Musical Minds

NEW! July 1–August 3, 2025

An intensive five-week music and academic program, Musical Minds introduces talented, motivated young musicians to the robust experience of “living and learning” with like-minded peers.

The inaugural summer of Musical Minds will focus on 28 rising 7th- and 8th-grade string musicians (violin, viola, cello, bass) who have significant talent, training, and motivation.

Application deadline: February 1, 2025

Those students accepted to this Summer Session program through our partner organizations could receive full scholarships, enabling them to attend at no cost to their families.

A Unique Music-Academic Experience

Musical Minds—Summer Session’s newest Lower School Institute offering—will be headquartered in the state-of-the-art Falls Music Center, which opened in January 2025. Geared toward students who have displayed a high level of proficiency on their instrument and shown strong academic achievement, the program includes:

  • Daily advanced music instruction (individual and/or group), classes in music theory, ear training, and technology, and interdisciplinary science, math, and literature courses that tie in with the study of music
  • Age-appropriate dorm living and activities that help young students develop self-confidence and independence
  • Exciting field trips to musical and cultural destinations in the Boston area
  • Specialized high school application support for students interested in finding a campus community that can nurture both their musical and academic talents

Learning, Friends, and Plenty of Fun

Students selected for Musical Minds will enjoy their own custom programming designed to advance their musical skills. And as part of Andover Summer they will have a fantastic opportunity to share their love of music with new friends from across the country and around the world.

Students will live in dormitories with their peers, share daily meals at an excellent dining facility, and take part in a wide range of activities and outdoor fun—all guided by a community of trained and caring adults.

Musical Minds takes place on the beautiful campus of Phillips Academy, a renowned private high school located in Andover, Massachusetts.

Musical Minds Director Ray Daniels

Meet the Director of Musical Minds

Ray Daniels, Musical Minds director and conductor, is a Phillips Academy music instructor and wind ensemble director. He is also the music director of the Fall River (Mass.) Symphony Orchestra, cover conductor of the Boston Pops, professor at Berklee College of Music, and lecturer and wind ensemble director at Tufts University.

In 2017, Daniels was invited to conduct the Rhode Island Music Educators Association’s Junior All-State Orchestra. Boston-area guest conducting appointments include the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, Boston New Music Initiative, and Quincy Symphony Orchestra.

Daniels has worked with Germany’s Berlin Sinfonietta and the Czech Republic’s Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the former music director of the Bentley University Chamber Orchestra.

Guided by the belief that music is “common ground” that bridges differences of humanity, Daniels is particularly interested in engaging young and new audiences.

If you have any questions about Musical Minds, please email Ray Daniels.