Learn to play with the Smith School of Music!
At its core, music is the world’s universal language and the soundtrack of our lives. But of course, learning the discipline isn’t easy — and like all creative outputs, it’s best when you start early. If your children happen to be musically inclined, consider their summer plans sorted thanks to the Smith School of Music.
Located at 131 West 86th Street, the Smith School is uptown Manhattan’s premiere destination for music lessons courtesy of top-notch instructors. Their summer camp is geared toward middle and high school students, and provides the opportunity for campers who are hoping to learn the instruments which are involved in making rock and pop music. The popular program prides itself on offering a collaborative experience, allowing budding musical talents to try out guitar, drums, piano and voice. Of course, students will have the unique option of learning and jamming together, allowing for a seriously fun (and educational!) summer session.
Steering the ship is guitarist and music production expert Damien Kelly. With a wildly impressive résumé that includes a lifelong relationship with music, a slew of accolades, and major esteem on the Irish classical music scene, Kelly has performed as a soloist at King’s College, Cambridge; the Irish Embassy in London; the American Irish Historical Society in NYC; and the National Concert Hall in Dublin. As a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, Dublin Institute of Technology: Conservatory of Music and Drama, and the Dublin and Dundalk Institute of Technology, it’s safe to say he knows his stuff — and his instructors are equally qualified. Staff members boast degrees from prestigious institutions like the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Berklee College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. To say your children will be in good hands is an understatement.
The summer camp runs from July 29 to August 2, which allows for plenty of other seasonal activities. Each day runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $600 for the week. Due to its popularity, spaces are limited — so register here to express your interest.
If you’re looking for a more flexible option, the summer semester runs from June 24 to August 18, offering six lessons over the course of eight weeks. This is an excellent potential activity for a busy teen with a slew of other commitments. You can choose the schedule yourself, and the summer semester will cost $360 for 30-minute lessons, $480 for 45-minute lessons or $540 for 60-minute lessons. The Smith School offers lessons in guitar, piano, bass, drums, ukulele and voice. Learn more about the summer semester here.
Oh, and we would be remiss to not show you some examples of seriously cool student performances, such as this cover of The Cranberries’ iconic track “Zombie” and Olivia Rodrigo’s smash-hit “Vampire.” Whether your kid is looking for an amateur music moment or they’re in it for the long haul, the Smith School offers it all. One student was even recently accepted into Berklee and another flexed their musical prowess at Carnegie Hall.
For more information on the Smith School of Music, check it out here.
