Spring Sings, 2018

For choristers who wish to broaden their musical and technical skills, Brooklyn Youth Chorus houses an extensive music electives program, offering private vocal and instrument lessons, performance workshops, high school audition classes and more.

Those who study privately have the opportunity to perform for friends and family in a recital at the end of each term. These courses are optional but are strongly encouraged.

REGISTRATION FOR 2025/26 ELECTIVES AND PRIVATE LESSONS IS CLOSED

Registration for summer private lessons will open in May. Below is information on our elective offerings.

CLASS INFO AND DETAILS

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons focus on the students' individual needs regardless of skill level, and provide one-on-one instruction. Learn a new instrument, develop your solo voice, prepare for an audition, or get individualized attention on a specific musical skill. Private lessons are a great way to enrich and build upon the fundamentals students learn in chorus.

Brooklyn Youth Chorus offers 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute private lessons in fall-only (8-lessons), full-year (29-lessons), spring (17-lessons), and summer (4 and 8 lessons) lessons packages for choristers ages 7+ for the following instruments:

  • Voice

  • Piano

VOCAL AUDITION PREP GROUP CLASSES

These classes are designed to help you unlock your true vocal potential and conquer those nerve-wracking auditions with confidence!

AUDITION PREP CLASS

Auditioning for middle and high school vocal programs can be a daunting task, but fret not! Our Audition Prep Class is your golden ticket to mastering the art of auditioning. Led by BYC elective faculty, Francesca Lionetta, this intensive 6-week program will cover:

  • Vocal Techniques: Learn the essential vocal techniques to showcase your unique voice and stand out during auditions.

  • Song Interpretation: Discover how to connect emotionally with your chosen audition pieces and captivate the audience.

  • Performance Confidence: Build self-assurance and stage presence to deliver a memorable audition.

  • Mock Auditions: Gain invaluable experience through mock audition sessions with constructive feedback.

  • Tips and Tricks: Get insider tips on selecting the perfect audition repertoire and managing audition day jitters.Vocal Techniques: Learn the essential vocal techniques to showcase your unique voice and stand out during auditions.

MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS GROUP CLASSES

Musicianship Skills, taught by Director of Choral Education Liz Geisewite,  is open to choristers in Pre-Ten, Teen, Junior Ensemble, Bass Ensemble, and Concert Ensemble.

In this class, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Build foundational skills in music literacy

  • Expand your music theory knowledge

  • Improve your ear training and sight-reading abilities

  • Develop a deeper understanding of musical concepts

  • Enhance your overall musicianship and musical independence

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid is available for elective classes for choristers who have been enrolled in Brooklyn Youth Chorus for at least one full program year.

To apply for Financial Aid for private lessons, please follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Complete a Financial Aid Application via the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Parent Portal. If you have already completed a financial aid application for your chorus registration this season, skip to step 2.
STEP 2 - Complete the Elective Financial Aid Parent Request Form.
STEP 3 - Brooklyn Youth Chorus will send you a financial aid award email with elective registration instructions.
STEP 4 - Follow instructions in that email to complete registration.

PLEASE NOTE: Financial Aid is awarded toward one 30-minute lesson per child. If you choose to register for a 45 or 60-minute lesson and/or if you are registering for more than one private lesson per child, you will be responsible for the full tuition amount.