The Conducting Scholar Program

Applications close April 26th, 2025

The National Youth Choir of Australia (NYCA) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced student choral conductors for one or two Choral Scholar positions as part of the 2025 season of NYCA, to be held in Melbourne July 5 – 13.

The position(s) involve full-time residential attendance at University College in the University of Melbourne. The fee of $1250 covers accommodation, most meals and an intensive program of study, practice and discussion, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Up to 30 minutes each per day in front of the full NYCA (preparing repertoire or activity such as warm-ups, skill development, etc).

• Regular, usually “directed”, observation of rehearsal, with review afterwards

• Sitting in on vocal health sessions throughout the season to further understand working with singers over a rehearsal period

• Score preparation, monitored and directed by NYCA staff

• Responsibility for the preparation and presentation of small group ensemble performances and some part in the selection of repertoire for these

• Contribution to ongoing rehearsals as singers or keyboard players

• Daily meetings with NYCA staff to discuss their education plans and topics relevant to their development as musicians and choral specialists.

• Involvement in peripheral activities such as preparation of program notes, managerial activity, etc.

• Subject to progress during the program and the final decision of the NCYA Conductor, Conducting Scholars may have the opportunity to conduct NYCA at the two regional concerts.

NYCA Staff

Noel Ancell OAM - NYCA Artistic Director - Click to read bio

Carl Crossin OAM - Guest Director of NYCA 2025 - Click to read bio

Anish Nair - Manager

How good are the singers in NYCA?

The members of NYCA come from a variety of different backgrounds. 

NYCA consists of singers aged 18-26 and many of them study music at university, perform with Australia’s amateur chamber choirs, are the better young singers from community choirs or are graduates of selective high school choirs. Some members are professional musicians with extensive vocal training while others have little or no formal training. Competent sight-reading skills are required, as is good pitch and tone control.

Most NYCAns wish they'd auditioned sooner - if in doubt, take this opportunity and apply!

What's in it for me?

Here are a few things that singers have gained from past seasons: 

The opportunity to work with world-renowned conductors and musicians. Improved sight-reading. Stronger ensemble skills. The thrill of presenting concerts of an excellent standard after only a few days of rehearsal. Forming new friendships with interesting and talented musicians across Australia. Experiencing a different city. Improved vocal technique from our vocal coaches. New warm up and rehearsal techniques for conductors and teachers.

Gain practical experience by conducting and singing set pieces in rehearsal and in concert, develop skills in score analysis and preparation, workshops, rehearsal manner, essential warm-ups, networking with industry professionals, and more.

Recent NYCA singers have had the opportunity to work closely with big names in the music industry, such as David Hill, John Rutter, Warren Trevelyan-Jones, Dr Elizabeth Scott, Noel Ancell, Henry Choo, Carl Crossin and many more!

How much does it cost?

The Fee for the 2024 NYCA Season was $1200. This figure changes season to season.

Applicants have regularly and successfully asked their workplaces (non-music and music related (churches, schools, etc.) to subsidise their season fees as NYCA falls under professional development.  

You can also claim NYCA fees and airfares when it comes to tax time - see here.

This website also provides a list of different funding opportunities as well. Funding for musicians: music grants

All places in the choir are subject to audition, and successful applicants pay a deposit of $200 to secure their place. The balance is then paid in full or by payment plan by 31 May each year. Please note that if the season is cancelled due to a pandemic or associated restrictions, season fees will be fully refunded.

All places in NYCA are heavily subsidised and include sheet music you can keep, accommodation and most meals. Flights are not included, which is one reason that NYCA seasons move around the country from year to year.The Fee for the 2024 NYCA Season was $1200. This figure changes season to season.

Where will I be staying?

Each season is different, but as always, the 2025 season is fully residential with great food, accommodation and facilities. We will be staying in the University College Melbourne, located centrally for easy access to the CBD, nightlife, and the airport.