Community Programs
EXPLORE MUSIC AT EMF
It’s never too early to nurture young musicians. The Explore Music at EMF camps cater to a young child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn. Led by The Music Academy of North Carolina’s music education specialists, Explorers enjoy interaction with EMF faculty and students. Each day campers explore and discover music through a variety of activities including instrument demonstrations, instrument making and playing, singing and a unique introduction to melody, harmony and rhythm. All children are welcome to register, and acceptance is not based on musical experience. Each student will receive two complimentary tickets to an EMF orchestral performance.

EMF Welcomes EMF Explorers in 2024!
Curriculum and instructors are provided by The Music Academy of North Carolina. For more information about MANC’s summer camps, including registration and daily schedules, visit musicacademync.org/camps-more or contact by email camps@musicacademync.org or by phone at (336) 379.8748 Ext. 104
The Music Academy of North Carolina is a non-profit community music school, committed to enabling students of all ages, interests, abilities and backgrounds to discover, develop, realize and express their inherent talents.
Enrollment on a first-served basis. This includes tuition, a goodie bag, two tickets to the fun and popular EMF Family Night Concert, and supplies.
About EMF Explorers Camp
Explorers receive an introduction to classical music and the orchestra through hands-on learning. Experienced instructors provide a kid-friendly and creative approach to music through instrument demonstrations, orchestra rehearsal visits, making and playing instruments, singing, and engaging activities with melody, harmony, and rhythm. Campers will be up-close and personal with some of the nation’s top student orchestral musicians.
Open to children ages 4 to 5 (week 1) and 6 to 8 (week 2).
Camp Dates
Week 1: Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12 | Open to children ages 4-5
Week 2: Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19 | Open to children ages 6-8
Where
The first four days of EMF Explorers are located at the Guilford College campus, the home of the Eastern Music Festival. The final day is held at The Music Academy of North Carolina.
Tuition
$160 (Includes two tickets to the Thursday evening EMF concert!)
Please note: Returning students may be placed on a waiting list.
Registration
Visit the Music Academy of North Carolina camp registration pages to register for 2024 EMF Explorers Camps.
Typical Daily Schedule
9:00 – 9:30 | Circle time for making music-singing, listening, and playing instruments |
9:30 – 9:45 | Individual instrument demonstration by EMF faculty or staff |
9:45 – 10:15 | Hands-on experience with orchestra instruments |
10:15 – 10:35 | Snack break |
10:35 – 10:45 | Music through movement |
10:45 – 11:05 | Visit the orchestra |
11:05 – 11:30 | Ensemble development using percussion instruments |
11:30 – 12:00 | Circle time for making music-singing, listening, and playing instruments |

Experiential Learning
EMF EXPLORERS campers experience music in a variety of ways. Campers will:
- Sing age-appropriate songs while tapping or playing the beat on rhythmic instruments
- Learn characteristics of each family of instruments through demonstration, listening, and conversation
- Explore music through movement
- Learn basic rhythmic notation by writing and feeling rhythmic patterns
- Create speech and rhythmic ensembles
- Discuss and explore the characteristics of music through movement, playing instruments, and listening to music
Visits to the Orchestra and Instrument Family Demonstrations
EMF explorers take daily trips to the orchestra to watch and listen to our professional conductors and student musicians, and also meet 1-on-1 with an EMF musician who will give a demonstration and lesson on one of the four instrument families (strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion).