Ithica College Summer Music Experience?

December 12, 2025, 8:10 AM · Nicole, I think this might be a very good idea. The experience your daughter would have could be unforgettable. I think that, if she’s a brave soul, she should audition.
I attended my first one day music camp last fall, and while it had its shortcomings, it was memorable. I met and made a new friend, and actually purchased one of her violins, and I play it every day.
I don’t know the Ithaca College Summer Camp, but if I were you, I’d check it out…..well, that’s what you’re doing, right?
Good luck, I hope your daughter is headed for a lot of fun.

December 12, 2025, 10:38 AM · A lot will depend on her level. Some of that will be sorted by her audition and application. But does her teacher have ideas of the right program for her?

Edited: December 12, 2025, 4:20 PM · Out in the provinces and not in the precollege programs, there just weren’t that many kids going to the summer music programs. There are a couple of decent, well-known orchestral and piano programs in our state so those were familiar and kids tended to go there. The major programs up north? Not as much, so even in the better studios there wasn’t a lot of experience with the level needed.

I think there’s been a fair amount of good discussion here on the topic in the past. Could help to review that. I’ve seen some very good not spectacular players here end up at Meadowmount, Kinhaven, and Encore. Also I think it’s good to apply to more than one; auditions are subjective and you may get different financial aid offers.

Good luck with this. If your daughter is a little younger the experience you gain applying this year will help with your application in following years.

p.s. It also may help you gauge level if a program publishes performance videos on YT.

December 12, 2025, 5:46 PM · It would help to know what your daughter is looking for- solo, chamber or orchestra and what her repertoire is currently. Ithaca College has summer programs, but is also the home of Ithaca Suzuki Institute which has a beyond Suzuki element called Preludio.