Summer Music Programs

GCTYO Summer Music Festival

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GCTYO Summer Music Festival

2 weeks of music camp, the GCTYO way!

July 20- July 31, 2026

9 AM-3 PM weekdays

Fairfield, CT

Now open to Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, and Steel Pan!

Now including Electives!

Get your GCTYO fix this summer! Join our music camp for an unbeatable summer experience with GCTYO teaching artists and students who love to make music together.  Camp is open to ALL young musicians, even if they are not musicians in GCTYO.

GCTYO Summer Music Festival will run weekdays July 20-July 31, 2026 from 9 AM-3 PM.

We use a tiered fees system where families choose the amount they can afford to pay.

CLICK HERE for information about summer camp fees.

Financial assistance is available for families that qualify. Email gctyo@gctyo.org for more information about financial assistance for summer camp.

Camp highlights:

  • 10 full days of music!
  • All ages 4th grade and up with at least 1 year experience on instrument
  • Audition for placement only
  • Two levels of Orchestras: Beginner/Intermediate & Advanced
  • Learn from GCTYO conductors and coaches
  • Financial assistance available for those who qualify
  • Camp fees that are affordable for all families!
Festival will include:
  • Orchestra and sectionals. Wind ensemble (depending on enrollment)
  • Elective choices, such as Chamber Music, Steel Pan, Conducting, Composition, Jazz, Fiddling, Ear training/Listening Skills, Leadership
  • Guest artists
  • Final concert
  • Fun summer activities!
Repertoire notes:
  • Traditional/classical
  • New and diverse composers
  • Alternative genres like fiddling, film, and video game music

Email gctyo@gctyo.org with questions.

Your non-refundable registration fee of $100 will hold your spot. Payment in full or 50% of camp fees will be due June 1 and the remainder will be due July 1. We will send email reminders with a link to pay. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Placement auditions will be held the first day of camp.

Camp Registration will open soon! Email us to indicate your interest in the Summer Music Festival.

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Regional & National Summer Music Programs

Summer music residential (sleepaway camp) and local programs are a great way for young musicians to keep up their skills over the summer and also prepare for auditions. Programs range from a focus on younger, less experienced musicians looking for a comfortable place to have fun while developing their musical skills, to high school musicians playing at an advanced level. Many programs offer scholarships. Some programs offer special scholarships for GCTYO students.

Click on one of the links below to visit their websites and learn more!