The Eastern U.S. Music Camp, conducted on the beautiful Colgate University campus in central New York State, is designed to provide young people between the ages of 11 and 18 opportunities and enrichment in all areas of music. Each student designs their own schedule, participating in groups on one or more instrument and/or voice, all for one fee! Supervised sports, recreational, and social activities are also an integral part of the summer. The total experience is rewarding musically and socially.
This well-balanced program offers students the opportunity to pursue musical studies through individual, class, and group instruction and to perform a wide range of instrumental and choral works in weekly concerts and recitals. The program builds confidence, teaches concentration and offers opportunities for social development. The total musical and social experience has made the Eastern U.S. Music Camp one of the most highly regarded music programs in the country.
Students attend from throughout the United States and around the globe. Students have attended from Spain, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France, Brazil, Guatemala, Singapore, Japan, China, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Colombia and more.
Thomas and Grace Brown founded the Eastern U.S. Music Camp in 1976. It is staffed by certified faculty and carefully selected and qualified counselors. Enrollment is limited in each session to assure students the opportunity for personalized instruction. Highly individualized instruction in a friendly atmosphere is stressed by the professional, nationally-known staff.
The experience is one that will be remembered and valued throughout life in any career.
An internationally acclaimed ASCAP composer with over 400 published compositions, and a respected educator, clinician and musician. Tom believed the Music Camp was a place to emulate, by example, proper ethics in living while teaching excellence in music. While serving as director for more than 35 years he watched many alumni go on to careers as music educators, celebrated composers as well as world-renowned musicians and entertainers. As a result of the student’s musical and social experiences at EUSMC, Tom saw students become more confident and successful in many careers, not only music. Many chose music, seeing him after their Music Camp days, laughing and reminding him of the many good times they had.
“It is an honor and privilege to carry on the work that my husband, Thomas A. Brown began at EUSMC in 1976. My goal is to maintain the same high standards by offering a high-quality music program in a safe, friendly environment, with a dedicated faculty and staff, providing a wonderful time for all. The memories created, and the supportive friends made will be with you for the rest of your lives!”
Eastern U.S. Music Camp is conducted on the campus of Colgate University, located in the town of Hamilton, New York; 10 miles from the geographic center of New York State on Route 12B (approximately 40 miles southeast of Syracuse, NY).
We invite you to visit Colgate University’s website for additional information on Colgate University.
Hamilton, New York
Hamilton is the beautiful home of Colgate University. It is named after the statesman Alexander Hamilton and was recently named one of America’s most friendly towns by Forbes magazine. Founded in 1795 by Elisha Payne and incorporated in 1816, it is a community of about 3,000 residents who enjoy the downtown’s ambiance, art galleries, and restaurants, and who take pride in the village’s beautiful setting, its many gracious old homes, history and public buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Colgate was rated “The most beautiful campus in America” by The Princeton Review. Situated on a 1,100-acre hillside campus in rural central New York State, the campus is accented by a lake and tree-lined walks and drives. Several University buildings date to the 19th and early 20th centuries. The quadrangle on the hill includes Memorial Chapel, modern residence halls, O’Connor Campus Center, and a blend of old and new academic buildings. Also located on the hill overlooking scenic mountains are the Observatory, the Cultural Center and the Frank Dining Hall. Down from the hill are more residence halls, Case-Geyer Library, Dana Arts Center, Ryan Studio, Little Hall, Student Union, Huntington Gymnasium, Trudy Fitness Center, Swimming Pool and the University’s athletic fields.
Brehmer Theater: Concerts, Recitals, Rehearsals, Clinics, Classes, Private Lessons, Workshops. Practice rooms with Steinway pianos
* Rehearsals & Classes
* Picnics & Catered Meals on the patio, Rehearsals, Master Classes
* Snacks, Movies, Post Office
(Computer Lab)
* Located in the village of Hamilton (supervised trips are organized). Basic supplies can be purchased here.
Resident students are housed in modern college dormitories (Boys’ & Girls’) on the beautiful Colgate University Campus. We assign students by age, most living in double rooms, but some may be in triple rooms. Rooms are also grouped by age on the floors, when possible. Counselors reside on the same floors with students. Both dormitories include laundry facilities, lounges with TV and wireless internet access. Additional computer or email access is available at the Case-Geyer Library. Students are requested to bring their own linens & towels. Linens sets are also available to rent at a nominal fee. Roommate requests are always welcome! Click here for a recommended list of what to bring to camp.
Three well-balanced meals, to include a variety of entrees, fresh salad bar, fruit, desserts and an assortment of beverages, are served daily (brunch & dinner on Sunday) by Chartwells in Frank Dining Hall. Chartwells is recognized nationally as a leading contract food service provider serving healthy, nutritious and delicious meals by skilled culinarians. Frank Dining Hall is a modern stone facility, a short walk from the dormitories, providing a bright & intimate atmosphere with wooden tables next to windows overlooking the valley below.
Picnics and catered meals are also served on occasion outside on the patio of the James C. Colgate Student Union.
In addition to the regular menus prepared by the dining service, a healthy variety of vegetarian and vegan options are offered at every meal. Meals for special diets are also available upon request at no additional cost.
Each summer, our nationally renowned faculty guide students through a wide range of musical genres including Jazz, Classical, and Rock. Students are able to customize their own schedule, join instrumental and vocal groups of various levels of ability, and perform in weekly concerts and recitals. With its idyllic setting and non-competitive environment, our camp offers students the opportunity to thrive musically while building lifelong friendships.
A Multitude of recreational activities and amenities are available for the participants to enjoy during their downtime after practicing and attending classes and workshops. Campers will be able to visit the town of Hamilton including the Movie theater and shops (including Maxwells Candy/Ice cream!!), unwind in the beautiful and serene surroundings of the Colgate University campus, and play a variety of outdoor games all while bonding with their fellow campers.
Throughout the camp duration, friendships emerge as the campers share in their passion for music and engage in diverse group activities, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Evening events, such as volleyball tournaments, camper/staff recitals, talent shows, dance parties, and movie nights offer the opportunity for creative expression and relaxation, becoming cherished memories for all.
The health and safety of the students and staff are a top priority at Eastern U.S. Music Camp. Students are supervised 24/7 by certified, experienced music faculty and carefully selected and qualified counselors. Counselors reside on the same floors with students in the dormitories and are readily available at all times for assistance and support in any way.
Emergency and safety procedures are carefully reviewed for all students at the orientation meeting upon arrival. Colgate University Campus Safety Department has officers on duty 24/7 to provide a safe and secure campus environment. The Campus Nurse or Emergency Medical Technician resides on the campus and is always available. In the event of illness or injury requiring additional assistance, students are taken to Community Memorial Hospital, located adjacent to the campus. Parents will be immediately notified of any emergency.
The EUSMC program has been inspected and certified every year by the New York State Department of Health for 47 years.