Get the MOST out of your summer program

One of the best parts of being a musician is going to summer festivals. Whether you are in high school, college, or just a freelancing musician, summer programs are an excellent opportunity to learn, meet new people, and explore other parts of the world. 

Summer programs and festivals also might be pretty overwhelming. Even if you are an experienced festival goer, or it's your first time, here are some tips:

1. Get EXCITED: Reach out to people who are going to the program, or have been in the past, through social media and get to know them. Learn the location and what's around - are there any cool restaurants or historical landmarks? This is going to be your home for a while so why not do some research?

2. Write down some summer goals: What do you want to work on during your lessons? Is there a technique you would like to improve? Do you want to form a group that might launch a career together after this festival? It's a good idea to write down your goals BEFORE it starts. This way you won't forget things that might be a crucial part of why you attended the program in the first place.

3. It's not Vegas: What happens in camp/festival/school WILL stay with you, possibly for the rest of your career. The music community is tiny and even if you think you are in this beautiful place with a bunch of new people, you and the stories will live past that moment. 

4. Don't overplay: It's super easy to not notice how much stress you put on your body after many days in a row packed with rehearsals, sight-reading, and practicing. Remember that your body is not used to SO much playing during the rest of the year. So many musicians get injured over the summer and do not even see it coming. Take breaks and balance your practice and rehearsal time.

5. Food: Some summer programs have a great food selection. However, there are many that certainly do not have the best variety. It's difficult to eat healthy when you are dependent on cafeteria food which is often times constrained by a budget. During the first week of the program see what the selection is like and be creative. You can also try to have healthy snacks like bananas and apples in your room. It's so easy to eat lots of chips and cookies, but your body will not be so grateful in the long run. Eat balanced meals that include enough greens, protein, and healthy carbs. If you can manage, also avoid deep fried foods. 

6. Bring something from home: It can be a picture, a pillow, or even a special mug. Something little sometimes makes a big difference, especially if you get home sick.

7. Have a plan to deal with stress: bring a book, create a playlist, or work on a yoga routine that you can memorize and use in times of stress. Even though these environments are usually amazing and supportive, they can also feel overwhelming and claustrophobic. Plan ahead and bring things that you know will help you calm down.

8. Carve out time for yourself: Even if it's 30 minutes a day, it's better than nothing. Go for a walk and try to be in the moment and focus on all of the wonderful things you learned that day. Bring a small notebook or keep a list on your phone of things you want to remember. These could be great comments in rehearsals or lessons, or a funny joke you heard. These things will make you smile for a really long time.