Violin - Piano - Cello - Guitar - Musical Theatre - Early Childhood -Adult Cultural programs
Your child's musical abilities will flourish in our focused intensive program designed for every level—
from enthusiastic beginners to accomplished advanced musicians (Ages 7–18 | Suzuki and Non-Suzuki Students Welcome)
In small classes with exceptional individual attention, your child will have a magical moment where they realize just how far they've come in one incredible week July 20-24, 2026
IMAGINE YOUR CHILD'S WEEK
In small classes with exceptional individual attention, your child will deepen their mastery of their current instrument while discovering new musical horizons. By Friday, they'll take the stage in our spectacular concert finale for family and friends — a magical moment where they realize just how far they've come in one incredible week.
But this week isn't all serious practice — your child will also make lasting friendships with fellow music lovers, enjoy outdoor breaks and active games, explore creative electives like art and step dance, and experience the energy of learning alongside peers who share their passion. They'll come home each day inspired, socially energized, and genuinely happy.
Led by Camp Director Christy Hodder (B.Mus.Ed., Founder of Scotia Suzuki School) and Assistant Director Sia Xi (B. Mus. Engineering), with guest artist Toria Aidoo teaching our African Music, Song & Dance cultural experience.
IS THIS CAMP RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
This camp is perfect if your child:
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Already plays an instrument and wants to get noticeably better in one focused week
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Is looking for a musical challenge with peers who share their passion
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Wants to explore new musical styles — this year featuring African music with guest artist Toria Aidoo
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Would love the thrill of performing in a real concert for family and friends
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Is anywhere from a keen beginner to an advanced player — we group by level so everyone is comfortable and challenged
Our intensive camp is one of the largest arts camps in Halifax — but it also has one of the highest teacher-to-student ratios of any camp in the city. Even with 80+ campers, your child's classes are small and personal, and every student gets real individual attention. It's the energy of a big camp with the care of a small one.
Students should bring their own instrument. If you need to rent, Long & McQuade is right next door.
WHAT YOUR CHILD'S WEEK LOOKS LIKE
Here's a peek at a typical day at Music Intensive Camp:
☀️ FREE Early Drop-Off (8:00 – 9:00 AM) Supervised free play, board games, and creative warm-ups — a relaxed start for early arrivals. Some campers use this time to help build scenery for the Friday Concert Finale!
🎵 Welcome & Warm-Up (9:00 – 9:30 AM) The whole camp gathers to start the day together with energy and focus.
🎻 Main Instrument Class (9:30 – 10:30 AM) Small-group instruction on your child's primary instrument — grouped by level so every student is comfortable and challenged. This is where the real musical growth happens.
🍎 Snack Break (10:30 – 11:00 AM) Time to refuel and connect with new friends.
🌍 African Music, Song & Dance with Guest Artist Toria Aidoo (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) An inspiring cultural experience — your child discovers rich rhythms, beautiful melodies, and the traditions that connect us all through the universal language of music.
🥪 Lunch, Outdoor Games & Free Time with Friends (12:00 – 1:00 PM) Packed lunch (nut-free, please!) followed by outdoor play, group games, and time to relax and socialize.
🎶 Electives — Your Child Chooses! (1:00 – 2:30 PM) Campers build their own schedule from options like composition, fiddle with Ben Rutz, piano/guitar accompaniment, art, and step dance. Something for every interest.
🎼 Ensemble Rehearsal & Concert Prep (2:30 – 3:30 PM) The thrill of making music together — your child works with fellow campers to prepare pieces for the Friday Concert Finale. This is where they discover the magic of ensemble playing.
🌟 Cool-Down & Reflection (3:30 – 4:00 PM) A chance to wind down, share highlights from the day, and get ready for pick-up.
🌟 FREE Late Pick-Up (4:00 – 5:00 PM) Board games, quiet activities, and supervised hang-out time for families who need a little extra flexibility. No extra charge!
THIS YEAR'S CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: AFRICAN MUSIC, SONG & DANCE
Your child will experience 1–2 inspiring African music classes each day with guest artist Toria Aidoo, discovering the rich rhythms and beautiful traditions that unite us all through the universal language of music. Students develop both musical skill and cultural appreciation in our welcoming community.
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTIVES
Our comprehensive program offers violin, cello, guitar, piano, and musical theatre instruction. Students also choose electives to build their own schedule — options include composition, piano/guitar accompaniment, fiddle, art, and step dance. Please note that some elective classes may have a waitlist due to our small class sizes. Classes are filled on a first-come basis.
FRIDAY CONCERT FINALE
During the week, campers will be preparing a special performance to share what they've learned. On the last day of camp (July 24th), families are invited to join us for our Friday Concert Finale. It will take place at pick-up time (4:00 PM). Your child will share everything they've been working on all week — and you'll see that spark of pride when they realize what they've created.
Ready to give your child this transformative, intensive musical experience? Join our wait list now. Spaces are limited and registration will open FIRST to those on the wait list.
MORE THAN MUSIC
Between instrument classes, ensemble rehearsals, and cultural experiences, your child's week includes outdoor breaks, active games, creative electives, and plenty of time to bond with fellow campers. They'll build friendships with kids who share their love of music — connections that often last well beyond camp week.
"Our summer camp experience at Scotia Suzuki School was such a blessing! The camp was an amazing way to keep fresh with our repertoire and also add some fun pieces too — plus the social aspect of music and the cultural class that changes every summer is truly incredible. If anyone can do a camp, I cannot stress enough how beneficial it can be for a young musician!"
— Kasia, camp parent
WHAT TO BRING:
— Your child's own instrument
— Packed lunch and snacks (NUT-FREE camp)
— Full water bottle
— Comfortable clothes for movement activities
Camp runs 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily.
REGISTRATION & PRICING
$397 per week
FREE Extended Care for Halifax Families — Included With Every Registration!
Summer schedules are complicated enough. We never want you stressed about rushing through Halifax traffic to make pick-up, and we'll never charge you extra just because your workday doesn't match camp hours.
Early Drop-Off (8:00 – 9:00 AM): Your child starts the day with supervised free play, board games, and creative warm-up activities.
Late Pick-Up (4:00 – 5:00 PM): After the main camp program ends, your child enjoys quiet time, games, and collaborative projects (like helping build scenery for the Friday Concert Finale!) until you arrive.
Included FREE with every registration. Just let us know your needs on the registration form.
Financial assistance: We strive to provide an inclusive space for all participants. If you have financial considerations, please email scotiasuzukievents@gmail.com — we'd love to help.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation requests must be received a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of camp, to qualify for a 50% refund of camp fees. A full refund can only be processed if cancellation requests are received within 7 days after your registration. An administration fee of $25 will apply to ALL cancellations.
Please note that some discipline classes could be full and have a waitlist. We keep all classes a small size for maximum learning. Classes will be filled at a first come basis as well as how they fall in the daily schedule.
EASY LOCATION
Simple enrollment and 37 convenient parking spots right behind our building at 6141 Chebucto Road!
We've made it easy for busy Halifax families to get to camp without stress.
Why Families Choose Our Music Intensive Camp
Item 1 — Professional Suzuki-Trained Instructors Your child learns from real musicians with professional training — not summer students. Our teachers bring the same exceptional quality to camp that families experience in our year-round programs.
Item 2 — Small Class Sizes, Individual Attention Every child is seen, celebrated, and supported. Our small teacher-to-student ratios mean your child won't get lost in the crowd.
Item 3 — Cultural Enrichment Beyond Music This year's African Music, Song & Dance experience with guest artist Toria Aidoo gives your child a global perspective through the universal language of music.
Item 4 — A Real Music School, Not Just a Day Camp Scotia Suzuki School of Music has been Halifax's home for exceptional music education for over 9 years, serving 250+ students with 25+ teachers. Camp is an extension of everything we do best.
Item 5 — Friday Concert for Family and Friends Your child takes the stage to share everything they've learned — a proud, magical moment for the whole family.
Build confidence, develop performance skills, and uplevel your current playing—
with exceptional teachers giving individual attention that honors who you are, how you learn, and the pace you want to take
Ready to Elevate Your Piano Experience?
Ready to uplevel your piano experience with multiple performing opportunities like you haven't had in the past? Where you're celebrated for your unique talents and supported through every challenge as we build on what you've already learned?
Welcome to Scotia Suzuki—where piano becomes a powerful part of your life story, with regular concerts, goal-setting that allows you to grow at your own speed, and building on your existing skills to take them to the next level.
New to Music? Start with Discovery Camp!
Our Music Discovery Camp (July 13–17) is perfect for beginners who want to explore piano, violin, singing and creative arts — no experience needed! We provide all instruments and supplies.