The National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYCGB) has launched its Fellowship Programme to help create highly-skilled and multi-talented choral musicians with the support of ABRSM. The year-long Fellowship Programme will provide eight singers between the ages of 22 and 25 with extensive training in performance, ensemble work, musical leadership and pedagogy to enable them to become outstanding performers and educators, equipped for a successful career in choral music. NYCGB Director Ben Parry said: 'The NYCGB Fellowship is not just about vocal or choral excellence – it offers a comprehensive and paid professional pathway for those who want to go into choral music in all its shapes and forms – as singers, as conductors, as animateurs and as educators.'

Building engagement and inspiring others

The Fellows will make a major contribution to the NYCGB’s Widening Access and Engagement Programme, providing bespoke support and training for teachers and children in areas of the UK with low arts participation. They will also work as section leaders at the NYCGB’s residential courses and lead workshops at music conservatoires and colleges throughout the year. 'The Fellowship will give me the chance to develop my skills on a very high level while also using them. It’s not a written course, it’s a practical thing,' said 2015-16 NYCGB Fellow Joseph Judge. As part of the Programme, it is anticipated that each of the NYCGB’s Fellows will work with up to 500 young people as they interact with school children through Regional Open Singing Days and associated workshops. They will also perform to a combined audience of 10,000 both nationally and internationally. 'The NYCGB’s Fellowship Programme provides young talented singers with the opportunity to become outstanding performers and highly creative and able educators. We’re proud to support them as they embark on the next step of their professional careers,’ said ABRSM Chief Executive, Michael Elliott. ABRSM is the Programme’s Principal Supporter alongside the NYCGB’s other major funder, the Dunard Fund.

Application details

Applications are now being accepted for the programme and will close on Monday 30 November.