The RSCM Youth Choir is an exciting chamber choir for young singers aged 16 to 23. The choir meets for short residencies, usually twice a year (Easter and summer), at least one of which is based at a UK cathedral. The choir sings music of all styles and periods, from plainchant and the music of the Renaissance masters to Herbert Howells, contemporary compositions and brand new works.
“I think I’m definitely a better musician. I think you get pushed to be better, which in a lot of choirs isn’t the case – you get pushed to be just good enough.” Youth Choir Member
“You don’t get many opportunities to sing with so many people who are so like-minded and sing such good-quality music.” Youth Choir Member
Individual musical and vocal tuition is a key feature of courses and events, with opportunities for the choir to record and broadcast, and for members to develop leadership skills essential to their future. The choir works principally with their Director, Adrian Lucas, but also relishes the opportunity to work with other leading choral musicians.
The Youth Choir offers a fantastic opportunity for young singers to engage at the highest standards with an exciting range of sacred choral music in worship.
Have questions or interested in auditioning?
youthchoir@rscm.com | 01722 424848
Auditioning for the Youth Choir
Entry to the RSCM Youth Choir is via a fairly short and informal audition including: A piece of your own choice, sight reading, and reading aloud. Further details can be found below.
Auditions are usually arranged online via Zoom or at a choir event. Write to us at: youthchoir@rscm.com to arrange a date.
What’s included in the Audition?
A piece of your own choice:
This should be a relatively short (2–3 minutes) piece of solo or choral music which demonstrates your vocal range well but is also appropriate to your current level and experience. The RSCM Gold Award syllabus contains examples of possible repertoire.
NB For in-person auditions: please bring 2 copies with you. For online auditions: Feel free to sing to a backing track, unaccompanied, with an accompanist, or accompany yourself. Please also let us know in advance what you would like to sing.
Sight Reading:
A test which aims to show a good level of independence in a choral situation. Whilst sight reading is an important part of the audition (due to the diverse repertoire the choir sings in a year), scores are provided in advance of residential courses to facilitate the growth of this essential skill.
A provisional year in the choir maybe offered to those whose sight reading is a little below the expected level but are eager to improve.
Reading aloud in English and Latin:
You will be asked to read aloud at sight in both languages (using standard church Latin pronunciation) to demonstrate fluency and your level of comprehension.
FAQs
Q. Who can apply?
A. The Youth Choir is open to singers aged 16–23 who are Individual/Student members of the RSCM, or members of an affiliated church or choir. The annual programme is musically demanding, so singers at about RSCM Gold Award level (above ABRSM Grade 7) are likely to be at the right standard to apply.
Q. How much does it cost, and is there any financial assistance available?
A. We charge an annual membership fee, which includes attendance at all the year’s events and half-board accommodation for residential courses. The fee for 2024/25 will be shared shortly.
We can offer a monthly payment plan to spread the cost of the fee across the year as we appreciate residential courses are a significant cost.
Generous bursary funding is also available to apply for to assist with the cost of the fee.
Q. I’m a student so my availability is limited – can I still join?
A. Yes! We try to be sensitive to the schedules of students across our age range, particularly during the exam season, and schedule events to avoid excessive clashes.
Q. When are auditions held?
A. Auditions are held through the year, usually online, and place for all voice parts come up fairly frequently. We are always particularly keen to hear from lower voices, especially tenors!
Q. How do I find out more?
A. Email youthchoir@rscm.com for further information.