Brevard Music Center stands as one of this country’s premier summer training programs and festivals. More than 650 gifted students, ages 14 through 29, as well as 300+ adult program participants, come to the Music Center every summer to study with a distinguished faculty of over 80 artists from the nation’s leading orchestras, colleges, and conservatories.

Brevard’s summer activities vary in length from 5 days to 6 weeks depending on the program.

Courses of study include orchestral, jazz, voice, piano, composition, and more.

Programs at a Glance

Programs Run June through August

With different dates and lengths depending on the program

Over 1000 Students & Participants

With a distinguished faculty of over 80 artists from the nation’s leading orchestras, colleges, and conservatories

High School through Adult Ages

With programs for high school (14-18), college (18-29), and adult guitar classes (30+)

15+ Courses of Study

Orchestral Studies, Piano, Jazz, Composition, Classical Guitar, Saxophone, Opera, High School Voice (Classical or Musical Theater), Low Brass Seminar, Flute Seminar, Clarinet Seminar, Adult Guitar Workshop (ages 30+), Adult Chamber Music Workshop (Ages 18+), Blue Ridge Guitar Camp, Blue Ridge Banjo Camp, and Blue Ridge Fiddle Camp

Instrumental Vocal Composition Jazz Bluegrass

Instrumental Studies

High School Orchestral Institute
6 weeks, ages 14-18, scholarships available, application deadline February 15

College Orchestral Institute
6 weeks, ages 18-29, scholarships available, application deadline February 15

Collaborative Piano Institute
6 weeks, ages 18-29, scholarships available, application deadline February 15

Piano Institute
3 or 6 weeks, ages 14-29, scholarships available, application deadline March 15

Piano Seminar
5 days, ages 14-29, limited scholarships available, application deadline March 15

Low Brass Seminar
5 days, ages 14-29, limited scholarships available, application deadline March 15

Flute Seminar
5 days, ages 14-24, limited scholarships available, application deadline March 15

Clarinet Seminar
5 days, ages 14-29, limited scholarships available, application deadline March 15

Saxophone Institute
3 or 6 weeks, ages 14-29, scholarships available, application deadline March 15

Classical Guitar Institute
2 or 4 weeks, ages 14-29, scholarships available, application deadline March 15

Adult Classical Guitar Workshop
1 week, ages 30+, Registration open until all spots are filled

Adult Chamber Music Workshop
1 week, ages 18+, Registration open until all spots are filled

 

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Vocal Programs

Opera Institute
9 weeks, ages 18-29, scholarships available, application deadline January 20

High School Voice – Classical
3 weeks, ages 14-18, scholarships available, application deadline March 15

High School Voice – Musical Theater
3 weeks, ages 14-18, scholarships available, application deadline March 15

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Composition Programs

Composition Institute
6 weeks, ages 14-29, scholarships available, application deadline February 15

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Jazz Programs

Jazz Institute
10 days, ages 14-29, scholarships available, application deadline March 15

 

Bluegrass

Blue Ridge Guitar Camp  May 27 – May 31, 2026 

BMC’s Blue Ridge Guitar Camp is hosted by GRAMMY award-winning flatpicking master Bryan Sutton and focuses on bluegrass guitar styles for intermediate and advanced students–including discussions on methods and technique, listening forums, opportunities to play vintage guitars, and learn more about guitar setup with a luthier on site.

Blue Ridge Banjo Camp  August 11 – 15, 2026 

Béla Fleck’s annual Blue Ridge Banjo Camp offers an immersive and inspiring week of banjo instruction. Led by Fleck himself and a stellar lineup of world-class banjo players and educators, the camp provides participants with the tools and techniques to elevate their playing. More than just a workshop, the Blue Ridge Banjo Camp is dedicated to nurturing the artistry of the 5-string banjo and contributing to its continued growth and evolution.

Blue Ridge Fiddle Camp  August 19 – 22, 2026

Led by the singular Casey Driessen, BMC’s second annual Blue Ridge Fiddle Camp is all about exploring new directions, experimenting with different styles, and pushing boundaries to unleash full musical potential. 

hanging out by lake

2026 Application
Dates and Deadlines

January 20 – College Opera

February 15 – Orchestral Studies, Composition

March 15 – High School Voice, Classical Guitar, Jazz Institute, Piano, Collaborative Piano, Saxophone, Low Brass Seminar, Flute Seminar, Clarinet Seminar

About Brevard

Under the artistic direction of acclaimed conductor and BMC alumnus Keith Lockhart–Conductor of the Boston Pops and formerly Chief Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra in London–passion, commitment, and excellence are signatures of Brevard’s summer programs.

Participants learn by sitting with principal players from major symphonies, attending seminars with Grammy-winning composers, working with incredible conductors and soloists, and attending the nearly 80 performances presented each season.

Over the past eight decades, the Brevard Music Center has welcomed many of the world’s most famous musicians to perform with our talented student orchestras. Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, Conrad Tao, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Audra McDonald, Wynton Marsalis, and Renée Fleming are just a few of the artists who have graced the stage of our 1800-seat open air, lakeside auditorium during a music festival that welcomes over 40,000 attendees each summer.

student practicing horizontal

Life on Campus, Food and Lodging

All housing and meals are provided on the Brevard Music Center campus and included in the cost of tuition. Housing is in cabin-style dorms with roommates and Resident Assistants.

Immerse Yourself in Music

Become part of the BMC community. Experience the thrill of performing with the world’s most celebrated artists.

Practice your craft and develop your skills in a picturesque rehearsal studio – in nature, beside the lake, amongst the white pines, alongside the stream. Share a communal lunch or an impromptu conversation with faculty and guest artists in our cafeteria. Interact with patrons who fill our auditoriums and love to hear your music.

We welcome you, the next generation of musicians and artists. We encourage you, and challenge you, to experience the magic of the Brevard Music Center. In a community of musicians, you will be transformed. On the stage and in the classroom, you will be inspired. In just one summer, you will make new friendships that will last a lifetime.

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