Summer Camps
Guelph School of Music Summer Camp
*2027 Summer Camp Dates TBD
Led by the talented faculty of the Guelph School of Music, campers will delve into the fundamentals of music, including notation, reading music, ear training, and rhythm, through play-based learning. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including games, crafts, and outdoor play. Daily craft activities will explore making instruments out of recycled materials. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in special workshops, including boomwhackers, drums, and choir. The week will culminate with a pizza party lunch on Friday and a final performance on Friday afternoon in the GYMC Recital Hall, where campers will showcase all the musical discoveries they’ve made throughout the week. No prior music experience is required – just a love for music and a willingness to explore!
Camp programming will run from 9:00am to 4:00pm each day. Students to be dropped off at 9:00am, and picked up at 4:00pm.
Cost: $350/week
To inquire about financial assistance, please email office@gymc.ca
Summer Strings Camps
*2027 Summer Camp Dates TBD
Directed by Joy Schuster, Summer Strings Camp is an orchestral training camp designed for string players who are looking for an enriching and fun summer experience making music and new friends. Students will have the opportunity to sharpen their ensemble skills by playing orchestral arrangements of popular songs. Daily activities will feature orchestra rehearsals, sectionals and enrichment activities with guest instructors. Enrichment topics will include music theory, musical theatre/drama, fiddling, improvisation, and recording. The week will conclude with a pizza party lunch on Friday and a final performance on Friday afternoon for family and friends. This camp is suitable for ages 7+, as well as those with a minimum proficiency of RCM Level 3 or Suzuki Book 2. The ability to read music is required. Any questions regarding required skill level can be directed to Joy Schuster.
Camp programming will run from 9:00am to 4:30pm each day. Students may be dropped off early between 8:30am and 9:00am, and picked up between the hours of 4:30pm and 5:00pm.
Cost: $395/week
Junior: Suzuki Book 2 to Book 4. RCM 2-4. First orchestral experience.
Intermediate: Suzuki Book 4 to Book 7. RCM 4-7. Aimed at higher-level readers and older students.
To inquire about financial assistance, please email office@gymc.ca
Meet Our Director, Joy Schuster
Introducing Joy Schuster
Joy Schuster graduated, with honours, from Michigan State University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Music Education. Joy then went on to teach in the beautiful state of Maine where she was a full time ‘String Specialist” in grades 3-8. In 1989, after immigrating to Canada, she taught with the Hamilton School board and the Hamilton Suzuki String School of Music. Joy also played with the Niagara Symphony during her years in Hamilton. In 1993, Joy moved to Denver, Colorado where she completed a Master of Arts in Suzuki Pedagogy and played with quartet L’Inverno and the Lamont School of Music Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, Joy moved back to her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan where she taught with the Grand Rapids Community College Suzuki Program and started and directed a Music Together Program. In 2000, Joy moved back to Canada and began teaching at the Guelph Suzuki String School. In 2019, Joy was appointed conductor of the Guelph Youth Music Center String Orchestras. In 2023, Joy received the Bernice Adams Memorial Award for her contributions to the artistic and cultural life of Cambridge. Most recently, Joy was a recipient of the King Charles the III, Coronation Medal for the City of Guelph. Joy’s remarkable contributions to Canada can be heard in the music of our community and beyond.