VOCES8 UK Scholars
Applications for the 2027-28 VOCES8 UK Scholars Programme are now open!
Follow the link below to find out how to apply.
Established in 2015, the VOCES8 UK Scholars Programme offers eight exceptional emerging singers an immersive year of training and professional development in choral and small ensemble singing. With expert tutoring from members of VOCES8 and leading figures in the classical music world, the programme offers a comprehensive, 360-degree insight into professional music-making – equipping Scholars with the tools to thrive in today’s evolving industry.
If you're viewing this website on a phone or tablet, please click the white dot in the bottom right-hand corner of the photo pages to view the Scholars' biographies.
Programme Structure
At the core of the programme are three residential courses:
September Introductory Course – London
April Course – London
VOCES8 International Summer School & Festival at Milton Abbey – Dorset
The London courses include masterclasses with members of VOCES8, workshops with industry leaders, and a Scholar-only recording session at the VOCES8 Centre. During these courses, Scholars also begin engaging with the Foundation’s learning and participation work.
The year concludes with a week-long residency at the annual VOCES8 International Summer School and Festival. This immersive course features public performances – both as a standalone ensemble and alongside VOCES8 – and the opportunity to support education sessions for the Young Musicians’ course and amateur singers.
Year-Round Opportunities
In addition to the residential courses, Scholars are invited throughout the year to:
Perform with VOCES8 and other Foundation ensembles
Participate in education and outreach projects across the UK
Receive ongoing mentoring and support for professional development
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD sessions are a key part of the programme and take place both during the residential courses and on additional scheduled days throughout the year.
Core CPD activities typically include:
Audio and visual editing
Solo performance coaching and recordings
A vocal health seminar
Industry insights from the VOCES8 Foundation’s wider team
The programme is also flexible and tailored to the interests of each year’s Scholars. Additional sessions may include:
Composition and arranging
Conducting and leadership
Marketing and branding
Beyond the Scholars Year
Many Scholars go on to work regularly with VOCES8, Apollo5, or contribute to the Foundation’s global education programme. Notably, Euan Williamson and Katie Jeffries-Harris, both former Scholars, are now full-time members of VOCES8.
Programme Leadership
The VOCES8 UK 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.
With Thanks to Our Supporters
The VOCES8 UK Scholars programme is kindly supported by the Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, the Garrick Charitable Trust, and generous private donors.
You can view this year’s 2026-27 UK Scholars’ performance of ‘Tu es Petrus’ by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina below, and find the 2025-26 UK Scholars’ performance of ‘Super flumina Babylonis’ by Philippe de Monte at the bottom of the page.
“Being a VOCES8 Scholar was the best start to my career that I could have hoped for. I learnt so much musically and personally, which has helped me significantly. The programme then goes above and beyond the expected and offers so much personal support and advice which I think makes this a truly unique programme.”
“It has been a truly transformative year, which has given me so much motivation, clarity and confidence in the career path I’ve chosen. Stepping out of university last year and pursuing singing full-time was completely fresh and somewhat daunting, but being able to work so closely with industry leaders in all disciplines has been utterly inspirational, and I’ve loved every single second of it!”
“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 whole team has been so willing to help and support us, both as a cohort and individually. On top of all that, I’ve really appreciated being treated as a young professional; learning through working within the Foundation as part of the education team, Scholars Ensemble or Foundation Choir. I’ll be carrying all I’ve learnt and all I’ve experienced this year for the rest of my career, and I’m so grateful for that.”
FAQs
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Do I have to pay to take part in the programme?
You do not have to pay to take part in the programme, and support is available for travel costs within the UK.
Do I have to live in the UK?
You do not have to be a UK resident to apply for the UK programme and several of our previous and current Scholars have been based in Europe. We cannot guarantee to cover the cost of international travel, but we will try to offer support where possible. Most of the programme will take place in or near London, so to get the most out of all the opportunities available you should be willing to travel there by arrangement throughout the season. We also run a programme in the US if that’s more suitable to your location. Find out more about the VOCES8 US Scholars Programme HERE.
What is the age limit for the programme?
There is deliberately no set upper age limit to the programme as we recognise that different singers develop at different times. The programme is reasonably advanced and most singers who participate are starting to work either full or part-time as professional singers. Applicants must be 21 years of age or above as of September 2026 and most singers on the programme tend to be of post-graduate age/ability.
What is the time commitment over a whole season?
We ask applicants to be available for the course dates as listed above. We will also invite scholars to a number of other events based on their availability. In the past these have included: training days with the VOCES8 Foundation; helping to lead single-day workshops around the UK; assisting with education projects in France and Belgium; taking part in concerts with VOCES8 and Academy of Ancient Music; Christmas concerts in Norway; performing as a group at the VOCES8 Centre in London; recording education repertoire for the VOCES8 Foundation. We know that not everyone is always free for everything and successful applicants can expect to be invited to 15-25 additional days across the season.
Do I have to send a recording to apply?
Yes please! It is one of the most important things that we look at when we are choosing who to invite to audition. It doesn’t need to be very elaborate — in the past, some successful applicants have sent an unaccompanied folk song recorded on a phone.
What should I send for my recording?
It can be anything where we can clearly hear your voice, and something which you feel shows it at its best. This could be a song or an aria, an unaccompanied folk song or an a cappella solo lead for example. Some people have sent a couple of contrasting items in the past — this is really useful. Please do not send more than two items, however, and there is absolutely no disadvantage if you send only one recording. We have had successful applicants in the past who sent in an unaccompanied folk song recorded on their phone. Edited submissions cannot be accepted. Please upload your recording to Google Drive (please use .mp3 files rather than .wav files), SoundCloud or an unlisted (not private) YouTube link and submit the link for consideration.
Please upload your recording to Google Drive, SoundCloud or an unlisted (not private) YouTube link and submit the link for consideration.
What should I write in my cover letter?
Your cover letter is an opportunity for us to get to know you and to understand why you are interested in the VOCES8 Scholars Programme. In addition, it is an opportunity for you to talk about anything which you feel is relevant to your application in addition to your CV and recording/s.
What happens once I send in my application?
After the closing date, we will be in touch by Sunday 18 January 2026, and a small number of candidates will be invited to audition in London in March.
What happens in the audition?
You will be set an aria to sing suitable for your voice type. There will also be some sight-reading and an informal interview. The sight-reading will be from “normal” classical repertoire, rather than something deliberately difficult. An accompanist is provided.