Registration Info

July 5-18, 2026

APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON!

Akiko Hosaki, Program Director

Solo Vocal Artist is an excellent summer opportunity for dedicated young classical singers to explore the many facets of developing their art. The program provides personalized hands-on instruction for each student. Working daily with the distinguished voice faculty of Westminster Choir College, you will experience life at a music college. Having 27 years of history, It creates an intense but supportive environment, empowering you to pursue your future goals. The alumni include professional classical singers, young artist singers, and devoted school teachers.

Program Highlights

  • Daily voice lessons and private/ensemble coaching with Westminster's artist faculty
  • Learn effective musical skills to become an independent learner
  • Daily sessions in body awareness, opera and art song history, and voice science
  • Working on acting and interpretation through solo and ensemble repertoire
  • Master classes on college auditions, performance technique, and more
  • Final concert on July 18

Requirements for Admission

Eligibility

  • High school students aged 14-18 including rising freshmen.
  • Students may also be Spring 2025 high school graduates taking a gap year before attending college.

First-time applicants need to submit a letter of recommendation, a personal statement (regarding their interest in this program and/or their passion for singing), a repertoire list, and video recording (preferably via YouTube or Vimeo link or shareable link in Google Drive) of two (2) contrasting classical songs.

Returning students must submit only the personal statement and a current repertoire list with the application.

EARLY BIRD Audition Deadline (application fees waived): March 1, 2026
Deadline to submit audition materials: May 15, 2026

Tuition

EARLY BIRD (audition submission by March 1): $2,500 (includes room & board)

Standard: $2,650 (includes $150 application fees and room & board)

Our Mission

This camp is designed for high school students to experience life as young professional musicians. Our goal is that each of you grow from "where you are" to "wherever you can reach!" During the two-week program, you will be working with members of the faculty of Westminster Choir College. These faculty members, all of whom have had careers in the world of classical singing, both nationally and internationally, will be teaching, guiding, and challenging you. We will help you broaden your knowledge and understanding of the rich literature of the classical singing world and tradition. You will learn about singer's health, solid vocal technique and acting expectations, necessary information to enable you to begin your journey to becoming a Singing Artist.

Scholarship Opportunity

High school students who complete any Rider University Pre-College Summer Program prior to applying for first-year admission to Rider University can qualify for an annually renewable $2,000 Pre-College Completion Award. Some restrictions may apply.

Expectations for Students

Daily attendance for two weeks. Students must participate in both weeks. There will be an introductory meeting in the evening on Sunday, July 5. The concluding performances are scheduled in the evening on Friday, July 17 (solo program), and in the afternoon on Saturday, July 18 (scene program).

Typical Daily Schedule

  • 8:45 a.m.: Alexander Technique
  • 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1-2 p.m.: Rotating Performance Technique Class, Voice/Body Class, and Scene Program Staging
  • Private voice lessons are scheduled in the morning, coordinated with other classes
  • 2 p.m.: Rotating Voice Scene and Opera/Art Song Literature classes
  • 3 p.m.: Rotating Diction and Musicianship classes
  • Afternoon private/ensemble coaching or practice time
  • Evening master classes

2026 Faculty

College Audition Technique: Margaret Cusack
Voice Lessons: Pamela Lynde
Private & Ensemble Coaching: Akiko Hoaski 
Yoga & Alexander Technique/Body & Voice Connection: Dianne Gaary 
Intro to Opera: Nancy Froysland Hoerl 
Intro to Art Song Literature: Akiko Hosaki 
Voice Science: Kathy Price 
Scene Program: Diane Gaary, Robin Leigh Massie
Musicianship: Akiko Hosaki 
Singing Diction: Akiko Hosaki 

Masterclass Guest Artists TBA