Junior Division - Education
In the Junior Division, students ages 5-12 with beginning or intermediate musical experience build their skills and gain confidence in encouraging, creative rehearsal environments and performances.
The Junior Division of the National Children’s Chorus consists of the Prelude Level, Minuet Level, Sonata Level, and Concerto Level. Students participate in an exciting array of performances and specialized training in small groups. Additionally, in 2022 the NCC launched its highly anticipated Summer Camp in Vail, Colorado. Explore below for additional details on each of these ensembles.
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Prelude Level

Ages 5-6, no experience needed
Members of the Prelude Level are introduced to the thrilling world of music in a fun and interactive class designed to open up the ear and explore the possibilities of musical expression through listening and moving. Basic vowel formation, proper posture and the beginnings of breathing technique are taught, while the foundation of the Kodály Method is set.
Karina C. Parker
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Prelude Level in New York rehearses near Columbus Circle on Wednesday afternoons in addition to individualized online coachings. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Prelude Level
  • Training Schedule
    Wednesday Afternoons
  • Location
    Lincoln Center & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individualized Coachings with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $219 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.

Minuet Level

Ages 7-8, no experience to some experience
Members of the Minuet Level are introduced to the formal structure of a choral ensemble—posture, rehearsal protocol, and choral tone. Musical terms are taught and used freely in an environment where students are encouraged to be curious, ask questions and seek answers. Vocal technique, vowel formation, breathing, diction and phrasing are emphasized in order to create a beautiful sound, while sight-singing intervals and rhythms will be practiced in Kodály training.

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Minuet Level in New York rehearses near Columbus Circle on Wednesday afternoons in addition to individualized online coachings. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Minuet Level
  • Training Schedule
    Wednesday Afternoons
  • Location
    Lincoln Center & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individualized Coachings with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $219 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.

Sonata Level

Ages 8-9, some experience to much experience
Members of the Sonata Level are expected to possess basic skills and knowledge in the areas of tone, vowel formation, diction, breathing technique, and musicianship. From here, students are taught the beginnings of advanced choral and vocal skills, including singing in 2-part harmony within the context of more sophisticated repertoire that will include texts in foreign languages. The beginnings of advanced Kodály Method skills will also be employed as part of the curriculum.
Madolyn Accola
Associate Conductor & Artistic Coordinator

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Sonata Level in New York rehearses near Columbus Circle on Tuesday afternoons in addition to individualized online musicianship training and coachings. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Sonata Level
  • Training Schedule
    Tuesday afternoons & by appointment
  • Location
    Lincoln Center & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Dalcroze Eurythmics Education
    Individualized Coachings with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $239 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.

Concerto Level

Ages 10-12, some experience to much experience
Members of the Concerto Level represent the highest levels of skill and maturity within the Junior Division. Students are expected to possess advanced skills and knowledge in the areas of tone, vowel formation, diction, breathing technique, and musicianship. From here, students are taught high-level choral and vocal skills, including singing in 2-part harmony within the context of complex repertoire that will include texts in foreign languages. Advanced Kodály Method skills will be employed as part of the curriculum that preps children for promotion to the Senior Division ranks.
Kaitlin Simonson
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Concerto Level in New York rehearses near Columbus Circle on Tuesday afternoons in addition to individualized online musicianship training and coachings. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Concerto Level
  • Training Schedule
    Tuesday afternoons & by appointment
  • Location
    Lincoln Center & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Dalcroze Eurythmics Education
    Individualized Coachings with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $239 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.