Berkshire Choral International’s competitive Apprentice Program is designed for career-track singers, choral conductors, and accompanists enrolled in undergraduate or master’s degree level programs. Doctoral students or very recently graduated students may also be considered. BCI is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive experience for choral singers. Black, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ identified students are strongly encouraged to apply. The program includes free tuition, music and lessons/coaching, housing and meals (a total value between $2800 and $4400), and a reimbursed travel stipend (currently $700 for domestic weeks and $1500 for international weeks).
Each week-long program is an intensive choral experience providing apprentices with the opportunity to study and rehearse major choral-orchestral works with eminent conductors and soloists. Musical activities include participating in two choral rehearsals per day; attending classes taught by our faculty; receiving complimentary private lessons and coaching from our faculty; and performing in a joint recital with our faculty. All Apprentices, regardless of specialty, are expected to sing in the chorus for all rehearsals and performances.
Choral conducting apprentices will have an opportunity to conduct the full chorus for 15-20 minutes and will receive feedback from the conductor of the week and BCI’s music director. Vocal apprentices will participate in a masterclass led by one of our faculty or soloists. Accompanying apprentices will have an opportunity to accompany sectional rehearsals and will accompany the vocal apprentices in the masterclass and recital. All apprentices will have an opportunity to observe the conductor in daily rehearsals and to join the conductor for a round-table discussion. Apprentices may also be asked to assist with other duties, such as facilitating rehearsals for the soloists, conductors, and orchestra and assisting choristers on registration days.
Here are Apprentice Application instructions.
Due date is February 1, 2024.