VOCES8 UK Technical Scholars

Applications for the 2027-28 VOCES8 UK Technical Scholars Programme are now open! Follow the link below to find out how to apply.

Apply for the VOCES8 UK Technical Scholars Programme 2027-28 

Launched in 2025, the VOCES8 UK Technical Scholars Programme offers emerging audio and visual technicians a unique opportunity to develop their skills and gain professional experience alongside VOCES8 Studios.

Designed for early-career creatives passionate about recorded sound, video production and digital storytelling, the programme provides hands-on experience on projects such as Live From London and VOCES8's acclaimed YouTube content.

Programme Structure

At the core of the programme are three courses, shared with the VOCES8 UK singing Scholars:

  • September Introductory Course – London: Technical Scholars shadow the recording and filming of a staged choral performance for YouTube, gaining insight into the production process from setup to capture.

  • April Course – London: Technical Scholars shadow a different engineer to the September course as they record and film individual performances by the singing Scholars. 

  • VOCES8 International Summer School & Festival – Milton Abbey, Dorset: Technical scholars shadow the production of several Live From London films, gaining experience of recording and filming live concerts.

Technical Scholars attend selected days of each course according to the recording and filming schedule.

Year-Round Opportunities

Beyond the core courses, Technical Scholars are invited to observe and participate in recording and filming projects throughout the year. These may include productions with VOCES8 Studios, DECCA and other professional ensembles and industry partners.

Through these opportunities, Scholars gain experience of different working environments and production approaches, developing practical skills in recording, editing, camera operation and post-production.

Professional Development

Throughout the programme, Technical Scholars work towards becoming confident and capable members of a professional production team.

By observing experienced producers and engineers, contributing to real projects and learning from the approaches of VOCES8 Studios and its partners, Scholars develop the technical skills, professional judgement and collaborative experience needed to take increasing responsibility for productions.

The programme aims to prepare Scholars to join the VOCES8 Studios delivery team, with opportunities for paid professional work.

Final Project

The year culminates in a supported personal project, giving each Scholar the opportunity to apply their skills creatively and independently using equipment from VOCES8 Studios.

You can view an extract from 2025–26 Technical Scholar Dan Barrett's final project below. Dan designed the sound, filmed and edited three performances by Hepburn IV, a consort which included fellow UK Scholar Sebastian Roberts. Below is his film of Dulces exuviae by Adrian Willaert.

Programme Leadership

The VOCES8 UK Technical 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.

“Being a tech scholar has been an absolute pleasure and it has been incredibly valuable for me in terms of developing my skills but also learning how to act in a professional environment and approach working with professionals. I really believe it has given me a unique headstart in the industry which will help me begin my career.”
— DAN BARRETT, 2025–26 UK TECHNICAL SCHOLAR