About
The M2 Summer Music Camp
Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County on the Midland nature-based School campus, the M2 Summer Camp (July 11th- 26th 2026) offers a two-week, world-class general music education for students ages 6–18, alongside an exciting outdoor experience. Our students come from a variety of musical backgrounds to study with world class concert artists, and enjoy a curriculum consisting of musical ensemble, drum-line, general music theory, dance and drama, paired with a robust physical and outdoor education program. Our student body includes both local and non-local students, and this year we are pleased to offer an optional on-site sleep-away experience for all participants, including those from the local area.
At the core of our curriculum is the process of preparing for an onstage performance where all students will have featured roles in the final M2 Showcase on Saturday July 25th 2025. We strongly encourage family and friends to be present at this event, and can help to assist visiting families with accommodation and travel arrangements.
Students can also elect to receive private lessons on a chosen instrument. Afternoons consist of outdoor activities, outdoor skills development, and participating in organized sports. Our ultimate goal is to help our students develop into resilient, empathetic, and courageous individuals through the careful fostering of their musical interests.
Not only will students have the opportunity to meet and work with peers from around the local community, but interact with students coming from around the country and abroad participating in our M2 Piano Intensive Program and M2 Camp Boarding Program. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about other musical and cultural perspectives from students of a similar age.
Prior musical training is not necessary to participate in this program as students will be assigned groups based on ability. Thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors and donors our tuition is already subsidized but further financial aid is available.
For students traveling from other cities, supervised travel may be available. Please indicate interest on your application forms. Students should look to fly into Santa Barbara, or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). On supervised flights, airport transport will also be arranged.
Earlybird Applications Available now!
Apply before March 1st to receive an automatic 10 percent discount off total tuition and boarding fees!
Boarding and Pastoral Care
Students attending the Sleep-Away program live in Midland’s iconic double cabins with access to practice pianos and an abundance of campus facilities. Our boarding program balances student independence with careful guidelines to ensure their safety and readiness to fully conquer each day. Each Boarder will also meet with program directors to receive a dedicated academic and personal plan to ensure that their time spent at M2 is a fulfilling experience. Meals are served in the on-campus dining hall and highlights local produce- some of which is grown on-site.
During the weekends, Boarders may elect to study instruments privately as well as take part in supervised off-campus excursions. Students will also have access to additional seminars and musical experiences, attend faculty recitals and explore the Santa Ynez Valley.
Multiple on-site Resident Coordinators will be available at all times to take care of student needs, and equipment is provided to ensure regular home communication. Parents are welcome to arrange visits to campus at any time, and may collect students for pre-arranged evenings.
For students with religious affiliations, Muffin Music is proud to have strong partnerships with various local church congregations and other religious worship groups. During student intake, we can work with families to create a spiritual plan for each Boarder if desired.
what's included
M2 Day Camp
- Music theory/Musicianship classes
- Group masterclasses and workshops
- Ensemble rehearsals
- Movement classes
- Theater and speaking from the stage workshops
- Writing workshops
- Outdoor sports and activities
- Instruments can be provided as needed
Private lessons with any of our instructors can also be offered for an additional rate of $100/lesson.
M2 Sleep-Away Camp
- 3 meals/day plus a snack
- Weekend excursions
- Evening games and activities
- Access to all practice spaces
- Music theory/Musicianship classes
- Group masterclasses and workshops
- Ensemble rehearsals
- Movement classes
- Theater and speaking from the stage workshops
- Writing workshops
- Outdoor sports and activities
- Instruments can be provided as needed
sample schedule
Sample Day
7:00am: Wake up time for students. Morning routine for younger students will consist of bed-making and getting ready for the day
8:00am: Breakfast (boarding students)
9:00am – Day Camp Student Arrive
9:15 - 10:30am: Drum-line/Percussion
Break
10:45am – 12:15pm: Instrumental Ensembles
12:30pm – 1:15pm: Lunch
1:15pm – 2:15pm: Outdoor or Sports Activity
Break
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Dance Class
3:30pm – 5:00pm: Afternoon excursion, supervised instrument practice, or 1:1 lessons
5:00pm: Day Camp Student Pickup
Free Time
6:30pm: Dinner (boarding students)
7.15- 8pm: Evening music theory games, supervised instrument practice, or free time
8- 10pm: Game Night for older students! Staggered bedtime for students of different age groups with structured night time routines for younger students.
10pm: Final Lights Out