CLEVELAND, Miss. — Fifteen high school students from Mississippi, Arkansas and Georgia spent a week exploring careers in the music and entertainment industry during the 2026 Delta Music Institute Summer Camp at Delta State University.
The residential camp, held June 14-19, introduced students ages 14 to 18 to music performance, songwriting, audio production and entertainment industry studies through hands-on learning experiences led by faculty, staff and industry professionals.
Camp participants worked in professional recording studios, classrooms and performance spaces while learning about music creation, recording, production and collaboration. Activities throughout the week focused on developing creativity, teamwork and leadership skills.
Students toured the Bologna Performing Arts Center and the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, participated in a virtual session with musician and Delta Music Institute artist-in-residence Steve Azar, and recorded music in the institute’s professional studios. Campers also met with entertainment industry professionals and took part in recreational activities including swimming, bowling, movies and live music events.
“The DMI Summer Camp gives students an opportunity to experience many different aspects of the music and entertainment industry,” said Dr. Richard Tremmel, director of the Delta Music Institute. “Whether their interests are in performance, recording, production, artist management or live entertainment, the camp helps them explore potential career paths while developing valuable skills and connections.”
A key component of the camp was collaboration, with students working together on musical projects throughout the week. Their work culminated in a public showcase performance attended by family members and guests on the final day of camp.
University officials said the annual camp reflects the Delta Music Institute’s commitment to preparing students for careers across the music and entertainment sectors. Delta State University and the institute were recently recognized among Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools.
Funding for the 2026 camp was provided through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Arts Commission and The Kings Daughters & Sons Circle No. 2.
The Delta Music Institute, housed within Delta State University’s College of Business and Aviation, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Industry Studies with concentrations in audio engineering technology, music business and live entertainment technology.
