Education

In the Senior Division, students ages 10-17 with prior musical experience refine their skills to the highest standards and perform in their own state-of-the-art concert series at various venues around the United States and internationally.
The Senior Division of the National Children’s Chorus consists of the Debut Ensemble, Premier Ensemble, and Scholars (SATB college-prep). During the current pandemic, students will participate in an exciting array of virtual performances, presenting world premieres and collaborating with an exceptional roster of professional artists from around the world. Past performance venues have included Walt Disney Concert Hall, Royce Hall, Schoenberg Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and more. The Senior Division also performs in an international tour each summer. Explore below for additional details on each of these ensembles.
Debut Ensemble
Ages 10-14, much experience to most experience
Members of the Debut Ensemble begin the refined vocal training required to perform at the Senior Division level. Students will learn sophisticated repertoire in various languages and musical styles, featuring 2 and occasionally 3-part harmony. Prestigious collaborations and performances are regularly included as part of the regimen. Additionally, specialized vocal study and Kodály technique will be offered as part of the curriculum.
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. During the current pandemic, students will participate in an exciting array of virtual performances and specialized online training (the Debut Ensemble in Los Angeles normally rehearses in Westwood at the UCLA School of Music on Sunday afternoons). Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Debut Ensemble
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Training Schedule
Sunday afternoons & by appointment -
Location
NCC Virtual Classroom -
Curriculum
Choral Training
Music Theory & Sight-singing Class
Specialized Voice Instruction
Workshops & Masterclasses -
Performances
Two virtual concerts per year (Winter and Spring), as well as special artistic projects and international tours -
Tuition
Approximately $229 per month.
Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.
Premier Ensemble
Ages 12-17, much experience to most experience
Members of the Premier Ensemble are expected to perform at an advanced level upon acceptance, and already have a clear concept of beautiful tone, accurate intonation, crisp diction, and musical phrasing, in addition to possessing experience-based confidence and assertiveness as a solo and group performer. Students will be taught the highest levels of sophisticated choral technique that is utilized in all of the world’s finest adult choruses within the context of complex music featuring 3 and 4-part harmony. Singers at this level will participate in multiple performances and projects throughout the year, including collaborations with top artists, professional adult choruses, renowned orchestras and opera companies. In addition, specialized vocal study, and advanced Kodály technique are included as part of the curriculum.
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. During the current pandemic, students will participate in an exciting array of virtual performances and specialized online training (the Premier Ensemble in Los Angeles normally rehearses in Westwood at the UCLA School of Music on Sunday afternoons). Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Premier Ensemble
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Training Schedule
Sunday afternoons & by appointment -
Location
NCC Virtual Classroom -
Curriculum
Choral Training
Specialized Voice Instruction
Music Theory & Sight-singing Class
Workshops & Masterclasses -
Performances
Two virtual concerts per year (Winter and Spring), as well as special artistic projects and international tours -
Tuition
Approximately $239 per month.
Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.
Scholars
Ages 15-18, most experience only
Members of the Scholars represent the NCC's most technically-skilled vocal group, with an emphasis on college-prep training, with its singers having received many years of experience at the Senior Division level (or equivalent). This SATB chorus serves as a critical bridge to university training and performing at the top level. All students in this group must be of high school age, and sing with exceptional artistic and technical command, both as a chorister and soloist. Concert engagements, as well as high-profile ensemble projects, will be a regular part of the experience. All boys in the NCC whose voices have changed to tenor or bass must sing in this group, and girls are admitted by special audition.
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. During the current pandemic, students will participate in an exciting array of virtual performances and specialized online training (the Scholars in Los Angeles normally rehearse in Westwood at the UCLA School of Music on Sunday afternoons). Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Scholars
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Training Schedule
Sunday afternoons & by appointment -
Location
NCC Virtual Classroom -
Curriculum
Choral Training
Specialized Voice Instruction
Composition & Conducting
Workshops & Masterclasses
College Application & Audition Preparation -
Performances
Two virtual concerts per year (Winter and Spring), as well as special artistic projects and international tours -
Tuition
Approximately $259 per month.
Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.