The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a classical music camp on the grounds of Valley Forge Military Academy & College in Wayne, taught by faculty that includes members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Students choose among Symphony Orchestra (ages 11-19, with a Junior Symphony for ages 8-10), Solo Performance Preparation, Piano Studies, Chamber Music Intensive, Viola Intensive, and College Audition Preparation (ages 16-19). Two-week sessions run in late June and late July, and campers may enroll as resident (living on campus), extended-day (8:45 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) or day campers (8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m.). It has drawn students from dozens of countries over 25 years, with alumni going on to conservatories such as Curtis and Juilliard.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Philadelphia International Music Festival directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Kimberly HudsonMy daughter absolutely loved her 'virtual' experience with the Philadelphia International Music Festival this summer. Everyone there went above and beyond to make sure the students had a positive and fun learning environment.The level of instruction was top notch! And even though it was virtual, they still managed to make my daughter feel connected, almost as if she were participating physically in person. She felt totally included in the group. Her skills as a young inspiringly violinist improved immensely. She learned how to practice more efficiently, play and work with a pianist, and perform. She loved the masterclasses at night where she either got to watch other young amazing musicians perform or watch some members of the Philadelphia Orchestra perform. Another favorite was being able to meet the students pets during one of the morning meetings! We are most definitely looking forward to more experiences with PIMF, virtual or in person!
★★★★★Celia SieckertMy time with the Philadelphia International Music Festival in the June 2020 session provided me valuable lessons on cello performance, multiple musical perspectives, and confidence in my own abilities as a young cellist. I will say with absolute certainty that the Solo Performance Preparation Program changed the course of what will hopefully become a lifelong music career for the better! Even in a virtual setting, I hold the instructors and faculty in high regard for their hard work, consideration, and passion for music. I strongly recommend PIMF to any aspiring musician as well as any student just seeking an enjoyable and awe-inspiring experience.
★★★★★Teresa BurckhalterMy two granddaughters have attend Philadelphia International Music Festival for 7 years and every year it gets better and better! The musical staff is AMAZING and I can see every year how much my two granddaughters have grown in the music field. My oldest is a classical violinist and loves studying with members from the Philadelphia Orchestra and participating in solo events that PIMF offers. My youngest granddaughter participates in the Opera program and enjoyed putting on shows for the entire camp! I appreciate how Philadelphia International Music Festival staff has become apart of our family and has offered my granddaughters so many great opportunities! This is a amazing camp for your children who love music just as much as my family does!
★★★★★pinner94Summer 2019 was my daughters first year attending the camp. She had amazing time!!!! She loved being around other kids that loved music as mush as she does. She loved her private lessons and chamber group. She had a lot of fun in theory class. She went for one week last year as a commuter, this summer she will staying over for 2 weeks. She can't wait!!!!!
★★★★★Jeannette LoBassoMy daughter had the opportunity to attend this piano program for 2017. Since she was only 7 years old and not knowing what to expect I only signed her up for one week and chaperoned her around the facility. This program was amazing. I was truly blown away by the level of talent that I witnessed. Not only the students, the faculty and teachers were incredible. My daughter was the youngest in the piano program. Everyone else was in their teens. They treated her with so much kindness and respect that it ignited something in her. I witnessed her become even more motivated to improve and perform. Her piano teachers Mr. Sung and Miss Wang were outstanding. They too embraced her for her talent, not her age, and really sharpened her skills in only one week. My daughter is already making plans to go back next year for two weeks. If you have a musically gifted child who seriously wants to improve their craft, meet children like themselves and get instruction by incredibly talented teachers, I highly recommend PIMF.