Summer at Merit School of Music is always bursting with creativity, curiosity, and the joy of young musicians discovering what they can do. In addition to our usual beginner-level group classes, this year we’re thrilled to offer three broad beginner-focused programs designed to help kids explore instruments, build confidence, and take their first steps into the world of music.
Two of these offerings—Explore Strings and Band Exploration Basics—are brand new. And after a successful debut last year, Music Discovery Camp is back and expanded to two sessions. If your child is brand new to music or still deciding which instrument feels right, these programs open the door to hands-on learning in a supportive, fun environment.
Music Discovery Camp
– Ages 6-8
– Merit West Loop
Back for its second year, Music Discovery Camp is a joyful week-long experience that blends early childhood music-making with hands-on instrument exploration. Early Childhood and General Music Program Director Sally Blandón describes it as the perfect bridge for kids who are aging out of the Thomas Family Early Childhood Program or just beginning to show interest in music.
“It’s a really great option for beginners who might not know exactly what instrument they want to study,” she says. “They get a little taste of what each instrument is all about and what it takes to play it.”
Campers rotate through instrument-based sessions—covering everything from strings to percussion and voice and even handbell choir—while also experiencing the movement, creativity, and playfulness that define Merit’s Early Childhood approach.
Along the way, the students will build essential life and musical skills: practicing, preparing for a performance, working as a team, and building friendships.
“There’s a lot of really good firsts,” Blandón explains. “They’re discovering different musical worlds and learning what it takes to be a music student.”
Each session ends with a performance, giving campers a chance to shine—and then sit in the audience to watch older Merit students from the other camps perform. This intentional design helps families imagine the musical journey ahead.
Explore Strings: Intro to Violin & Cello
– Ages 5–8 and 9–12
– Merit South Shore
For many young musicians, choosing an instrument can feel like a big decision—especially if they’ve never held one before. That’s exactly why Strings, Orchestras, and Chamber Music Program Director Leah Schuman designed Explore Strings as a truly hands-on introduction. Rather than committing to one instrument, students spend three weeks on violin and three weeks on cello, with bonus introductions to viola and bass along the way.This structure solves a long-standing challenge: the short summer classes didn’t give beginners enough time to build skills or make an informed choice about which instrument to pursue in the fall. Now, students can explore, compare, and discover what truly resonates with them.
Leah is also excited about widening the age range for strings introduction. While most of our introductory classes cater to very young beginners, she sees tremendous potential in older first-time players: “There are a lot of kids in the 9–12 range who maybe didn’t have that opportunity when they were six but are still excited about learning to play.” With two sections running simultaneously—one starting on violin, the other on cello—siblings can even attend together, each in the group that fits their age.
By the end of the six weeks, students will walk away with confidence, curiosity, and a clear sense of which instrument they want to pursue next.
Band Exploration Basics
– Ages 8-12
– Merit West Loop
If your child has ever wondered what it feels like to play flute, trumpet, saxophone, or percussion but hasn’t known where to start, this brand-new, 5-day class series is the perfect entry point. This immersive week gives students the chance to try every major band instrument, guided by expert faculty who demonstrate, coach, and help kids discover what feels natural.
“It’ll give them the opportunity to see all of the instruments, to touch them, to feel them, to try to play them,” Band and Jazz Program Director Jeremiah Price says. “At the end, they’ll be able to say, ‘Okay, this is the instrument that I want to do.’”
Because the class meets daily, students can compare instruments while the experience is still fresh—no forgetting what clarinet felt like three weeks ago. And beyond the hands-on exploration, they also learn what it means to be part of a band: listening, understanding rhythm, and building ensemble skills.
“It’s not just about playing,” Price emphasizes. “It’s also about learning different aspects of working together in a band.”
From beginners looking for a relaxed introduction to students preparing for fall band, this week‑long experience sets everyone up for success.
Whether your child is curious about strings, band instruments, or a little bit of everything, this summer is the perfect time to explore. These programs are designed to spark joy, build confidence, and help young musicians discover the instrument—and the community—that feels like home.
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