Good news, parents.  Piquing your child’s interest in music just got a whole lot easier. 

The solution?  “Music FUNdamentals,” the newest and most accessible summer camp yet at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). 

Designed for the curious beginner, this new one-week day-camp cultivates a healthy love for music and lays the foundation for future study, all in a fun, nurturing, and uniquely creative environment. 

“This really is a starting point for parents,” said Jennifer Call, director of CIM’s youth programs.  “It’s more of a general music experience.  Kids don’t already have to be proficient.”

Here are the basics of “FUNdamentals.” 

The camp is for children in grades two through six and takes place from 9 am to 4 pm each day from Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2 at CIM’s main campus in Cleveland’s University Circle. 

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t own an instrument.  Even if they had one, they wouldn’t need it.  

That’s because this camp is for the musically inquisitive.  Instead of taking private lessons, “FUNdamentals” campers will spend the week with experienced faculty learning about instruments, singing in groups, listening to advanced players, and developing a sense of rhythm and musical literacy. 

In other words, they’ll benefit from the same holistic approach CIM takes with older musicians, but applied to beginners. 

“The whole idea is they’re going to be engaged in fun activities making and creating music,” Call explained. 

Music isn’t the only thing they’ll make, either.  Between their classes, guest performances, and a surprise field trip, “FUNdamentals” campers also can expect to make a lot of friends.  

If there’s one thing CIM’s experts have learned from years of teaching children, it’s that young people learn best when they feel part of a community. 

After “FUNdamentals,” Call said, “Kids that aren’t already our students may start to see themselves here.” 

Tuition for the camp is $350.  Limited need-based financial aid is available.  For more info email [email protected] or visit cim.edu to register.