Summer Music Camps
Give your young musician a fun and enriching summer! Our camps for ages 6-18 offer a mix of music instruction, creativity, and community—perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. Explore our offerings below, and reach out to student@walkerwest.org with any questions. Let’s make music this summer!
Women in Jazz Retreat
June 24 – June 28, 2025 | Tuesday – Saturday | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily | (Ages 12 – 30)
Join Walker West for our second annual Women in Jazz Retreat! This is a week-long comprehensive experience for women, non-binary and trans musicians to hone their performing skills, connect with other like-minded players and receive mentoring and coaching from leading women jazz faculty. Led by Phoenix-based Saxophonist Mary Petrich, and local jazz women professionals.
Open to jazz instrumentalists and vocalists, ages 12–30, from beginner to advanced levels. No prior jazz experience required. 1-3 years on instrument recommended.
Tuition: $525 (Tuition includes lunch) | Tuition assistance available.
Grow Through Music Summer Camp
July 6 – July 24, 2026 | Monday – Friday | 8am – 12pm daily | (Completed Grades K – 6)
Our “Grow Through Music” camp offers a fun introduction to a variety of instruments for beginning students, and a way to reconnect with friends and instructors for returning students. Campers will learn in a supportive small group environment with a chance to perform during our end of camp presentation.
Classes include: Piano, Wind Instrument, African Drumming, and Choir
Tuition: $500 (Tuition includes breakfast and lunch)
Funded and Supported By:
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Summer 2026: DMP Bootcamp
Join Walker West for an immersive week in digital music production. Students will create, record, and publish an original track while learning the full process—from songwriting to mixing—in a hands-on studio environment.
Open to students entering grades 9–12. No experience required—just creativity and commitment.
Held in person at Walker West Music Academy.
Questions? Contact Program Director, Lawrence Waddell at lawrence@walkerwest.org
July 28 – August 1, 2025 | Monday – Friday | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm daily | (Grades 9–12)
Join Walker West for an immersive week in digital music production. Students will create, record, and publish an original track while learning the full process—from songwriting to mixing—in a hands-on studio environment.
Open to students entering grades 9–12. No experience required—just creativity and commitment.
Held in person at Walker West Music Academy.
Questions? Contact Program Director, Lawrence Waddell at lawrence@walkerwest.org
Summer Jazz Intensive
August 3 – August 7, 2026 | Monday – Friday | 10am – 4pm daily | (Completed Grades 6 – 12, Co-ed)
The Summer Jazz Intensive program is a one week comprehensive experience for beginner to advanced youth musicians to hone their performing skills, take applied classes and interact with world-class jazz faculty at Walker|West.
- Classes include: Ensemble, Private / Group Instrumental Lessons, Theory, Improvisation, Master Classes
- Instruments: Piano, Drum Set, Sax, Trumpet, Violin, Trombone, Flute, Upright or Electric Bass, Electric Guitar
Tuition: $525 (Tuition includes lunch)
Funded and Supported By:
