Young Artist Program
A Young Artist Program like no other.
Song, as the crystallization of the singing-acting experience to its gem-like essential parts: text, music, one collaborator on stage, and the audience offstage, presents the student of classical singing not only with a repertoire that will enrich the life of any performer, but with an unparallelled opportunity to focus on the essential skills at the heart of music-making that will serve artists in all their future work, no matter the medium.
SongFest Young Artists in an extensive musical/theatrical improvisation.
“I learned more in four weeks at SongFest than I had the entire previous year.”
Young Artist Hailey McAvoy sings for Thomas Hampson in a master class.
Who should apply?
Successful applicants are generally entering their senior years of undergraduate studies or graduate studies, possessing a level of technical proficiency that can allow them to focus on their expressive intention. Singers searching to release their own unique voice as artists are especially encouraged to apply.
APPLY NOW!
Young Artists sing in our LA Composers concert in Zipper Hall.
Sample Daily Schedule
8 - 9 a.m.
YogaVoice, Movement, Acting Class, Poetry Class
9:30 a.m. - Noon
Professional program "Signature" public masterclass (mandatory for all participants)
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
ALL BREAK/lunch/lessons/coachings
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Small group private master classes, Yoga, Voice classes, performance classes, rehearsals/coachings/lessons
4 - 6 p.m.
Small group private master classes, Yoga, Voice classes, performance classes, rehearsals/coachings/lessons
5 - 7 p.m.
ALL BREAK/dinner/lessons/coachings
7 - 9:30 p.m.
Concerts, performance classes, rehearsals/coachings/less
2016 Young Artist Kate Johnson working with Peter Sellars in a master class.
“SongFest is not for the faint of heart. From the second one arrives, to your last moments at Colburn it is supremely challenging and utterly rewarding work that leaves you as so much more of a well-rounded performer and complete human being.
I am so, SO fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in the company of such fine musicians, scholars, interpreter and storytellers....
I leave SongFest with a fire in my heart for song- the tools and inspiration to make music happen in an infinite array of possibilities, and THAT is the true gift that you all have given me.”
“Songfest was a month of creating art with beautiful humans. This month was everything. It was dedication to the craft, it was self discovery, it was committing to challenges and celebrating successes, it was opening your mind, it was being vulnerable, but mostly- it was souls connecting with other souls. Whether through friendship, inspiration, or music- beautiful, beautiful music, we were all connected. Our time was filled with profound knowledge, life skills, heartfelt laughter, forever friendships, and uber rides all over LA. Thank you, Songfest for allowing me to fall in love all over again. You were unforgettable.”
Young Artists performing in Thayer Hall.
SongFest Young Artists post-concert.
“I think SongFest is terribly important in that the art song is an endangered species…not the songs themselves, not ongoing composition, but in terms of the audience who is attracted to it and will come to song recitals. I find this a tragedy....SongFest is exactly the type of endeavor that needs to take hold in many places. I congratulate SongFest and am thankful for SongFest, and hope that many other people will be inspired by it and take that ball, run with it, and help it all to take root.”