Music development programme applications open

The programme is structured to build upon knowledge and experience already gained by dedicated up-and-coming artists in the genre of opera & musical theatre. The Africa Voices Programme is a master-class to fast-track and elevate talented local artists to international standards and will be valuable to both individuals who have gained experiential skills, and individuals who have pursued academic studies in this field.

 

Intense, high-level programme

 

The programme will be focused on refining live performance skills as well as training participants to function as effective, professional artists in this often high stress and audition-based world. Both genres require of artists to be able to work in many different environments, and so participants need to be prepared for a very intense and high-level programme - designed to prepare them to work anywhere in the world, under the most challenging career conditions possible.

 

There is no academic requirement that needs to have been achieved to gain entry to the programme. However, successful vocalists must display remarkable musical talent, execution, charisma and ambition distinguishing them from hundreds of applicants. Selection is not only based on musical talent - Africa Voices candidates must display creative energy, a drive to succeed and the courage to hold themselves to the highest standards.

 

The Africa Voices Programmes are currently held in Cape Town, but it is the organisation's goal that similar programmes will be held in Johannesburg in the near future. It will also be actively sourcing and calling for submissions from other sub-Saharan African countries.

 

Participation in the programme itself is at no cost to successful applicants as funds for these expenses are raised by the Africa Voices Trust. The programme will consist of 8-12 young lead singers. All voice types are welcome.

 

 

Must be recommended

 

Prospective candidates will need to be formally nominated by either a music professional or an educational or other music institution by means of submitting a recommendation form. Initial selection is made from all received recommendation forms, upon which selected artists will be contacted to submit a participant application form as well as a motivational essay. Once all participant applications have been reviewed, a shortlist of prospective candidates will be required to attend a live audition and interview in front of an independent panel of judges.

 

Access the online recommendation form. 

 

The closing date for recommendations is 30 June 2014.

 

The Africa Voices Trust is a non-profit organisation created to support the development of highly talented and deserving young African musicians and singers across all styles and genres.