The Vocal Performance Academy, or VPA, brings together highly motivated teen classical singers at upper-intermediate and advanced levels in a collaborative but challenging environment.  The Academy fosters students’ musical, vocal, and personal growth through once a month masterclasses, enrichment classes, mentoring for future plans (eg college auditions), and additional  performance opportunities.    Scroll down for more information and audition details. 

Clara Schumann & Friends: A Lieder Salon April 2024

• The Academy is limited to a small number of participants; acceptance is by audition or invitation only. 
• The Academy meets approximately once a month on Saturday afternoons throughout the Academic Year (regular attendance is required). 
• Most participants are High School Juniors & Seniors age 15-18; younger students and older gap year students are considered on a case-by-case basis. 
• Students should already have classical training as well as formal performance experience (for example studio recitals, NATS auditions, summer intensives etc). 
• While many VPA students plan to pursue a music major or minor at the college level, this is not a requirement for participation.

Need-based financial assistance may be available for qualified candidates; this is subject to application and review, and awards are not guaranteed. 

Auditions

Auditions for the 2025-2026 Academy will open in Spring/Early Summer 2025- please check this page for details.  First round auditions are by video submission; students may be called back for in-person auditions in August.   Prospective students should present two memorized classical art songs or arias, one in English, and one in another language.  

Please note:   Although we encourage VPA students to study or coach with Peabody Preparatory voice faculty, we recognize that advanced teen singers may have an established relationship with an external teacher – this does not exclude auditioning for or potentially participating in VPA.   We accept applications from all singers, and every singer will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

History

2021 Inaugural year (virtual)
2022 Dido & Aeneas – Semi-staged, in collaboration with Guitar Performance Academy
2023 Composers Lost & Found: African American & British art songs
2024 Clara Schumann & Friends – a Lieder salon
2025 Vienna, City of Dreams: Operetta from Singspiel to Broadway