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Find piano camps near you

OurKids.net lists camps and programs in dozens of cities across the country. Find your city in the list below and find piano camps near you.

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More than just day camps

For kids who love piano, there are other ways to indulge this passion. See related options below:

Search ALL PIANO CAMPS AND PROGRAMS   

What kids learn in piano camps

Kids and teens learn numerous skills in piano camps and classes. Find some of the most important ones below. Consult with individual programs listed above to learn exactly what they teach.

Fundamental piano skills. Piano camp begins by introducing the fundamentals of piano. These include the musical scale, separate and two-handed practice, sight reading, and posture. As kids learn these principal skills, they advance to more complex songs and keyboarding techniques. 

Musicality. Since kids will be experimenting with multiple genres of music, it’s necessary they learn general musical skills. Campers are expected to use rhythm, tempo, and pitch during exercises. Once these main skills are mastered, they learn to play melodies and harmonies. This musicality increases the quality of children’s performance and helps them move on to other instruments.

The musical scale. Perhaps the most critical skill to understand in piano camp is the musical scale. Unique to the piano, the musical scale runs continuously from the lowest to the highest note on the keyboard. Warm up exercises will focus on perfecting children’s understanding of the piano scale. Once the scale is mastered, this can improve one’s ability to read music, play by ear, and improvise during a performance.

Performance skills. Performances are regularly scheduled in piano camp. Children’s comfort with performing will increase through repetition. Kids will learn and use personal coping mechanisms to relieve potential anxiety and stress before and during performances. They’ll also learn to ignore distractions they may face while on stage. These skills will help improve their stage presence and the overall quality of their performance.

Social skills. Although kids will typically practice piano alone, piano camp encourages collaboration between campers. Kids will exchange feedback with one another to help each other improve. This collaboration can improve their social skills such as cooperation, self-awareness, and reading body language and social cues.

Hand-eye coordination. Kids will learn to read and play music simultaneously. They’ll need to use both hands to play music while they sight read their notes. This hand-eye coordination is important for strengthening both eye and hand muscles. It also improves children’s fine motor skills, vision, and sight reading comprehension.

The benefits of piano camps

Piano camps and classes have a number of perks. Some of these relate to improving one’s music skills, while others go far beyond one’s music acumen. Check out our list of piano camp benefits below.

Promotes musical appreciation. Jazz, classical, and blues are just a few of the musical genres kids will get to play in piano camp. Exposure to these varied genres, and the techniques associated with them, helps kids understand music’s versatility and ability to express emotion. This can enliven and deepen a child’s appreciation for music.

Strengthens memory. Playing piano can improve one’s ability to retain information. Kids practice memorizing chords, hand placements, and the musical scale with every song they perform. Improving their memory may help children in school, for instance, in subjects such as English, math, and science. It can also help them excel in other pursuits that require the significant use of memory.

Relieves anxiety and stress. Kids who are prone to anxiety and stress get a “mental vacation” in piano camp. Instead of dwelling on sources of worry, kids can redirect their focus specifically to piano practice. This can provide a much needed break from stressors. Piano provides an outlet through which kids can gain new perspective on life.

Creates strong work habits and routines. Instructors will expect kids to practice piano outside of camp. As a result, they’ll have to manage their time between practice and personal and academic responsibilities. This helps them build a structured routine in their lives.

Refines listening skills. Playing by ear, coordinating harmonies, and supporting other instruments are all tasks in piano camp that require refined listening skills. As kids engage in these activities, they’ll become more attentive to their music and that of others. 

Questions to ask piano camps

Before registering, it’s important to ask piano camp staff and directors key questions. This can help ensure you find the right fit for your child. Find eight important questions to ask below.

1. How often are kids expected to practice outside of camp?
2. How much training do instructors have as musicians and teachers?
3. Will kids have both solo and group performances?
4. Are kids able to choose the songs they wish to play?
5. How is class divided between theory and practice?
6. How often are kids expected to practice outside of camp?
7. What level are most campers at?
8. What level of proficiency can I expect my child to achieve in camp?

Related camps

Piano camp is just one option for your young budding pianist. They might also be interested in other music camps near you that can improve their overall musical abilities. Here are just a few of the possibilities to investigate.

Songwriting camps give kids a chance to play with and learn lyrical verses. In these camps, kids learn to create and write songs that excite them and stir their creative juices. It's a logical next step for aspiring performing artists. 

Singing and vocal training camp helps kids find and use their voice in music. They’ll learn various aspects of vocals, and how their singing voice can combine with other instruments in a musical piece. These camps are great for kids looking to improve not just their singing voice but their overall musicianship.

Guitar camps focus on this beloved instrument, exposing kids to a wider variety of musical genres including rock, pop, and classical. Musical chords, strumming patterns, and much more are part of camp curriculum.

Percussion camps focus on drum and hand drum practice. Kids learn to coordinate their arms and feet while playing. Piano camp introduces music and coordination skills that help kids to be successful in percussion camp. 

Combine this with more advice from OurKids.net

Sources and further reading

"The benefits of playing piano." Steinway.com.

"5 ways playing the piano makes us healthier in times of stress." Pianistmagazine.com.

"Back to basics - unforgettable lessons every pianist swears by." MeriamMusic.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Piano camps are there?
There are 7 programs specializing in Piano. In addition, there are 13 programs offering piano as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Piano camps?
Fees for Piano camps range from $25 to $800 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Piano camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 3 through 19.

Where can parents meet with Piano camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.