VOCES8 Scholars
“Being part of the VOCES8 UK Scholars has been very helpful in my professional development. I’ve received valuable career guidance and had opportunities to make recordings which have helped me to build my portfolio for self-promotion. The VOCES8 Foundation is very supportive, full of friendly and encouraging people who want to support early career artists.”
The ensemble is delighted to have established the VOCES8 Scholars Programme. Set-up in 2015, the programme exists as a training opportunity for eight talented singers in the UK and twelve in the US who have a particular interest in choral and small ensemble singing.
The aim of the Scholars Programme is to develop versatile, accomplished artists, equipped with the skills they need to succeed at the beginning of their professional careers. With tutoring from current and former members of VOCES8, the programme offers training in performing, recording and workshop leading, with opportunities to sing alongside VOCES8. The Scholars are also invited to observe and participate in our innovative education programmes and learn to use the unique teaching tool that is The VOCES8 Method.
“The scholarship gave me some of the most exciting performance opportunities and has helped me elevate my singing to a much higher level. ”
Applications for the 2025-26 VOCES8 UK and US Scholar Programmes are now open! Follow the links below to find out how to apply.
VOCES8 with UK Scholars
VOCES8 with US Scholars
In the UK, the Scholars Programme is led by VOCES8’s Artistic Director, Barnaby Smith (barnaby@voces8.foundation), VOCES8 Alto, Katie Jeffries-Harris (katie@voces8.com) and Ann Wright (ann@voces8.foundation), the VOCES8 Foundation’s Director of Education. The US Programme is led by Paul Smith (paul@voces8.foundation), CEO of The VOCES8 Foundation and former baritone in VOCES8, and Erik Jacobson (erik@voces8.foundation), Managing Director of The VOCES8 Foundation USA and Lyyra Creative Director.
“I wasn’t actually expecting to get so much work through the scheme (education projects, LFL, other gigs) so that was a nice surprise! The masterclasses with Ben Parry and Carolyn Sampson were both excellent and so were the vocal health sessions with Kate Valentine. ”
“I had a fantastic year as a VOCES8 Scholar and am grateful for the diversity and quality of opportunities that the programme offered. It was very rewarding to be able to develop different aspects of my musical skill set over the course of the year, from working with Ann and the Education team, to solo masterclasses, detailed rehearsals with Barney and Katie developing our skills as an ensemble, and the opportunity to perform alongside VOCES8 in a number of really exciting larger scale projects. ”