VOCES8 US Scholars 2026-27
Applications for the 2027-28 VOCES8 US Scholars Program are now open! Follow the link below to find out how to apply.
Established in 2017, the VOCES8 US Scholars Program offers twelve emerging singers with a passion for choral and small ensemble singing a unique year of training and professional development. Working closely with Paul Smith and Erik Jacobson, Scholars develop their skills in performance, recording and workshop leading, with opportunities to sing alongside VOCES8 Foundation Ensembles and gain professional experience through the program's partnership with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale.
Program Structure
At the core of the program are four residential courses:
September Introductory Course – Rehearsals, education training, workshops and professional development (seven days)
October Recording Course – Audio and video recording at MPR Studios, Minneapolis/St. Paul (four days)
Spring Performance Course – Coaching and performing alongside one of the VOCES8 Foundation Ensembles (between four and six days)
Santa Fe Summer Residency – Partnership with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale (up to two weeks)
The September course comprises a week of rehearsals, workshops and education training led by VOCES8 co-founder Paul Smith, Lyyra Creative Director Erik Jacobson, and Creative Advisor Dr. Anthony Trecek-King, laying the foundations for the year ahead.
The October course focuses on recording and filming, with a residency at MPR Studios in Minneapolis/St Paul, giving Scholars valuable experience in a professional environment.
The Spring course offers coaching and performance opportunities alongside one of the VOCES8 Foundation Ensembles during their February/March US tours.
Through an exciting new partnership with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Scholars also spend time in Santa Fe during the Chorale's Summer Festival. Working alongside the Chorale's professional singers and Artistic Director Joshua Habermann, Scholars gain invaluable experience through rehearsals, performances and music education activities, including the opportunity to perform as part of the professional ensemble.
Year-Round Opportunities
In addition to the residential courses, Scholars benefit from:
Invitations throughout the year to observe and participate in the VOCES8 Foundation's learning and participation programs across the US
Ongoing mentoring and support for professional development
Beyond the Scholars Year
Many Scholars go on to contribute to the Foundation’s global education program or to work regularly with VOCES8 and Lyyra. Notably, former Scholars MaryRuth Miller and Ingrid Johnson are now members of Lyyra.
Program Partners
The VOCES8 US Scholars Program is grateful to its partners — Minnesota Public Radio and Santa Fe Desert Chorale — for the valuable opportunities they provide our Scholars throughout the year.
Program Leadership
The VOCES8 US Scholars Program is led by Paul Smith, CEO of The VOCES8 Foundation UK and Co-Founder of VOCES8, Erik Jacobson, Executive Director of The VOCES8 Foundation USA and Creative Director of Lyyra, Anthony Trecek-King, Creative Advisor to The VOCES8 Foundation USA, and Kirby Richards, Director of Operations and Touring.
Check out some of our past Scholars’ work in the program — you can view the Scholars performing in collaboration with VOCES8 for the US premiere of The Lost Birds and a performance of ‘I Want to Go Home’ with Lyyra at the bottom of the page.