Can One Week Change a Student's Life?
Happy July, Lutherville Music School Families and Friends!
As another summer of music gets underway, I've found myself thinking back to the summer of 2005.
At the time, I had only been playing guitar for about a year. Like most 14 year olds, I was convinced I knew just about everything... and I had far more important plans for my summer (mostly involving video games!) My guitar teacher encouraged me to try his summer music camp. I wasn't exactly thrilled about giving up a week of summer vacation, but I agreed to attend the open house.
Looking back, that decision changed the course of my life.
During that week, I met friends I'm still close with twenty years later. I wrote and recorded my very first song. More importantly, I discovered what happens when you're surrounded by people who love music as much as you do.
From 9:00 to 5:00 every day, we were immersed in music. We played in bands, wrote songs, performed together, and learned from incredible teachers. But some of my favorite moments weren't even during class. Between rehearsals, we'd sit in the hallways passing guitars back and forth, teaching each other new riffs, learning scales we'd just discovered, and writing songs simply because it was fun.
Nobody had to tell us to practice. We practiced because music had become social!
Without even realizing it, my playing improved dramatically that week. When camp ended, I walked away several levels further up the ladder as a guitarist than when I arrived, but the biggest change wasn't my guitar playing.
It was my confidence. It was the friendships. It was discovering a community where I felt like I belonged!
That one week eventually led me to become a music teacher, work alongside incredible mentors, help develop our band program, and ultimately become the owner of Lutherville Music School.
That's why summer camp means so much to me!
Yes, students learn new musical skills. They write songs, perform, and improve faster than they often expect. But even more importantly, they build friendships, discover new confidence, and create memories that can last a lifetime.
My hope is that every student who attends one of our camps leaves with more than just better musical skills. I hope they leave with the same excitement for music that changed my life over twenty years ago!
Summer Camps Are in Full Swing!
We've had an incredible start to the summer! Young Rockers Camp was completely full, and Piano Camp has just wrapped up after another fantastic week.
Coming up next:
- Flute Camp – July 6–10
- All-Star Rockers Camp – July 13–17
- Baltimore Rock Fest – July 27–31 and August 3–7
Several camps still have openings, and enrollment continues throughout the summer. If you've been thinking about joining us, now is a great time to reserve your spot before the remaining camps fill up!
Fullerton Fireworks Celebration – July 4
Looking for somewhere to celebrate Independence Day? Join us at the Fullerton Fireworks Celebration as our student bands perform beginning at 2:00 PM before the evening's fireworks festivities. We'd love to see you there as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States!
Open Mic Night – July 10 at 7:00 PM
Whether you're a first-time performer or a seasoned veteran, Open Mic is one of the most encouraging events we host all year. We'd love to see you perform or simply come cheer on your fellow musicians.
Looking Ahead: Winterfest 2026
After such an incredible Spring Serenade, believe it or not, it's already time to start thinking about Winterfest!
Please mark your calendars for December 10–13. Sign-up sheets will be available soon, and as always, recital spots fill quickly. Be sure to sign up early to guarantee your preferred time slot!
Thank you for continuing to make Lutherville Music School such an incredible community. Whether you're joining us for lessons, camps, bands, performances, or simply cheering on friends and family, you're helping create the kind of musical home that changed my life years ago, and continues to change lives today.
Have a wonderful July!
-Drew
