Be a filmmaker! Create your own short film, using the state-of-the-art audio and video recording studio at CMS. You can even have it considered for entry in the 2025 Allentown Film Festival. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, mics, and camera gear used in professional music and film production, including Neumann, Logic Pro X, Final Cut Pro X, Allen & Heath, Neve, Black Magic Pocket Cinema, Waves, and Universal Audio. Under the direction of CMS resident audio engineer and guitar teacher, Joe Wagner, and in collaboration with local filmmaker Matt Spade and television producer Michael Schelp of the Allentown Film Festival, learn the basics of how to record and compose soundtracks, and film, edit, and debut your own 1-3 minute short film.

Ages: 12-18, no experience required
Dates:  2 Weeks: June 17-28 (M-F)
Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Teachers: Joe Wagner
Tuition: $450*

Do you want to learn how to record, edit, and publish your own original song, podcast, or music for a video? Learn the basics of recording, editing, and publishing live music, using the latest technology, equipment, and software, including Logic Pro X, Final Cut Pro X, Sibelius, Waves, Allen and Heath, Neve, and Neumann. Our small classes (9 students maximum) will provide you with access to a state-of-the-art, professional-grade recording facility and our expert teacher, who is an experienced sound engineer. You will learn to use the same mics, preamps, and plugins as those found in professional recording studios.

Ages: 12+, no experience required
Dates: Tuesdays, June 18 – July 23
Times:  Class:  6:00 – 7:30 PM, Optional Open Lab: 7:30-8:30 PM
Teachers: Joe Wagner
Tuition: $225 *

Whether you are a seasoned performer or a budding star of the stage, this is your opportunity to hone valuable performance skills as you gain experience and confidence. Under the guidance of an experienced musical theater performer and teacher, students will immerse themselves in the study and performance of inspiring theater scenes and the songs that complete them. This intensive includes fun-packed theater games, vocal and physical technique workshops, blocking memorization, character study, and musical collaboration. The week will culminate in a grand curtain call with YOU in the spotlight for a showcase performance of scenes and musical selections performed in duets and trios. This is your chance to shine!

Ages: 12-18, all levels welcome
Dates: 1 Week: July 22-26
Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Teachers: Abigail Zuckert
Tuition: $250 *

Designed for experienced young performers, this closed masterclass focuses on refining the essential skills vocalists need to audition for musical events at school, community theater, or college auditions. Students will perform songs from their own audition repertoire, to be examined for professional growth and artistic excellence, in terms of acting, vocalism, text, song research, and overall presentation of material. All genres of audition repertoire are welcome.

Ages: 14-18, with experience
Dates: 2 Days: August 5 & 6
Times: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Teachers: Lauren Curnow
Tuition: $150 *, no registration fee

Build your own ukulele and learn to play this iconic and versatile instrument! Students will learn the basics of positioning, strumming, chords, rhythm, music theory, and plenty of fun songs to play and sing! Over the course of the week, each student will assemble, paint, string, and tune their own ukulele from a kit. Students will have the option to demonstrate their new skills on their own instruments with a performance for family and friends on the last day of the camp. Instruments, building kits, and supplies provided.

Ages: 7-11 Beginners, no experience required
Dates: 1 Week: June 24-28
Times: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Teacher: Abigail Zuckert
Tuition: $225 *

Discover the joy of playing the violin with other early beginners. Learn the fundamentals of tuning, positioning, bowing, and music theory, including rhythm, pitch, and note reading. Students will build confidence, active listening skills, and general musicality as they have fun playing individually and together as a group. Students will have the option to demonstrate their new skills with a performance for family and friends on the last day of the camp. Instruments provided.

“I know that the most joy in my life has come to me from my violin.”
– Albert Einstein

Ages: 7-11 Beginners, no experience required
Dates: 1 Week: July 8-12
Times: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Teacher: Carolyn Gaul
Tuition:: $175 *

Explore the possibilities! Students will explore the diverse world of music making in this full-day musical instrument “petting zoo,” with hands-on instruction in violin, voice, piano, and woodwinds (Flutophone), with both pitched and unpitched percussion to help them discover their musical interests. All instruments are provided. Come join us for a day of musical fun!

Ages: 7-11 Beginners, no experience required
Date: 1 Day: July 17
Times: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Teacher: Multiple
Tuition: $125*, no registration fee

Discover the joy of playing the piano with other early beginners. Learn the fundamentals of piano technique, scales, history, and music theory, including rhythm, pitch, and note reading. Students will build confidence, active listening skills, and general musicality as they have fun playing individually and together as a group. Students will have the option to demonstrate their new skills with a performance for family and friends on the last day of the camp. Instruments provided.

Ages: 7-11, Beginners, no experience required
Dates: 1 Week: July 29 – August 2
Times: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Teacher: Kelly Hooper
Tuition: $175 *

Join us for two weeks of rhythmic fun and percussive play! From tapping xylophones to banging drums, every beat is a step toward musical mastery. Through the magic of the Orff Schulwerk method, students will be inspired to unlock their creativity and build confidence as they learn blending singing, movement, and a variety of pitched and unpitched percussive instruments. Students will have the option to showcase their new skills and musical creativity with a performance for family and friends on the last day of camp. All instruments provided. Just bring your energy and enthusiasm!

Ages: 7-11 Beginners, no experience required
Dates: 2 Weeks: July 22-August 2 (M-F)
Times: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Teachers: Marissa Amphay
Tuition: $275 *

City Arts Camp is a collaborative program presented by the Allentown Art Museum, the Allentown Symphony Association, The Baum School of Art, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Community Music School, and Repertory Dance Theatre. Campers participate in activities and classes at various downtown arts venues, all led by professional staff from each organization. Providing exposure to the worlds of art, dance, theatre, and music, the weeklong camp culminates with a showcase and reception for all participants and parents.

Elementary Camp

A free week-long day camp for ages 8-10 (rising 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders) who reside in the Allentown School District.

Middle School Camp

A free week-long day camp for ages 11-14 (rising 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th graders) who reside in the Allentown School District.

2024 Camp to Be Announced in May

VIEW 2023 CITY ARTS CAMP

In English