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 and creative rehearsal environments and performances.
Students will participate in an exciting array of virtual performances and specialized online training, taught by the country’s leading music educators in individualized small groups. The Junior Division of the National Children’s Chorus consists of the Prelude Level, Minuet Level, Sonata Level, and Concerto Level. Explore below for additional details on each of these ensembles.
Sort by Level

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.
Renée Gehlbach-Martinez
Associate Conductor
Ann Elizabeth Jones
Associate Conductor
Brittany Marino
Associate Conductor
Karina C. Parker
Associate Conductor
Ilanna Tariff
Associate Conductor
Easel Yoo
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Online Conservatory is in session from September through May, and does not have classes during the summer months of June, July and August. Students will participate in specialized live online training and are invited to perform in concert with their ensemble level in any NCC Chapter City for winter and spring performances. 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
    Weekly sessions scheduled by appointment
  • Location
    NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individual Progress Sessions with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two live 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.
Kelly Adams
Associate Conductor & Artistic Coordinator
Brittany Marino
Associate Conductor
Catherine Moore
Associate Conductor
Enya Murray
Associate Conductor
Ilanna Tariff
Associate Conductor
Marissa Works Ward
Senior Associate Conductor
Easel Yoo
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Online Conservatory is in session from September through May, and does not have classes during the summer months of June, July and August. Students will participate in specialized live online training and are invited to perform in concert with their ensemble level in any NCC Chapter City for winter and spring performances. 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
    Weekly sessions scheduled by appointment
  • Location
    NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individual Progress Sessions with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two live 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.
Laura Keverian Pitts
Associate Conductor
Peter Meredith
Associate Conductor
Charles M. Owens
Associate Conductor
John Verkuilen
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Online Conservatory is in session from September through May, and does not have classes during the summer months of June, July and August. Students will participate in specialized live online training and are invited to perform in concert with their ensemble level in any NCC Chapter City for winter and spring performances. 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
    Weekly sessions scheduled by appointment
  • Location
    NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individual Progress Sessions with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
    Conservatory Classes (optional)
  • Performances
    Two live 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.
Audrey Jean Childs
Associate Conductor
Kate Crellin
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Online Conservatory is in session from September through May, and does not have classes during the summer months of June, July and August. Students will participate in specialized live online training and are invited to perform in concert with their ensemble level in any NCC Chapter City for winter and spring performances. 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
    Weekly sessions scheduled by appointment
  • Location
    NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individual Progress Sessions with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
    Conservatory Classes (optional)
  • Performances
    Two live concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $239 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.