Bridge Arts
Summer Music Academy
July 13–17, 2026
Mount Academy | Hudson Valley
A Week of Immersive Music Making
The Bridge Arts Summer Music Academy is designed for students to continue their musical growth, engage with music in new and meaningful ways, and expand their creative voice.
Throughout the week, students refine their technical skills while thinking more deeply about how music communicates, connects, and evolves within a collaborative artistic setting. Rehearsals are intentional. Exploration is encouraged. Musical dialogue is central.
Enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful mentorship and a cohesive musical experience.
Curriculum
Each student is placed in a small ensemble — either chamber music or jazz combo — where musical collaboration and artistic leadership are emphasized.
Students provide a short video of their playing after registration for thoughtful ensemble placement.
Daily foundational classes strengthen rhythmic precision, harmonic understanding, and stylistic awareness — giving students the tools to advance as musicians.
Students engage in masterclasses led by professional performing artists, offering insight into rehearsal process, performance practice, and artistic discipline.
Elective Seminars
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Advanced Performance Study (Jazz Combo or Chamber Music)
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African Drumming
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Songwriting
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Improvisation
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Music Theory
Elective offerings are shaped in response to
student interest and enrollment.
Advanced Performance electives allow students to dive deeper into repertoire preparation, stylistic nuance,
solo development, and ensemble leadership beyond
standard rehearsal time.
The Schedule
The Academy operates Monday through Friday,
July 13–17, 2026.
Daily Drop-Off: 8:45–8:55 AM
Daily Pick-Up: 3:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM – Opening Meeting (Students & Families Welcome)
Friday
3:00 PM - Final Public Performance Families and guests are invited to attend.
Sample Student Schedule
9:00–10:30 AM
Large Ensemble Rehearsal
10:30–10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Sectionals / Small Ensemble Coaching
12:00–12:45 PM
Lunch
12:45–1:30 PM
Musicianship Fundamentals / Improvisation Lab
1:30–2:15 PM
Elective Seminar
2:15–2:55 PM
Masterclass / Listening & Analysis
3:00 PM
Pick-Up
Location
The Mount Academy
Esopus, New York
Situated along the Hudson River, Mount Academy combines natural beauty with distinctive castle-like stone architecture. Overlooking the river and surrounding landscape, the campus offers an inspiring setting for concentrated artistic study.
The campus provides professional rehearsal space, performance facilities, and a safe, structured environment for students to engage deeply in music-making.
Faculty & Artistic Leadership
Bridge Arts teaching artists and invited master clinicians bring professional performance and collegiate-level pedagogy to the academy.
Faculty details and guest artist announcements will be released soon.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The Academy is designed for motivated student musicians.
• Middle school students performing at NYSSMA level 3-4
• High school students performing at NYSSMA Level 5–6
• Musicians interested in musical growth
• Students eager to learn more about music
Students unsure about placement are encouraged
to contact us for guidance.
Join Us This Summer
July 13–17, 2026
Mount Academy | Hudson Valley
Tuition: $695
Early Bird Rate: $625 (Save $70 before May 1)
Tuition includes all instructional sessions, ensemble participation, and the final public performance.
Limited need-based scholarships are available through Bridge Arts & Education. Families seeking financial assistance are encouraged to inquire early, as funds are limited.
Enrollment is capped to maintain an elevated ensemble experience.
$695
FAQ
What is included in tuition? Tuition includes all ensemble rehearsals, foundational classes, elective seminars, masterclasses with professional musicians, and participation in the final public performance. Students receive a full week of structured musical instruction within a focused and supportive environment.
Are scholarships available? Yes. Limited need-based scholarships are available through Bridge Arts & Education. Families seeking financial assistance are encouraged to inquire early, as funds are limited.
Is supervision provided before and after camp hours? At this time no. However please contact us to see if we can add this to the day.
What is the refund policy? Tuition is refundable (minus a $50 administrative fee) through May 15, 2026. After May 15, tuition is non-refundable due to faculty commitments and ensemble planning. If a student is unable to attend due to illness or emergency, families are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible. Partial credits may be considered at the discretion of Bridge Arts & Education. Tuition is transferable to another student with administrative approval. Bridge Arts & Education reserves the right to cancel the program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be issued.
Is supervision provided? Students are supervised by faculty and counselors throughout all program hours. Drop-off takes place between 8:45–8:55 AM, and pick-up is at 3:00 PM. The Academy operates within a structured and professionally staffed environment.
What happens on Friday? The week concludes with a public performance at 3:00 PM on Friday. Families and guests are invited to attend. This performance represents the culmination of the week’s rehearsal and study.
FAQ
Is this a beginner program? No. The Academy is designed for students with prior ensemble experience who are ready for focused and collaborative musical study. Participants should be comfortable reading music, rehearsing independently, and contributing meaningfully within an ensemble setting.
ABOUT THE HOST
Bridge Arts & Education
Bridge Arts & Education is a Hudson Valley nonprofit dedicated to promoting education and collaboration as a means to grow a more diverse and innovative music community.
Through programs including the Hudson Valley Youth Jazz Orchestra, Community Jazz Band, Jazz Lab, and emerging Afro-Caribbean initiatives, Bridge Arts provides meaningful artistic opportunities for musicians of all ages.
The Summer Music Academy represents our commitment to cultivating the next generation of serious young artists.