Florida State University might be most known for its powerhouse football teams -- including the Seminoles squad that won the national title in January 2014 -- but the Tallahassee school also has one of the nation's best college music departments. Students from more than 40 states and 30 foreign countries can concentrate their studies in areas such as musical theory, opera, composition, conducting and performance. The school also has a full schedule of summer music camps primarily for students in grades 6 and above.
Florida State's music camps include 15 sessions that range from four-day workshops for instruments such as guitars and tubas to intensive two-week camps for piano players, string orchestra musicians and high school band students. Other options include camps for jazz and choral ensembles, marching band leadership and a day camp for elementary school students. Most sessions take place throughout the month of June and the first two weeks in July. The camps aim to develop and refine the playing or singing techniques of students and give them a chance to receive small-group or one-on-one instruction from Florida State faculty members and other top musical instructors.
Registration for Florida State's music camps typically opens in early January for that summer's sessions, with a non-refundable deposit due at the time you register. The deposit is applied toward tuition, with the balance due no later than two weeks before the session begins. Online registration and payment is available, but registration and payment can also be made through the mail by check or money order. All students must bring their own instruments or have them shipped to FSU before arrival. Parents are responsible for getting their child to and from the camps, although paid shuttle transportation is available to campus from Tallahassee Regional Airport and two local bus stations. Shuttle service must be arrange at least two weeks prior to the camp session.
At most music camp sessions or workshops, campers have the option of being a day camper or staying overnight, with overnight students paying a higher price. All camps are held on FSU's campus, and the majority of classes and activities take place in the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall or the College of Music's Housewright, Kuersteiner and Longmire buildings. Overnight campers are housed four to a room at the Southgate Campus Centre -- a privately owned, air-conditioned dorm within a five-minute walk of the music buildings -- and supervised by resident counselors. Campers must bring their own bed and bath linens. Three meals daily are included in the price for overnight students. Meals are not included for day students, who can either bring their own lunch or purchase meal tickets.
A variety of activities are provided each evening for campers, giving them the opportunity to relax and have fun after a day full of instruction and playing their instruments. Most evening events are free, including faculty and student recitals, movie and game nights, cookouts, ice cream socials and variety shows. Some optional activities -- including bowling, roller skating, swimming or trips to nearby Wakulla Springs -- might have a nominal additional cost. Day campers can participate in all evening activities.
