...are for children aged 4 to adult—for the beginner, the experienced musician, and for everyone in between!
Founded in 1980 by Jean Grieve, the Oakville Suzuki Association Performing Arts Summer Camp has grown from 50 campers to more than 300 each summer. This dynamic day camp attracts students, teachers, and guest conductors from all over the world.
Our camp offers children of all skill levels, including beginners, an exciting experience with music, enhanced through optional classes such as drama, art, and dance. Held for two weeks in July, this fast-paced camp exposes campers to many activities that will challenge them to grow musically and personally.
A defining feature of our camp is music instruction from one of our accomplished, professional teachers. We offer instruction in*:
Cello • Flute • Guitar • Piano • Violin • Viola • Voice
* NOTE: not all instruments may be available in 2024
Program choice is primarily age based…
…though exceptions may be made on an individual basis. A child's music education experience is not a factor in program selection.
Most programs feature instruction in an instrument of your choice. Complementing this private instrument instruction is a combination of classes in art, dance, drama, drums, Kodaly, instrumental group, music theory, Orff, and more. Our camp also offers students the chance to participate in Orchestra, Chamber Ensembles and Choirs, as well as Music Theatre (some age/level limits apply).
Each child's schedule is individual, and is based on their instrument and level. All parents are welcome to attend and observe.
A morning only camp, with parent or caregiver attendance optional. We encourage parental observation.
Schedule includes:
*Musical and technical concepts taught using song, rhythm, movement, games, and percussion instruments.
A full day camp, with parent or caregiver attendance optional. We encourage parental observation of the semi-private lesson.
Schedule includes:
*extra fee applies, and the day will be extended (either beginning at 8:30am or finishing at 3:30pm)
This program is a great way for high school students to earn volunteer community hours while learning leadership skills. Our student leaders will have an opportunity to assist teachers and younger campers and to participate in ensembles, chamber groups, and open classes such as musical theatre. Applications are available on our online registration system. Candidates must be approved by the camp administrators. Unfortunately we cannot make any exceptions to the age restriction for Student Leaders and Leaders in Training.
This program is a great way for high school students to earn volunteer community hours while learning leadership skills. No musical education or experience is required. Duties often involve non-music related activities. Applications are available on our online registration system. Volunteers must love working with young campers. Full day commitment required. Candidates must be approved by the camp administrators. NOTE: the Volunteer Only program does not include participation in orchestra or musical theatre.
Registration for the Volunteer Only program is separate from regular camp registration. Please use the Student Volunteering Form to apply.
Some of our most frequently asked questions…
Every camper's schedule is custom built, and for each camper every day is the same. Classes are 30 minutes in length, and a 15-minute break is built in.
Camp hours:
Junior campers: Camp begins at 9:00am and ends at 12:15. The fee includes care from 8:00am-9:00am. Campers will need to be picked up by 12:30pm at the latest.
Every camper's schedule is custom built. Start and finish times may vary between campers, but for each camper every day is the same except for Friday when we have in-class performances and a big concert in the cafeteria. Classes are 45, or 60 minutes in length, and lunch time and a break are built in.
Camp hours:
For most Senior campers, camp begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:15 or 3:30pm. Campers taking Junior Chamber begin at 8:30am. Campers taking Advanced Chamber will finish at 3:30pm. Everyone must be picked up by 3:45pm at the latest. If you feel your camper cannot responsibly sit in the cafeteria while waiting for pick up, please choose Before or After Care during registration. Before Care is available from 8:00am for an additional $30.00 per week (Monday-Friday). After Care is available until 5:00pm for an additional $40 per week (Monday-Thursday).
Camp is a wonderful place to try an instrument that you're considering for lessons, so choose the instrument that you enjoy the most. Many of our advanced students started learning their instruments at camp. Or, for Junior program campers without a preferred instrument, choose our Try-An-Instrument Program which will allow hands-on experience with several of our Suzuki instruments (no rental necessary). We're also happy to offer personalized advice. Just email us at info@oakvillesuzuki.org.
Students in the Try-An-Instrument program : Come as you are! We will provide instruments for use during camp.
Flute, guitar, violin, viola, and cello : These instruments must be rented if you do not already have one. We do not provide them at camp. See notes for rental below.
Piano: A piano is available for use during lessons at camp for free.
Instrument rentals must be arranged in advanced of camp. For violin, viola, and cello rentals, we usually recommend that parents contact The Sound Post. Please check the detailed rental information and instructions: The Sound Post rental information and instructions.
For guitar and flute rentals we usually recommend that parents contact Long & McQuade.
To maintain the integrity of the program, we ask that younger siblings are not brought into other classes, with the exception of very small, sleeping infants.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing by email or letter.
All fees (Camp Program, Chamber, and any extras) will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $50.
Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $100. Chamber and other extra fees will not be refunded.
Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $175. The holdback covers the administrative time and Masterclass/lesson fee. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded.
Requests submitted within 10 days of the start of Week 1:
Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $250. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded.
No refunds.
As musicians gain experience they will participate in one of the two Orchestras (Junior or Senior) instead of group class. Additionally, there are opportunities to rehearse and perform as part of a chamber ensemble (additional fees apply to chamber music).
Each week there are a number of opportunities for the campers to perform. We encourage you to come out as much as possible to enjoy these performances.
Performance schedules will be available and posted at camp. The Program for the Thursday evening Concert will be emailed out the day before.
Yes! We can accommodate adults in both private lessons (if space allows) and orchestra. Please contact us at info@oakvillesuzuki.org to indicate your interest.
Please send them to the registrar at: info@oakvillesuzuki.org
| 2024 Fees | OSA Member Fee* | Non Member Fee | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Type | One Week | Both Weeks | One Week | Both Weeks |
| Junior** | $280 | $510 | $300 | $550 |
| Senior | $435 | $820 | $455 | $860 |
| Leaders in Training*** | $260 | $470 | $280 | $510 |
| Student Leaders*** | $250 | $450 | $270 | $490 |
*The OSA Member Discount will appear in the shopping cart during check out
**the Junior program ends at 12:15pm. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child(ren)
***students not in orchestra and/or advanced chamber will receive a partial refund (e.g. piano/voice students)
Before and After Camp Care:
The Junior Program includes care from 8:00am-9:00am. Campers must be picked up by 12:30pm.
Senior Program campers begin at 8:30 (jr chamber) or 9:00am and must be picked up by 3:45pm at the latest. Outside these times the following fees apply:
Chamber music is available for an extra fee:
Subject to availability. Also, program and Book/RCM level requirements may apply
Financial Aid:
Families of more than two children in the same household will receive a 50% reduction in the base price of camp for the third (lowest price) and subsequent child. Please register and pay for your camp programs and notify the registrar at info@oakvillesuzuki.org after you check out of your shopping cart. The discount(s) will be refunded manually. As well, a limited amount of bursary funding is available. Please download the Summer Camp Bursary Form and email it to the OSA (info@oakvillesuzuki.org). PLEASE NOTE: Summer Camp Bursaries are separate from the regular OSA Scholarship and Bursary Program. The deadline for application is May 31.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing by email or letter.
All fees (Camp Program, Chamber, and any extras) will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $50.
Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $100. Chamber and other extra fees will not be refunded.
Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $175. The holdback covers the administrative time and Masterclass/lesson fee. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded.
Fees for Camp Program will be refunded, less a cancellation holdback of $250. Extra fees (including childcare fees, extra private-lesson fees, chamber fees) also will not be refunded.
No refunds.
Oakville Suzuki Association
P.O. Box 69599
338 Lakeshore Rd East
Oakville, ON
L6J 1J6
Please contact us by email at: info@oakvillesuzuki.org if you have any questions about fees.
