Many parents are familiar with the challenge of motivating kids to practice their instrument. During the school year, students have additional activities to juggle along with academics. Music may be one more thing to fit into their busy schedule. That all changes during RSC’s Summer Programs.

This is a special time when students can focus on two things: improving their music skills and making music with their friends. “It’s a short-term program with a great reward because they are preparing, practicing, and working toward a performance together. It’s a team effort and a great launching pad for continuing to practice with their friends all year long,” says cellist Kirstin Peltz, a long-time teacher and co-director of RSC Summer Music.

RSC Director Gabriella Sanna agrees. “I’ve heard many parents credit our Summer Programs with inspiring their children to practice year-round. There is something magical that happens in the summer, where kids get even more excited about music and are inspired to practice so they can return the next summer at the same level as their friends.”

According to saxophonist and director of RSC Summer Jazz Philippe Crettien, the Summer Programs create a fun and immersive environment, where students get to the next level in a matter of two weeks. After playing all day with their peers and professionals, they are transformed as musicians.  They get “the jazz bug” in the summer and want to go deeper into their jazz studies during the school year.

Making the programs even more exciting is the opportunity to play with professional musicians every day. In Summer Jazz, students play in ensembles with professional jazz musicians and work one-on-one with coaches to create music together. In addition, they can take electives with professionals, such as Brass Band, Introduction to Jazz, Home Recording, and Rock Lab.

In Summer Music, students work with professional musicians for two one-hour private lessons a week in addition to daily coaching in chamber music ensembles, performance class, and larger ensembles.

“RSC Summer Programs are unique because students have access to studying music with professionals in an encouraging, positive, and safe environment where they are challenged and can explore their own creativity. The experience of playing with professionals is inspiring and makes these programs special,” adds violinist Kristen Krauss, co-director of RSC Summer Music and director of RSC Studio Chamber Music.

Stay tuned for more details about all of our Summer Programs and make sure to check our Summer Programs website often for updates. You also can contact us at music@rivers.org with questions.