Music Jobs at Summer Camps in the USA
Music jobs at summer camps are a perfect fit for working musicians, music students, and educators who want to share the joy of making music with eager young performers. From traditional sleepaway camps with weekly campfire singalongs and band programs to specialty performing arts residential camps running orchestras, choirs, and rock bands, music staff power some of the most heartfelt moments of any summer at camp.
As a music instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach instruments, vocals, music theory, and ensemble playing while running daily lessons, rehearsals, and showcases. You’ll often coach camper bands, lead jam sessions, and partner with theater and drama staff on musical productions. Many co-ed residential camps run robust music programs spanning multiple genres and ensembles, giving multi-instrument instructors a packed and varied summer.
What does a music instructor at summer camp do?You’ll teach instruments, vocals, theory, and ensembles while running daily lessons, rehearsals, and showcases. Most sleepaway camps with music programs run daily music throughout the summer camp season.
What background works best for music jobs at sleepaway camps?Music degrees, gigging experience, private teaching backgrounds, and music education credentials are all great fits. Comfort with kids and across multiple instruments matters most at residential camps with broad music programs.
Do summer camps provide instruments?Most overnight camps with music programs maintain camp instruments — guitars, drum kits, keyboards, and basic band instruments. Instructors are usually encouraged to bring personal instruments for performance and teaching at the sleepaway camp.
What does the pay look like for music jobs at summer camps?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and credentials. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which makes the overall summer camp package noticeably more valuable than the base figure.
Can international musicians work at summer camps?Yes — many residential camps hire international music instructors through J-1 programs like Camp America, CCUSA, and Camp Leaders. Musicians from around the world regularly teach at co-ed sleepaway camps every summer.
Browse Summer Camp Music Jobs for 2027
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2027
End Date: August 31, 2027
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Music Staff (Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Vocals, and Music Production) for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 3-8 campers in a variety of classes. Camper-led bands rehearse each day and perform in our Rock show at the end of each session. For behind the scenes talent, we have a recording studio where we teach engineering and music production skills. Additionally, the music staff play songs on stage together (forming their own band) so there is an opportunity for you to play all summer! We also encourage you to bring your own ideas to the program. If you are a multi-instrumentalist or music production specialist, apply today!
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Chipinaw and Silver Lake are hiring for summer ! Thank you for your interest in working at Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake. Our summer camp is only as good as the staff it hires. That is why we search the globe for the most experienced and enthusiastic staff members we can find, from England to…