Live Music, Original Songs, Mini Musicals & NYC Adventures at Further Music School

What a summer!

From forming bands and writing original songs to performing mini musicals and exploring some of New York City’s most iconic stages, Further Music Summer Camp 2026 was eight weeks of creating, performing, and discovering music together.

Every week brought a new theme, new music, a new Friday performance—and a new adventure beyond our classroom.

Here’s how our summer unfolded.

Week 1 — Music Explorers

We started the summer by exploring piano, drums, guitar, voice, songwriting, acting, and ensemble playing before bringing everyone together for our first original camp project, “Music Explorers.” And for our very first NYC adventure, campers stepped inside the legendary Carnegie Hall.

Week 2 — Pop & Rock Creators

Two bands. Five songs. Five days.

Week 2 turned up the volume! Campers formed two live bands, each preparing its own set—including “Yellow” and “Seven Nation Army”—before everyone came together for a final group performance.

In just five days, campers learned what being in a band is really about: listening, counting each other in, finding the groove, and creating one sound together. We then took that experience into a professional recording studio to see how music moves from rehearsal to recording.

Week 3 — Rhythm & Groove

Drums, percussion, rhythm, and groove took over Week 3 as campers worked on “Believer” and two additional ensemble pieces. We also headed to Music Body for a different kind of hands-on music and rhythm experience.

Week 4 — Stage & Spotlight

When our band became a musical.

This week, our musicians became actors, singers, storytellers, and live-band performers as they brought one of our summer's two mini musical productions to life through “Try Everything.”

Campers discovered that performing isn't just about playing the right notes—it's about telling a story and connecting with an audience. A visit to Lincoln Center gave them a chance to explore the professional stages and concert halls where those same ideas come to life every day.

Week 5 — Songwriters Studio

Don't just play the music. Reinvent it.

Week 5 challenged campers to think like songwriters and arrangers, exploring how rock, jazz, and funk can completely change the personality of a song.

They performed “Stand by Me” as a band project and created two original pieces in two different musical styles—moving from simply learning music to making creative decisions of their own. We returned to Lincoln Center to explore more of its concert halls and the different musical worlds they represent.

 Week 6 — World of Music

Brazil met Germany in our World Cup Music Show, where campers explored music from different cultures before everyone came together for a high-energy finale of “Waka Waka.” 

Then it was off to Radio City Music Hall to experience one of NYC's most iconic entertainment venues.

 Week 7 — Studio & Sound

“This Is Our Sound.”

Week 7 brought together everything we love about summer camp: bands, songwriting, creativity, collaboration, and performance. Campers performed “Hit the Road Jack,” by senior group

“Octopus's Garden,” by junior group

and an original song created from our own summer experience—“This Is Our Sound.”That original became more than a one-week project: “This Is Our Sound” will continue with us as the Further Music Summer Camp song for 2027.

And for the week's adventure, campers went behind the scenes at Madison Square Garden, connecting what they were learning at camp with the world of professional concerts, entertainment, and live production at one of the world's most famous arenas.

Week 8 — Collaboration Week

We finished the summer exactly how we wanted to—together. Campers collaborated across instruments and experience levels on “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” “Top of the World,” and a reimagined “Edelweiss,” before heading into the Theater District for our final adventure: a Broadway tour.

The Next Song Is Waiting: Summer 2027

Summer 2026 may be ending, but we're already planning eight new themed weeks for Summer 2027, with new music, new performances, new adventures, and even more opportunities to create together.

Families can now join our 2027 Summer Camp Early Bird List to be among the first to know when registration opens.

Join the 2027 Summer Camp Early Bird List

Thank you for an unforgettable Summer 2026. See you in 2027!