Hey everyone,
I'm just starting my applications for summer music festivals and camps, and was wondering if anybody knew of any good programs in France for high schoolers? I have attended Brevard and Interlochen, and in addition to those, I am applying to Tanglewood and EMF this year. However, I would like to go abroad for part of my summer, but the only program I have been able to find is EAMA.

Has anybody heard of/been to this program? Is it worth the money? Does anybody have any other suggestions for programs in France?

Thanks,
JGAN

Hello JGAN, and welcome to the forum.



Great idea! I am curious, though: why France?

In any case, do you speak French? You might have better luck with your search on the internet if you search in French. "Stage de musique", for example.

There are numerous summer programs in France, also in Switzerland, in Belgium. You appear to be quite advanced, so maybe Rencontres Musicales des Monts Dorées will be of interest to you.

Or Musicalta .

There are a number of programs in France that are closer perhaps to a music summer camp, where the idea is to have kids do some music and not completely neglect their instrument but to have fun as well.

I have taken French in school for almost 5 years now and I was hoping I could be able to use it and do music at the same time over the summer. Anywhere in Europe is fine, but France is my top choice.

The Musicalta program looks very interesting, has anybody been to it before? Alternatively, does anybody know of something around 3-4 weeks long?

One of my friends went to Moulin D'Ande International Music Festival and Masterclasses this past summer. Maybe you could research that.

Also, when did you go to Brevard? I went the past two summers!! (2011 and 2012)

I don't think that you will find an intensive program with a 3 or 4 week duration. This is not iron-man country, life's too short ! And summer vacation even shorter !

I know of one 3 week camp at the seaside in Britanny, but it is really a summer camp with a musical orientation, not an intensive music program. The director says that year after year they have discussed this, and that they have always chosen to continue in this way. The kids that go there just love it, they come back year after year and many come back as counselors.

I checked it out, it looks very cool. However, I don't know if it is happening in 2013 as nothing seems to have been updated.

I went last summer, 1st session.

Ah, touché.

Does anybody know anything about the Verbier Festival Academy? Or is that for professional/college musicians?

Verbier is for a very select group of elite students who already know all about it, and are already in the innercircle of those involved in teaching/performing there.

Ok, so probably not. However, if anybody else has any suggestions for festivals, feel free to suggest them. Thanks everyone!

There's Cordes et pics that you could check out. I know an advanced amateur violinist (adult) that went there in 2012 and was impressed with the high-quality daily individual lessons.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Are these camps (Musicalta, Cordes et pics) primarily French speaking and teaching camps?