, and audition skills. The program ends in a final showcase, giving participants a taste of life as a recording artist.
5. Stanford Jazz Camp Package
Location: Stanford University, Braun Music Center, Stanford, California
Program Dates: Dates vary according to the program you choose, but programs are either one-week or two-week and happen in July
Cost: Tuition fees can range from $915 to $3200
Eligibility: Middle school and High school students
Deadline: Two weeks before first day of program
At Stanford’s Jazz Camp, students of all ages and skill levels immerse themselves in jazz, learning from world-renowned players and collaborating with passionate and like-minded peers. With daily classes and jam sessions, participants grow as musicians and form a supportive jazz community.
6. Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center Summer Camp
Location: Loch Sheldrake, NY
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 16–July 6
Session 2: July 7–July 27
Session 3: July 28–August 17
Cost: $6,845 per session. Pricing for two sessions is $12,695
Eligibility: Students aged 10-18
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Each summer, students at the Stagedoor Manor dive into a world of workshops, rehearsals, and full scale productions, guided by industry professionals. With a legacy of nearly five decades and boasting alumni like Natalie Portman and Robert Downey Jr., Stagedoor Manor covers various classes like acting, musical theatre, vocal training and provides students with an immersive experience.
7. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Drama Program
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Program Dates: June 21st - August 2nd, 2025
Cost:
Residential Tuition : $11,887
Commuter Tuition : $8,671
Eligibility: Be at least 16 years of age and a current sophomore or junior in high school.
Deadline: Regular decision applications closed on March 1st and early decision on February 1st.
Offering students options of acting, design/production and music theatre, the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Drama Program is an intensive six-week program designed for high school students passionate about performing arts. Students receive training, audition preparation, and portfolio development from Carnegie Mellon’s renowned faculty.
8. Idyllwild Arts Summer Teen Programs
Location: Idyllwild, California and Remote
Program Dates: Programs run in June and July; exact dates vary according to program
Cost: Costs vary from $625 to $5100
Eligibility: Students aged 13-17, may vary according to the program
Deadline: Rolling Applications
Idyllwild Arts Summer Teen Programs offer young artists a chance to immerse themselves in a diverse range of intensive workshops in various art disciplines. The camp offers programs for students from all skill levels, and programs can be one week long to as long as six weeks. Workshops are led by accomplished faculty, and whether you’re looking to hone your craft or discover new passions, Idyllwild Arts provides a transformative summer experience.
9. The Young Actors’ Theatre Camp
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
Program Dates: Multiple one, two, and four-week sessions are available between July 7 and August 7
Cost: Ranges from $2,994-$9,195 depending on the program
Eligibility: Students aged 8-18
Deadline: Rolling Applications
Young Actors' Theatre Camp (YATC) is a well-known performing arts camp tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. YATC welcomes all types of young performers regardless of their skill levels to offer a supportive climate for the campers to dive into acting, musical theatre, film, dance, and more. With classes put together by industry professionals, campers develop skills, self-confidence, and friendships lasting a lifetime. YATC offers an unforgettable summer experience for students who want to be on stage or behind the scenes.
10. Broadway Artists Alliance (BAA) Summer Intensives
Location: New York City, NY
Program Dates: Session 1: July 15–July 19, Session 2: July 22–July 26, Session 3: July 29–August 2 , Session 4: July 29–August 4
Cost: Range from $1,295 to $1,995
Eligibility: Open to ages 10-21
Deadline: Rolling Applications
These prestigious summer programs by Broadway Artists Alliance offer a true immersion alongside advanced training and private coachings with Broadway stars and top professionals in the industry. At the end of the sessions, students perform before casting directors, agents, and managers of NYC, providing exposure and feedback greatly valuable for a student. Open to all levels, BAA focuses squarely on training triple-threat performers in voice, acting, and dance, becoming the club where you grow your talent and network within the industry.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!