Lutheran Summer Music is a faith-based residential music academy for high schoolers (students who have completed grades 8-12). Students come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in joyful music-making and build a supportive and welcoming community, living together on a Lutheran college campus.
During the day, students receive advanced musical instruction through large ensembles, chamber music, private lessons with collegiate-level faculty, and elective classes. In the evenings, students attend recitals and Evening Prayer services based in Lutheran liturgy, and social events with friends.
LSM 2025
June 22-July 20
Valparaiso University, IN
Grades 8-12
Half Session: June 22-July 6
Save the Date!
LSM takes place from the end of June to the end of July each summer. Dream of the future and prioritize LSM for an upcoming summer!
LSM Overview Video
What is the LSM experience? Hear from faculty and students.
LSM Master Schedule
What does a day at LSM look like? See an example schedule from a past year.
Music
Music is our joy, our connection, and our pursuit! At LSM, you will be immersed in a nurturing and encouraging musical environment led by nationally recognized faculty. Our musical community prizes collaboration over competition, and celebrates music-making in many different forms and settings, welcoming students of all levels and experiences to join in.
Festival Band
Festival Choir
Festival Orchestra
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Large Ensembles
Conquer and explore challenging and diverse repertoire in Band, Choir, or Orchestra daily rehearsals, and perform in Festival Concerts at the end of LSM.
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Private Lessons
Receive expert personal coaching through two weekly lessons from a nationally recognized faculty instructor who will meet you where you’re at and help you grow.
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Chamber Music
Play in a small ensemble, matched to your musical level, within your instrument family – brass, woodwinds, strings, or piano.
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Musicianship Classes
Study music theory, sightreading, ear training, and other techniques and practices to enhance your fundamental knowledge of music.
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Electives
Dive into your unique interests and explore new topics through a variety of optional electives, ranging from jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, and more!
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Concerts & Recitals
Celebrate your musical growth and accomplishments through performances with your large ensemble, chamber ensemble, and solo recitals.
Areas of Study
Community
At LSM, you’ll spend your days living in a community of students from around the country who love music as much as you do. Together, with the help of inspiring music faculty, welcoming worship staff, and encouraging student life leaders, you’ll be part of a joyful community that lifts everyone up. While you’ll work hard every day to grow musically, you’ll also have lots of time to enjoy friendships and social time, and experience what it’s like to navigate life on a college campus.
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Campus Life
Experience college daily life! Study and perform music in a state-of-the-art Arts building, gather in a beautiful Chapel, meet friends for meals in the Union, and enjoy other campus facilities and spaces.
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Dorm Living
Hang out with friends, live with a roommate, and share a floor with your peers in a small group led by a caring residence counselor.
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Recreation Activities
Take a break from the rigorous musical schedule, and join other students and counselors in an optional daily activity, such as sports, arts & crafts, board games, and more.
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Social Events
Come together with the full student body every week to enjoy large events such as Movie Night, Game Night, a Dance Party, or our annual Talent Show!
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Off-Campus Trip
Venture off campus on a chaperoned field trip. Past destinations include national parks, beach days, mini-golf or amusement parks.
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Leadership Opportunities
Join the Student Council to represent your peers, weigh in on student life topics, and help choose and plan activities at LSM.
Worship
Worship is a daily community event, and is a space where all are welcome, regardless of your religious background or experience. The Lutheran church has a cherished tradition of musical excellence, and this is central to our expression of worship at LSM. Our chaplain, cantor and worship team teach sacred music, lead congregational singing, and welcome ongoing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to use their musical gifts in chapel services.
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Morning Prayer
Start the day by gathering with the full LSM community. Morning Prayer usually includes a hymn, a reading or short devotion, and singing Luther’s Morning Prayer.
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Evening Prayer
Following a busy day of rehearsals, classes, and activities, exhale through this peaceful service of meditation and music. Services follow Lutheran liturgies or other settings (such as Taize or Holden Evening Prayer) and include hymns, psalms, and readings.
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Sunday Eucharist
Join in this celebratory service that is filled with music, follows a Lutheran liturgical setting, including ceremonial traditions like processionals and recessionals.
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Bach Cantata
Take part in a church music tradition that is over 300 years old! All community members - students, faculty, and staff - are welcome to learn and share a sacred Bach Cantata. Following in the footsteps of J.S. Bach, our most famous Lutheran church musician, the full Cantata is shared as a musical offering during a Sunday Eucharist service. Soli Deo Gloria!
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Worship Ensembles
Sing with the Chapel Choir or ring with the Handbell Choir to join with other students in sharing musical offerings in chapel services. All are welcome, no matter your experience level!
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Musical Participation
Lead as cantor, or play hymn descants or harmonies on your instrument! All students are invited (but not required) to share their musical gifts in worship.
