Want to have an opportunity to grow as a musician and connect with other double reed players this summer? Bassoonist Amelia Walker has compiled a list of music summer camps in Canada from June to August 2026! With the exception of Brooke Valley Bassoon Days, all camps listed are open to both oboe and bassoon players.
Rusty Musicians Summer Camp
July 8-12, 2026 | Edmonton, Alberta
For Ages 18+
Are you a musician who hasn't picked up their instrument in a while? Or maybe you practice regularly, but you’re looking for an opportunity to play in an ensemble and learn from established players?
For five days every summer, adult musicians from Edmonton and surrounding communities come together to play, rehearse, learn and connect in an intensive and fun environment at the Winspear Centre. With expert instruction from members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and other professional musicians, this camp provides a unique opportunity for classes, rehearsals, and sectional instruction.
$699
Food and accommodation are not included
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Bandology
Multiple Weeks July - August | Kitchener-Waterloo Region, ON
Bandology’s annual Band Camp is a week-long day camp for keen music students in grades 7-12 who want to improve their musical skills in the summer. Led by some of the best conductors, clinicians, and music teachers in southern Ontario, teenage campers at Band Camp enjoy using top-notch music facilities to participate in warm-ups and chorales, break out into sectionals and small groups, and rehearse as a full concert band. There’s also lots of fun with games, camp projects, and team-building activities.
Not quite ready for the full experience? Band Camp Junior is designed for campers in grades 1-6, who have no musical background or very little. Campers will have fun with hands-on introductory workshops with some cool instruments and experience a wide variety of music styles.
Cost:
$395 (Band Camp)
$295 (Band Camp Junior)
Food and accommodation are not included
Acadia Summer Music Academy
July 5-11, 2026 | Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Designed for musicians ages 10 and up, where all styles, skill levels, and backgrounds are welcome. Whether you are starting out, hoping to get a head start on the skills you will need for the upcoming school year, or looking for more performance opportunities, there is a program for you! The following programs are available:
Haley Band (Grade 5): For students with no prior experience who want to learn an instrument!
MacKay Band (Grades 6-7): Perfect for developing musicians looking to build their confidence and technique.
Harvey Band (Grades 8-9): A great fit for those ready to take on more advanced repertoire.
Maritime Youth Wind Ensemble (Grades 10-12): Our top-level ensemble for experienced young musicians.
Community Band (Ages 19+): Open to adult musicians of all levels looking to play, learn, and connect.
Cost:
Camp Program Only: $550
Camp with Residence Accommodations and Meals: $850-900
National Music Camp
August 15-22, 2026 (Junior), August 23-30, 2026 (Senior) | Orillia, Ontario
Cost (includes tuition, food, and accommodations):
$1250
Tune Up! HPYO Summer Intensive Program
August 18-21, 2026 | Hamilton, Ontario
Tune Up! is the perfect opportunity for young musicians to try the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
Tune Up! for Beginners is a brand-new program this year and available for those who are new to their instrument and want an intensive opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and experience. This is a half-day program, ages 8+, 0-2 years of experience on an instrument.
Cost:
$225
Optional Instrument Rental: $25
Food and accommodation are not included
Tune Up! Juniors/Intermediate will get you back in shape for the start of the school year. . Players will receive full orchestra rehearsals, sectionals with HPO coaches, enrichment workshops, and wellness sessions. This is a full-day program, ages 10+, 2+ years of experience on an instrument.
Looking for volunteer experience? The Tune Up! Leadership Program for senior musicians considering a future in music. The Leadership Program players will then act as mentors for our two Tune Up! programs, putting what they have learned into practice while gaining community involvement hours that they can use towards their Ontario Secondary Diploma. Application, audition, and interview are required.
Squawk Camp
June 9th-15th, 2026 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Imagine a week where every musician you meet shares your passion for double reeds. This isn't just another music camp—it's where technique meets inspiration, and community becomes family. Run by Erin Brophey, Squawk Camp gives participants the opportunity to receive private lessons, ensemble coaching, and attend reed making workshops. The faculty includes Melissa Tremblay, Stephanie Unverricht, and Erin Brophey. Open to adult avocational players, university students, educators, and serious high school students.
Cost:
$850
Food and accommodation are not included
VSO School of Music: Summer Band Camp
July 6-10, 2026 | Vancouver, British Columbia
Dive into a week of fun and engaging ensemble playing! This immersive, non-auditioned band camp is designed for students eager to strengthen their large ensemble skills, build musical confidence, and experience the excitement of collaborative music-making in a supportive and inspiring environment. Mentored by VSO School of Music Faculty, students will have the opportunity to play and attend large ensemble rehearsals, participate in masterclasses, sectionals, workshops, and put on a final performance at the Annex Theatre. Ages 13+.
Brooke Valley Bassoon Days
August 10-16, 2026 | Otty Lake, Ontario
Run by Richard Hoenich and Jo Ann Simpson, Brooke Valley Bassoon Days (BVBD) is hosted at Camp Shomria. Camp Shomria is located one hour from Ottawa and halfway between Toronto and Montreal. Participants will have the opportunity to receive private lessons from amazing faculty, attend and participate in masterclasses, make reeds, and participate in large and small ensembles. Players of all abilities and all ages are welcome to attend.
BVBD also offers The Baroque Experience: Historical Bassoons @ BVBD. Participants will be able to attend a series of masterclasses devoted to historical bassoon and information related to early music performance.
Participants can choose to participate in the modern bassoon program, the baroque bassoon program, or both!
Cost (includes tuition, food, and accommodations):
$1622
Conclusion
Spanning from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, these programs reflect the wide range of musical opportunities available across Canada. Summer camps offer musicians of all ages and playing abilities the chance to connect with the broader double reed and classical music communities, develop new skills, and gain valuable performance experience. Whether attending for the first time or returning as a more advanced player, there is always something new to learn and opportunities to grow as a musician.