SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music Celebrates Final Concerts for Crane Youth Music 2025
SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music recently hosted more than 200 campers for Crane Youth Music, an immersive musical experience for young musicians ages 12 to 18.
SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music proudly welcomed more than 200 talented young musicians for the 52nd season of Crane Youth Music, a beloved summer tradition that offers an immersive and inspiring musical experience for students ages 12 to 18.
“For decades, Crane Youth Music has given young musicians the opportunity to grow as musicians, playing and learning along side a large cohort of like-minded peers under the tutelage of the world-class Crane faculty. This not only gives these students a glimpse at what is possible as they progress in their musical development, but allows them to experience a taste of what it is like to be a music major in college, and specifically, a music major at The Crane School of Music,” said Interim Dean Dr. David Heuser.
Founded in 1973, Crane Youth Music is an open enrollment camp for young musicians who have completed two years of instrumental or voice study through their middle or high school programs and/or through private lessons. Young vocalists, pianists and instrumentalists are all welcome to attend. The camp offers a wide range of ensemble opportunities, including chorus, wind, brass, woodwind, percussion, string, and jazz groups.
All students have a daily masterclass with an applied faculty member, in addition to sectionals and coaching sessions. Private lessons are also available. Campers also participate in instrumental and vocal ensembles, as well as enjoying performances and recitals with faculty and guests artists each evening, and taking part in recreational activities both on and off campus.
The 2025 season concluded with a series of final concerts on Saturday, July 12, which were free and open to the public. These performances showcased the hard work and growth of the campers and were warmly received by families and community members alike.
“As the Crane Youth Music week goes by, it's great to see the musical growth in the campers. But, most of all, the life-long connections that the campers make with each other and with the faculty and counselors is the thing that makes CYM the special place that it is,” said Crane Youth Music Director Michael J. Struzik ’88.
CYM is open to both resident campers (staying overnight in the residence halls) and for commuter campers. Scholarships are available to defray CYM costs for qualified families.
CYM alumni who go on to audition and enroll at The Crane School of Music are also eligible for the Roy Schaberg Scholarship, which is renewable for four years of study.
To learn more or apply for next season, visit www.potsdam.edu/cym.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.