By Kena Herod

Helping your child develop and hold on to a love a music can pose some challenges. Many kids beg to start an instrument but then won’t practice. Or maybe your child already has such a busy roster of extracurricular activities that adding one more is out of the question. But when life slows a bit in the summer, savvy parents may want to check out the various camps around Montreal that offer either an introduction to music or more specialized instruction for intermediate players. These programs offer a low-stress way for kids to start creating their own music. 

McGill Conservatory Day Camp 
Music, music and more music could be the slogan on the McGill Conservatory Day Camp, which offers programs ranging from a general introduction to music and arts (Camp Artemusik) to specialized programs in orchestra, percussion, choir and musical theatre. 
Young rockers may be intrigued by the Garage Band Camp whereby those who have some musical experience can audition for placement in a rock band. (Kids already in a band can audition as a group.) Band members work on a song (three hours of practice a day) and attend workshops to learn about life as a rock musician with an emphasis on learning to communicate with your band mates and tips for promoting your group. At the end of the session, all the bands will perform in a show.
Programs are offered at different times throughout the summer, with most being held at the converatory’s downtown building. 

Dates: June 29—August 21 
(but check the website for dates 
of specific programs)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., before 
and after care available from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 5-17 (for Garage Band Camp 12 & up)
Prices: $145 to $655, depending on the program selected ($50 required to audition for Garage Band Camp and Orchestra Camp) 
Registration: Call (514) 398-5505 or go to www.mcgill.ca/conservatory-camp
Location: Schulich School of Music of McGill University Strathcona Music Building, 555 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal.

Rhythm Exchange
Campers can delve into the world of percussion during Rhythm Exchange’s two-week sessions. Participants will have lessons on drumming, with an emphasis on African traditions, as well as dance classes, capoeira (a martial art) and arts and crafts. They will also build simple instruments. The camp takes place at Rhythm Exchange’s studio near the Lachine Canal and campers can register for half or full days. 

Dates: July 6-17 and August 3-14
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
with before and after care available
Ages: 6 and up
Prices: Starting at $250 a week 
for a half day program
Registration: Call (514) 931-2844 or visit www.rhythmexchange.com.
Location: 2250 Pitt St., Montreal. 

Vivienne Deane Studio
Local singer, songwriter and vocal coach Vivienne Deane is offering an eclectic program of music, including percussion and recorder as well as singing and dance at her new summer camp. Children ages 6-12 can register for one or two week sessions. The camp takes place at Deane’s studio in N.D.G. Campers will participate in a choir, try their hand at songwriting, play an instrument and do outdoor game and activities. Campers must bring a recorder as well as a lunch each day (but snacks will be provided).

Dates: July 6-17 (ages 6-8), July 20-31 (ages 8-10), Aug. 10-21 (ages 10-12)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ages: 6-12
Prices: $200 per week, 
$375 for two weeks
Registration: Call (514) 487-6835 or visit www.viviennedeane.com.
Location: 6525 Somerled, N.D.G.

Lambda School of Fine Arts
Budding musicians on the West Island can check out the summer camp programs offered at Lambda School of Fine Arts in Pierrefonds. Children will be introduced to music and fine arts while those with experience playing various instruments can take part in more specialized programs and get individual instruction. Campers are taught by professional musicians and artists who use hands-on activities to help young people delve into and appreciate the arts, including dance and drawing. 
Dates: June 29-July 24 (sessions are two-weeks each)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with after camp care available until 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 to 13
Prices: $650 for a two-week session if paid before May 1, otherwise $750. 
Registration: Call (514) 697-9991 or go to www.lambdaarts.ca for the brochure and application. 
Location: 4989 des Sources Blvd., Pierrefonds.

Camp Jam
At Camp Jam, your kid will have a chance to make noise — lots of it — in a rock band. The camp run by a U.S. based company, accepts kids ages 7 to 17 from all musical backgrounds and levels, including beginners. Campers are divided into groups by age, with Kidz Camp for ages 7-10 and Camp Jam for ages 11-17. In both cases, campers become “musicians” in various bands, and then each group works on a song, picks a band name, creates a logo and learns about the music business. Campers also receive instruction in the instrument of their choice (guitar, drum, bass, keyboard, voice) from professional musicians. On the last day of camp, kids perform in a rock concert open to family and friends.

Dates: July 20-24
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Kidz Camp and until 5 p.m. for Camp Jam 
Ages: 7-17
Prices: Camp Jam Kidz (7 - 10) $425 US and Camp Jam (11 - 17) $549 US 
Registration: Call (800) 513-0930 or visit www.campjam.com/montreal.html 
Location: Beaconsfield United Church, 202 Woodside Rd., Beaconsfield.