There is a kind of magic that unfolds at music camp each year, as friendships form, confidence grows, and music comes alive. Kids walk in on Monday a little shy, instruments in hand, and by Friday they are performing together like they have been playing as a group for years.
“Camps are an immersive experience where kids make friends, strengthen their musical skills, play music with others, and have lots of fun,” says Sylvia Sherman, CMC’s Program Director. She has seen it happen year after year, and the families notice it too.
One Sparks Camp parent captured it perfectly after day one: “They are having a great time with you all! My child’s day-one report-out started with: ‘Music camp is the best camp ever, can I please do it again next year?!’ Thank you for making it such a great experience.” Another parent added simply: “Our kid loved the Sparks Camp and learned so much. It’s a neighborhood treasure.”
The kids themselves feel the difference, too. Rhythm & Roots campers reflected on what they took away: “I loved each day of it. We have learned so much, from simply playing in time to learning to listen and play as a group.” That shift, from playing alone to playing together, is one of the most valuable things a young musician can learn, and camp is where it tends to happen naturally.
For some, the impact lasts well beyond the summer. A former Camp CMC participant who later returned as an intern wrote: “Camp CMC taught me the importance of consistency and discipline, especially when it came to practicing over the summer. I hope this year’s campers take away the same lesson: that it’s possible to work hard, make significant progress, and enjoy the process, creating amazing memories with friends.”
This Summer’s Camps
CMC offers a range of camps for young musicians ages 8 to 18, each with its own flavor.
Camp CMC (June 15–19) is the classic ensemble experience. Young musicians ages 9 to 14 spend the week playing in small and large groups, exploring styles from jazz and Latin to klezmer and folk, and capping the week with a performance. Two years of prior study required.
CMC Chamber Music Camp (June 22–26) is for more advanced players, ages 12 to 18, who want to dig deep into the classical repertoire in small ensembles, coached daily by CMC faculty. Sessions run half days, with an informal recital at the end of the week.
CMC Sparks Camp (July 6–10 and July 13–17) is where it all begins. No experience needed. Ages 8 to 12 get introduced to piano, guitar, singing, and the simple joy of making music with others.
Rhythm & Roots Camp brings jazz and Latin music to the forefront, with an immersive week of ensemble playing, improvisation, ear training, and community building. Bilingual Spanish and English. Ages 11 to 15.
Mariachi Camp and CMC Sparks Mariachi Camp offer a full cultural immersion in the Mariachi tradition, taught bilingually by experienced teachers. From rancheras to sones, students sing, play, and perform together on the final day. Ages 9 to 15.
Musical Theater Camp, in partnership with Pacific Singers & Actors Workshop, is for the kids who want to do it all: sing, act, improvise, and perform. Taught by professional performers with credits at SF Opera, the SF Symphony, and Beach Blanket Babylon. Ages 11 to 14.
While our camps are full this year, it’s not too early to get in on the fun in 2027! If you missed out this year, take note for next time: sign up early to grab the early bird discount before spots run out. You can also join our interest list now to get early notification when Summer 2027 registration opens. Click here for more information.