Singer-Songwriter
Students develop melody, harmony, lyric writing, arranging, and stage presence through group workshops and individualized coaching. Each student writes and arranges original work for live performance.
Core Music introduces students to songwriting and gives them the structure to write, arrange, and perform original songs. Three-week students also record in a professional studio.
Most days are split between craft classes and creation time. Students study music history, theory, business, and recording, then move into writing, rehearsing, and workshopping songs with instructors.
Listening sessions and field trips broaden musical reference points, while collaboration with peers helps students grow as writers and performers. Three-week students also collaborate with Filmmaking to produce a music video.
Studio Recording
Record in industry studios
Three-week students record in professional studios with experienced engineers and instructors.
In New York, students record at Dubway Studios. In Los Angeles, sessions have included Red Gate and Village Studios—legendary spaces used by major recording artists.
Focus
Singer-Songwriter & House Band
House Band
House Band musicians collaborate with singer-songwriters across genres, supporting recordings and live performances while building arranging, rehearsal, and session-musician skills.
Music Video
Bring your songs to screen
Three-week musicians collaborate with SOCAPA filmmakers to produce a music video for an original track. Students shape the concept, shoot, and final cut while working across programs in a true production environment.
Student Work
Watch SOCAPA Music
Recent songs, sessions, and performance highlights from the Music program.
Instrument Notes
- Keyboards are provided.
- House amplifiers and microphones are provided.
- Guitars, basses, and additional amplifiers are not provided.
- Students may bring instruments, which are stored securely in locked studios.
Experience
Students should have a strong passion for music and basic musicianship. Helpful foundations include major and minor scales, key signatures, and time signatures. Basic note reading is useful, but written chord-symbol fluency is most important in this fast-paced program.
Friday Showcases
Perform your music live
Each Friday, students perform the songs they’ve developed during the week for peers, faculty, friends, and family—celebrating progress and building confidence on stage.
What Families Say
Student & Parent Reviews
Read what students and families say about the SOCAPA Music experience.
STUDENT FAVORITE
Read more →
Read hundreds more reviews from families around the world
2026 Summer Intensives
Summer Campuses
Core Music runs in New York City, Los Angeles, and Burlington, Vermont.
Core Music
Choose a Campus & Session
Filter by campus, age, and session length to find the right music intensive.
Manhattan Campus
Campus
Los Angeles
Campus
Burlington, VT
Campus
Questions about Core Music?
Tell us about your student and musical background. We’ll help you choose the best campus, session length, and track.
Toll Free USA: (800) 718-ARTS
Email: info@socapa.org