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.  

• 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 will be High School Juniors & Seniors age 15-18; younger students and older gap year students may be 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 2023-24 Academy will be held at the Peabody Conservatory Campus on August 26, 2023 –  please sign up for a time HERE.  We would prefer to hear singers in person, but Zoom times are also available if needed. Singers should prepare two memorized classical selections, one in English and one in a foreign language (Italian preferred, other languages accepted).  

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