Oakville – July/August 2024

Summer Music Camps

The GTA’s favourite kids and youth music camps are back with 7 weeks of fun! From Music Theatre activity camps to instrumental camps, to production and songwriting, there’s truly something for everyone.

With end-of week performances for everyone and before and after-care available, this is your one-stop shop for a week of musical fun!

FAQ / Parents Guide ENROL ONLINE

Interested in Volunteering? We’d Love To Have You!

14 CAMPS TO CHOOSE FROM

MUSIC THEATRE /  THEMED ACTIVITY CAMPS

From $25/week*

BROWSE CAMPS

Ages 4-12

Mini Music Camp
Ready, Set, Action
Broadway Bootcamp
New Merriam Choir

BEGINNER
INSTRUMENTAL CAMPS

From $75/week*

BROWSE CAMPS

Ages 7-14

Ukulele
Guitar
Violin
Percussion

EXPERIENCED INSTRUMENTAL CAMPS

From $75/week*

BROWSE CAMPS

Ages 8-16

Piano
Ukulele
Guitar
Rock Band

PRODUCTION & SONGWRITING CAMPS

From $75/week*

BROWSE CAMPS

Ages 12-16

Songwriting
Music Production

 

PRICING & DETAILS


Themed / Musical Theatre Camps

MINI MUSIC CAMP

These one-week long full day camps are a fun introduction to music for your young ones! Campers will spend their time singing, and playing hand-held percussion instruments, movement activities and musical stories that help children connect with early music learning.

Campers will also participate in a daily arts and crafts period creating crafts that tie in to the theme of the week. Team building activities are encouraged to promote friendship and fun. There will typically be 30 minutes of outdoor play per day on-site, weather permitting. All musical numbers will be performed at the end of the week in a creative performance for friends and family! Sign up for multiple weeks to participate in different themes!

DATES & PRICING

Theme: Under The Sea

July 8-12

Theme: Under The Sea

July 15-19

Theme:A Sweet Tooth

July 22-26

Theme: A Sweet Tooth

July 29-August 2

Theme: A Sweet Tooth

August 5-9*

Theme: Video Game

August 12-16

Theme: Video Game

August 19-23

*Camp runs on Civic Monday


Open To Public Price: $310
Merriam Student Discount: $279

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $25

Eligibility Requirements:


Ages 4-5, no exceptions.
Campers must be potty trained.
No performance experience required.

Enrol Online

Ready, Set Action Camps

These one-week long camps are a fun introduction to music for kids! Campers will have an opportunity to use various musical instruments such as xylophones and boomwhackers. Campers will learn to sing along with basic choreography. They will also participate in a daily arts and crafts where they will create crafts that tie in to the theme of the week. Team building activities are encouraged to promote friendship and fun. There will typically be 1 hour of outdoor play per day, weather permitting. Sign up for multiple weeks to participate in different themes!

DATES & PRICING


Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


Open to Ages 6-8 
No performance experience required

Enrol Online

Broadway Bootcamp

Campers in this one week intensive program will explore the building blocks of musical theater, including scene studies, character work, and standard musical theater choreography. The week will culminate in a showcase on the Friday with ensemble and featured roles for all participants. This year’s showcase theme will be “Modern Broadway”, with performances from Dear Evan Hansen, Six: The Musical, Hamilton, and more!

DATES & PRICING

Enrol Online

NEW Vocal Choir Camp!

We’ve got a brand new camp for you! This week of music-making will give students of all musical abilities the opportunity to work with various mentors in both large ensembles, as well as small group settings to sing, play, learn, and have fun! This camp is designed for those who love singing so they can build choral skills, explore sound with various instruments, and to find even more new reasons to love making music, all while meeting new friends! Music reading is not a requirement, but is a plus! Campers will also enjoy arts & crafts, outdoor time and various team building games. 

DATES & PRICING

Eligibility Requirements:


Open to Ages 7-12
No experience required

Enrol Online

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Beginner Instrumental Camps

NEW Beginner Violin Camp!

Created by popular demand, this exciting string ensemble camp is sure to be the highlight of your child’s summer! Campers will learn all the basics for learning how to play the violin – from learning the various parts of the violin, proper posture, and technique. They will learn the history of the violin, how to produce proper tone, improvise, play solos, duets (register with a friend!), and ensemble repertoire! Daily activities include ensemble and private instruction with our own Merriam Music teachers, and group games geared towards building their musical skills. Bring family and friends to the Friday’s performance as it will showcase the exciting repertoire they have learned only within the week!

DATES & PRICING

July 15-19 *FULL

(One week only)

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


Open to Ages 8-14
No experience required

Campers must bring their own violin! Please make arrangements in advance to purchase or rent a violin.

Enrol Online

Beginner Percussion Camp!

This camp is designed for students interested in learning how to play percussion instruments! Campers will have the opportunity to develop their sticking technique and be exposed to percussion playing in an ensemble format. Campers will sample playing on the snare drum, cymbals, a variety of drums, cow bells and more! Hone your technical skills while having fun learning new styles of music with others your age. Team building activities are encouraged to promote friendship and fun. Share the YouTube livestream link with family and friends to see you in action at the end-of-the-week performance!

Already tried our percussion camp previously? Register again to learn more challenging rhythms and technique.

DATES & PRICING

July 29-Aug 2
August 5-9*

(Includes Civic Monday)

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


Open to Ages 8-14
No experience required

Drumsticks and ear plugs required. Both are available for purchase in advance on our online bookstore. 

Enrol Online

Beginner Guitar Camp!

Want to try out the guitar? Come join us for a week of beginner guitar! Campers will focus on the basics of note reading and guitar technique, as well as playing guitar as an ensemble with their first few songs. Team building activities are encouraged to promote friendship and fun. There will typically be 1 hour of outdoor play per day, weather permitting. Show off your progress during the final performance at the end of the week! 

Already tried our guitar camp last summer? Register for Guitar Camp 2.0 and be placed in a group of more experienced campers to learn more challenging songs.

DATES & PRICING

July 8-12
July 22-26
August 5-9*
August 19-23

(*Includes Civic Monday)

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


Open to Ages 8-14
No experience required

Camper must provide their own guitar. Rental information will be made available upon registration. Guitar picks are also highly recommended.

Enrol Online

Beginner Ukulele Camp!

Always wanted to learn how to play the ukulele? Join us for Beginner Ukulele Camp! Learn all about the ukulele and the basic skills for playing your first few songs. Campers will learn the basic chords used in many ukulele songs and they’ll learn how to play popular melodies. The final show at the end of the week will include a few ensemble songs and campers have the opportunity to perform their own solos or small group pop songs. 

Already tried our ukulele camp previously? Register for Ukulele 2.0 and you will be placed in a group of more experienced campers to learn more challenging songs.

DATES & PRICING

July 15-19
July 22-26
August 5-9*
August 12-16
August 19-23

(Includes Civic Monday)

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


 

Open to Ages 7-12
No experience required

Campers are required to provide their own ukulele. Ukulele instruments are available to purchase in advance through our online bookstore. 

Enrol Online

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EXPERIENCED INSTRUMENTAL CAMPS

Guitar Camp 2.0

Already know how to play the guitar? Join us for Guitar Camp 2.0 where our camp staff will teach you more challenging technique and repertoire! Campers will spend their days learning advanced technique and apply them to their favourite songs! They will show off their new skills by the end of the week with an exciting performance you don’t want to miss!

DATES & PRICING

July 29-August 2* 5 spots left

(One week only)

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


 

Open to Ages 8-14
2 Years of Private Lesson Experience

Purchase or rent a guitar prior to the start of camp. 

Enrol Online

Ukulele Camp 2.0

Already know how to play the ukulele? Join us for the 3rd annual Ukulele Camp 2.0 where our camp staff will teach you more challenging technique and repertoire! Campers will spend their days learning advanced technique and apply them to their favourite songs! They will show off their new skills by the end of the week with an exciting performance you don’t want to miss!

DATES & PRICING

July 29-August 2* 2 spots left

(One week only)

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


Open to Ages 8-14
1 year of private lessons or participated in the beginner ukulele camp.

Campers are required to provide their own ukulele. 

Enrol Online

Piano Camp

Come join our piano camps! Campers will learn how to play piano in an ensemble setting, learning group songs and solos. In addition, campers will also take part in activities designed to enhance their enjoyment and interaction with one another in a musical setting. Campers will showcase their songs at the end of the week in an exciting final performance on Friday afternoons! Register for multiple weeks to experience different themes.

Eligibility Requirements:


  • Open to Ages 8-14
  • Keyfest Junior 3 or higher, or has completed 1 year of private instruction
  • Must be comfortable with reading music on the grand staff and be able to play ‘hands-together’
Enrol Online

Rock Band Camp

Get ready to perform in your very own Rock Band! Campers learn how to perform songs in the styles of rock, pop, and funk. Team building activities are encouraged to promote friendship and fun. There will typically be 1 hour of outdoor play per day, weather permitting. Campers will work toward a final performance on Friday afternoons so be sure to invite family and friends to watch and cheer you on from the audience!

DATES & PRICING

July 8 – 12 *piano spots full
July 15 – 19 *drums and piano spots full
August 19 – 23

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


  • Open to Ages 12-16
  • Open to Guitar (electric,) Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Drums and Voice (limited spaces available on each instrument)
  • 2 years minimum of instruction on your chosen instrument
Enrol Online

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PRODUCTION & SONGWRITING

Songwriting 101 Camp

If you think singing and playing music is really fun, imagine how awesome it would be if you wrote the music too! Campers are introduced to the basics of songwriting and with the help of the camp staff, they will create one or more original pieces in a team with other new songwriters in the camp. Each day will have workshops in writing music, music history and improvisation and, of course, there will be time dedicated to rehearsing.  This is a chance to express yourself in a whole new way! 

DATES & PRICING

July 22-26 *5 spots left
August 12-16

Open To Public Price: $360
Merriam Student Discount: $324

Price w/ Summer Lesson Credits: $75

Eligibility Requirements:


  • Ages 12-16
  • All campers must be experienced in singing and have a background in guitar or piano. Basic musical knowledge is required to ensure you get the most out of the Songwriting Camp.
Enrol Online

Music Production Camp

Back by popular demand! Learn the fundamentals of digital music production inside of Merriam’s professional music studio! Discover the endless possibilities of digital music production and learn professional tools to produce your own music in Ableton Live. Harness the power of MIDI to control and sequence virtual instruments, arrange drum beats, chord progressions, basslines and melodies. Learn beat making techniques for contemporary music genres like pop, hip hop and edm. Explore new ways to use music and sound in a film trailer scoring project. Discover the art of mixing and craft your personal projects into streamable hit songs!

DATES & PRICING

August 12-16 *3 spots left
August 19-23

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FAQ’S

Regular camp hours are from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Morning and afternoon extended care are available for an additional $5.00 per morning and afternoon. 

8:00am to 9:00am

Morning Extended Care

9:00am to 9:15am

Sign In

Morning

Camp specific activities (rehearsals, Studio A, Crafts, Outdoor time)

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Lunch and Movie

Afternoon

Camp specific activities (rehearsals, Studio A, Crafts, Outdoor time)

4:30pm to 4:45pm

Sign Out 

4:30pm to 5:30pm

Afternoon Extended Care

General Items:

A Backpack
All campers must wear comfortable clothing
Extra clothing and appropriate shoes for outdoor play
Water bottle (labeled with your child’s name)
Sunscreen and hat
Snacks and a lunch

Camp Specific:

  • Guitar camp – Acoustic guitar (picks are optional but encouraged)
  • Percussion camp – A pair of drumsticks and ear plugs
  • Rock Band Camp – Guitar and bass (keyboard and drums provided)
  • Ukulele camps – Ukulele (picks are optional but encouraged)
  • Piano camp – Headphones

Note: These instruments and materials must be purchased or rented before the start of camp. Our bookstore is currently open online therefore purchases need to be made in advance.

Your child is in a caring and safe environment. We guarantee the safe supervision of your child by having a 1:8 ratio between staff to camper. Our high school volunteers are not included in our ratios and offer extra supervision. Campers will use a ‘buddy system’ for washroom breaks with a staff or volunteer. Campers are supervised at all times during camp hours.

Our camp staff are carefully selected based on their experience, skills, enthusiasm and ability to work with children. All camp staff participate in a mandatory, pre-camp training program covering topics such as leadership, motivation, teamwork, feedback, policies and procedures as well as specifics about camp programs and management expectations. 

All of our camp staff are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR C and have a clear Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Check. Our high school volunteers must complete an interview with the camp director and attend the mandatory pre-camp training.

All our camps will be eating their snacks and lunch outdoors this summer, weather permitting.

Our camps take an outdoor break mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Mini Music campers play in the grass area behind the school while the older children walk with the camp staff to Thorn Lodge Public School to play in their park. In the case of extreme hot weather, precautions will be taken to keep campers hydrated and in cool or air-conditions areas where possible. On rainy or smog alert days, we will minimize outdoor time as necessary.

 

Sign-in Procedures

Monday morning sign-in: All campers will be signed in in their camp homerooms. The room schedule will be posted at the front doors. Parents/guardians must accompany their child inside the building. 

For safety reasons all campers must be signed in and signed out by a parent/guardian or authorized pick-up person only. The parent/guardian may provide written consent for their child to sign themselves in and out. Please note that the parent/guardian or authorized pick-up person will be asked for ID upon pick up each day.

Late Arrivals

It is important that campers arrive each day by their designated times as programming begins right away. Should you arrive later than your designated start time, you must report to the front desk.

 

Early Departures

Should you need to pick up your child early please inform your child’s camp leader during morning drop-off.  Otherwise, you can contact the front desk at 905-829-2020 after 10:00am daily and they can inform the camp leader on your behalf.

Sign-out Procedures 

All campers must be signed out from their camp homeroom by their parent/guardian/authorized pick-up person. Please be on time as late fees will be enforced. As always, photo ID must be presented by those authorized to pick up campers each day.

Regular camp hours are from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Morning and afternoon extended care are available for an additional $5.00 per morning and afternoon. 

8:00am to 9:00am

Morning Extended Care

9:00am to 9:15am

Sign In

Morning

Camp specific activities (rehearsals, Studio A, Crafts, Outdoor time)

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Lunch and Movie

Afternoon

Camp specific activities (rehearsals, Studio A, Crafts, Outdoor time)

4:30pm to 4:45pm

Sign Out 

4:30pm to 5:30pm

Afternoon Extended Care

All camps culminate in a final performance every Friday afternoon between 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Your child’s specific camp performance time will be indicated in your confirmation email. 

All camp performances this year will be live streamed via YouTube. You will receive the live stream link in the camp reminder email. Limited capacity seating will be available in Studio A. 

Purchase a professional quality video of your child’s camp performance for an additional fee of $50.00.  Merriam School of Music students will have their camp performances included in the following year’s video log (must be an active student at the time of distribution).

 

If your child is going to be absent, please inform us by emailing the camp director at summer@merriammusic.com or by calling the school at 905-829-2020. No refunds will be given for days when a camper is absent and missed days cannot be made up. For last minute absences from the camp due to medical reasons before the camp starts may be considered with a doctor’s note.  Once the camp starts there are no refunds. 

 

A full refund will be granted before May 31st, 2024 with no penalty. Starting June 1st, 2024 a percentage of your registration fee will be refunded if you wish to withdraw from camp: 

  • Over 4 weeks’ notice before camp start – 75% refund
  • Over 3 weeks’ notice before camp start – 50% refund 
  • Over 2 weeks’ notice before camp start – 25% refund

For last-minute absences from the camp due to medical reasons before the camp starts can be considered with a doctor’s note.  Once the camp starts there are no refunds.

A refund for the days missed will be considered for any campers with proof of a COVID test with the date indicated. 

All withdrawal and refund requests must be received in writing.

Merriam Music reserves the right to un-register a camper if he or she is deemed to be incompatible with the program. Please see the ‘Discipline’ section for further details. 

Merriam Music reserves the right to cancel or combine individual camps if minimum registration is not achieved. A full refund will be issued in the event of a cancellation due to low enrollment.

To make any changes with your original registration, please email us at summer@merriammusic.com and inform us of the changes you require. All changes are subject to availability. If you wish to add additional weeks to your registration, please go to members.merriammusic.com to register for the additional camp(s).

 

If your child requires any prescription medications (including Asthma Inhalers) or carries an Epi-Pen, please fill out the Medical Information section on the registration form. All prescription medications must be presented to the camp staff at morning sign in. Prescription medications must be in the original pharmacy bottle, labelled with the patient’s name and the physicians ordered dose on the bottle (e.g. pills in Ziploc bags are not accepted). Non prescription/over-the-counter medication, including vitamins and herbal supplements, will not be permitted.

Asthma Inhalers and Epi-Pens will be carried by your child. If you wish to discuss your child’s medications or medical conditions in advance, please contact the Summer Camp Coordinator. Camp staff are not permitted to administer any medication except for Epi-Pen and/or inhalers with permission from the parent.

Merriam Music Inc. reserves the right to decide whether the camper should continue in the program or not when he/she is under any medical condition or special care needs. The decision will be made based on the available staff resources. You will be notified for any further arrangement.

If your child is injured, you will be contacted following notification of the appropriate emergency personnel. Camp staff will administer first aid and complete an incident report. In the event that neither the parents nor the emergency contact can be reached, the camp staff and supervisors will make decisions regarding further medical care, including admission to the hospital and necessary treatment. A waiver form was included in your confirmation email to allow the Camp Director or Camp Staff to authorize all procedures (including admission to the hospital and necessary treatment) in the event of an emergency. All of our camp staff are CPR and First Aid trained.

If your child should become ill while at camp, you will be notified.  We will ask you to pick up your child if they show one or more symptoms compatible with COVD-19 (e.g. fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.). For the well-being of everyone, we ask that campers stay home if they are not well.

 

nutfreeAt Merriam Music, we are very concerned about food and other allergies that affect our campers and staff, particularly where exposure to certain foods can be life threatening. Please inform the camp staff of your child’s allergies and/or dietary restrictions upon registration.

Please note that the school has a ‘NO NUTS’ policy in effect.

Please remember to pack lunches and snacks that will not spoil and a refillable water bottle as campers will be outdoors and active throughout the day. Please remind your child that they are not to share any food with other campers. Adult supervision is provided for all campers over the lunch period and during breaks.

During the 2nd half of their lunch break the campers have the opportunity to enjoy a movie on our large screen in Studio A. It’s just like being in the theatre! 

Pizza Lunch 

This option is available everyday from Monday to Friday. 

Campers will receive 2 slices of either cheese or pepperoni pizza for $5.50/day

Subway Lunch

A healthy Subway sandwich lunch is available on Tuesdays and Thursday ONLY

Options: 6 inch sub = $7.50, 12 inch sub = $10.50

*Gluten-free options available. All lunch options must be pre-paid upon registration.

REMINDER: Our camp is NUT-FREE 

We have campers and staff members with nut allergies so please do not pack nut products. If nut products are brought they will be discarded immediately.

Campers are asked to leave all valuables at home as Merriam Music will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items while at camp . Please label all clothing and belongings. Any items unclaimed by the end of the summer will be donated to charity.

Campers MUST leave the following items at home for safekeeping: Video games/electronics, money, toys from home, and anything you value and do not want others to use or get lost.

For the safety of all our campers, the camp offers a low camper to staff ratio. All camp staff are required to wear their camp ID badges for easy identification. All of our camp staff are trained in First Aid and CPR C. All camp rooms are locked when not in use.

Behaviour Guidelines
It is the goal of Merriam Music to provide a healthy, safe, secure and respectful environment for all campers and staff. All campers are expected to follow the behaviour guidelines and interact appropriately in a group setting. Please review the following Behaviour Guidelines and Program Rules with your child(ren). Your co-operation is greatly appreciated and will help provide a safe, fun, and respectful environment for all campers and staff.

Camp Behaviour Guidelines and Program Rules

●  Campers are expected to participate in all camp activities, follow the directions of the camp staff and stay with their camp group at all times.

●  Campers must be respectful, honest and considerate of other campers, staff, volunteers and guests.

●  Campers must be respectful of Merriam School of Music property, property of other campers, staff or guests.If a child does not follow the behaviour guidelines, the camp staff will take the following steps:

  1. 1st occurrence – Staff will redirect the child to more appropriate behaviour.
  2. 2nd occurrence – The child will be sent to see the Camp Coordinator or School Manager to be reminded of the behaviour rules and parents will be notified by way of an incident report or phone call.
  3. 3rd occurrence – Parent will be contacted immediately by the Camp Supervisor and asked to pick up their child.Merriam Music Camps reserve the right to ask a parent to pick their child up early, temporarily suspend the child from the camp program or expulsion from the program in extreme cases with no refund.

The following are zero tolerance behaviour and will result in the immediate suspension from the camp program with no refund:

➔  Using profanity, vulgarity, obscenity or acting in a lewd manner.

➔  Use of alcohol or drugs.

➔  Verbal or physical abuse of other participants or staff.

➔  Stealing or damaging Merriam Music property or personal property of other campers or staff.

Electronic Mail

If you have any questions or concerns and would like to email the camp coordinator, feel free to do so at:  summer@merriammusic.com

Contacting Your Child During Camp

If you have an emergency and need to contact your child during the camp, call the front desk at:

(905) 829-2020 DIAL 0