The Stratford Summer Music Vocal Academy was co-founded in 2015 by Phillip Addis, Emily Hamper, Michael Schade and John Miller.  Our internationally recognized faculty focuses on furthering our participants’ musicianship and technique within a friendly, supportive and creative atmosphere.  Ideal applicants will be in or have recently completed a degree/training program with a university or conservatory, and be in the early stages of a career.  We welcome applicants from all countries, but applicants from outside Canada are responsible for their own travel and document requirements. Submissions will be open until positions are filled.

2024 General Information

This year focuses on three separate offerings – Art Song, The Solo Cantatas of J.S. Bach, and Musical Theatre.  Applicants should arrive with their repertoire prepared for class and public performances.

Art Song with Kimberly Barber (August 6-9)

The Solo Cantatas of J.S. Bach with Daniel Lichti (POSTPONED)

Musical Theatre with Marcus Nance (August 9-11)

 

Testimonials:

“I can’t tell you the wonders your program did for my singing, outlook and most of all my confidence in pursuing this career.” -Sarah Schabas, 2017

“Thank you again for a wonderful experience – I would highly recommend the Vocal Academy to any young singer.” – Sarah Parkin, 2017

“I really appreciated working on oratorio arias at the Stratford VA as I have had the opportunity to be the soloist in various oratorios including Haydn’s Creation, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass and Handel’s Messiah.” – Anna Boyes, 2018

“Your program really stretched me and made me grow as a musician and as a person. I was able to quickly learn the scores based on the knowledge I gained while at the Stratford Summer Music Vocal Academy. “ – Aude Urbancic (pianist), 2018

Art Song

Art Song focussed primarily on the Canadian and American Art Song repertoire of the last two centuries.  Participants will receive training with world-renowned mezzo-soprano Kimberly Barber in private and group settings, as well as one public masterclass.  All participants will be given the opportunity to perform live as part of SSM’s MusicBarge Series on August 9th. Max. enrollment – 12.

The Solo Cantatas of J.S. Bach

Immerse yourself in an intensive all-Bach session with world-renowned bass baritone Daniel Lichti. Four outstanding Cantatas for Solo Voice, studied and performed with a professional instrumental ensemble!  Refine your abilities in singing in the baroque style, including work on recitatives, ornamentation, and performing without a conductor at A415.  Each participant will have the opportunity to perform in group masterclass setting, including one public masterclass, and a final public performance for a receptive Stratford audience.  Enrollment limited to 12 singers total.
For Bass: BWV 82, Ich habe genug
For Tenor: BWV 55, Ich armer Mensch, ich Sündenknecht
For Alto/Countertenor: BWV 170, Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust
For Soprano: BWV 51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen.

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre is new to the Vocal Academy in 2024.  Led by renowned bass-baritone Marcus Nance, participants will work in private and group settings, including one public masterclass on August 10th. All participants will be given the opportunity to perform live as part of SSM’s MusicBarge Series on August 11th. Max. enrollment – 12.

Program Sponsors

Jim MacDougall, in memory of Connie MacDougall

The Neil F. Crory Endowment Fund

Barbara Steed Young

APPLY NOW!

Please prepare your C.V., current headshot, 2 x YouTube links of recent performances and 2 x references to submit via application form.