Berkshire Choral Apprentice Program Applications

BCI’s Frank Nemhauser Apprentice Program is a free program designed for career-track singers and choral conductors enrolled in undergraduate or advanced degree programs. This opportunity is free to all accepted participants and includes room and board, travel expense stipend, and music fees.

Apprentice opportunities in Summer 2026 include week-long programs in Amherst, MA (Beth Willer conducting Smyth’s Mass in D and Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb); Denver, CO (Anthony Trecek-King conducting Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Martines’ Dixit Dominus, and Nunes-Garcia’s Requiem); and Tallinn, Estonia (Patrick Quigley conducting Brahms’ Requiem and Esenvalds’ Lakes Awake at Dawn) and a five-day program in Portland, OR (Iris Levine conducting an SSAA program including Andrea Ramsey’s Suffrage Cantata).

Each program is an intensive choral experience providing apprentices with the opportunity to study and rehearse major choral-orchestral works with eminent conductors, faculty, and vocal soloists. Musical activities include participating in two choral rehearsals per day; attending classes taught by our faculty; receiving complimentary private lessons and coaching from our faculty; podium time for conductors; and performing in a joint solo/ensemble recital with our faculty.

BCI’s Vocal Scholar Program is a free educational opportunity focusing on undergraduate or advanced degree music students. Applicants do not need to be voice majors, but should be enrolled in a music degree program and possess solid vocal technique and reading skills. 

BCI is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive experience for choral singers. African-American, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ identified students are strongly encouraged to apply. The program includes free tuition, sheet music and lessons/coaching, housing and meals and a reimbursed travel stipend.

Application requirements are at: https://www.berkshirechoral.org/apply/apprentice-application. Apply by Feb. 1, 2026 for either program. Please direct questions to .