"I owe a lot to the Vocal Apprenticeship Program. Without this assistance I would not have been able to have vocal lessons, classes at New England Conservatory, or have made so many wonderful friends. I am truly thankful for the opportunities that I have been given." Rebekah Priestly 2009 Candace MacMillen Achtmeyer Award Winner
The Handel and Haydn Society is recognized as a leader and innovator in providing music education to public school students. The Society established the Vocal Apprenticeship Program in 1994 to identify and nurture those youngsters with special talent whose families lack the financial resources to pursue private instruction. The Vocal Apprenticeship Program (grades 3 - 12, individuals, by audition), is one of the Society's most important educational initiatives, addressing the needs of a special group of talented urban youngsters -- those for whom the study of music can outline a path toward higher education and a career in music. The program provides intensive study in voice, theory, and piano, along with the mentoring and guidance these young singers need in order to reach their full potential, musically, academically, and personally.
Choral Ensembles (at Boston Latin School )
Singers (preparatory choir, ages 8-11)
Youth Chorus (ages 10-14, unchanged male voices, music reading skills)
Young Men's Chorus (ages 12-18, music reading skills desirable)
Young Women's Chorus (high school age females, advanced music reading skills needed)
For more information, contact Robin Baker at 617 262 1815, ext. 126 or
High School Soloists
High School Soloists receive private vocal instruction as well as options in theory, piano, ensemble & chamber music at New England Conservatory and Boston Latin School.
The Handel and Haydn Society is extremely grateful to the generous financial assistance and support provided by New England Conservatory and the Boston Latin School to make our Vocal Apprenticeship Program possible.
In the 2008-2009 school year the Vocal Apprenticeship Program served 168 youngsters from 42 Massachusetts communities. Auditions are held in May of each year. Additional auditions (subject to availability) for ensembles only are held in September. For more information, call Robin Baker, Handel and Haydn Director of Education, at (617) 262-1815 or or email
