As summer begins to wind down, audition season quickly approaches. As we begin to look at our YAPTracker account more frequently, many programs for next summer start to populate the list of things to look into. Many of these programs offer wonderful opportunities, but each offers a different experience to singers. When looking at a summer program, it is important to apply for companies that offer something you are interested in, be it classes, a full opera, or something else entirely. To make sure you have all the information, we asked a few of our team members to share some information on programs they've attended.

SongFest

Experience: There are three programs for different levels of singers: Studio Artists (freshmen - junior in college), Young Artists (senior in college - beginning grad school), Professional Fellowship (graduate students and beyond). They also offer programs for pianists and Arts Administration interns.

Payment: The programs website currently lists the cost of the program at $2,200 for Tuition and $2,200 for housing and meals.

What they loved: Songfest focuses on art song repertoire and gives singers the opportunity to work with living composers. Many singers who have been to this program talk about the amazing experience they had working with a living composer and the faculty. This is one of the biggest draws to the program. In addition, singers will also take classes in yoga, Alexander Technique, perform in master classes, and have performance opportunities throughout.

Website: Songfest Programs

Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar

Experience: There are two levels of the program: Emerging Artists Fellowship Program for singers ages 23-35, and Repertoire Development for Teaching Professionals for teachers and coaches at the collegiate level.

Payment: The Emerging Artist program offers a full scholarship and the Repertoire Development program costs $400.00.

What they loved: This program focuses on contemporary American art songs by living composers in a one week intensive program. During that week, singers will go to classes and sing in master classes focusing on a specific composer unique to that season.

Website: Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar

Cedar Rapids Opera

Experience: Some pervious opera experience required.

Payment: The website lists that housing and a stipend is provided.

What they loved: This program offers a winter and a summer program. During the winter performance, young artists sing in the chorus of mainstage productions, have the opportunity to cover or understudy a mainstage role, and perform in the outreach programs. During the summer program, the focus is on developing the young artist's skills by helping them prepare and perform main roles. In addition to the performances, the program also offers seminar-type classes. These classes are business-type classes that help you with your resume and audition package.

Website: Cedar Rapids Opera

St. Petersburg Opera

Experience: All levels of singers are considered, but must pass a prescreening audition.

Payment: Payment is provided.

What they loved: This emerging artist program allows singers to cover roles as well as provide coaching and rehearsal opportunities. The covers have their own sitzprobe and dress rehearsal to help solidify the role. This program also lets you sing at various other events to ensure you have ample performance opportunities. The classes at this program offer a wide variety of information for singers including, but not limited to, business classes that work on fostering resume building and networking. In addition to business classes, young artists receive coachings and lessons in stage combat.

Website: St. Petersburg

Seattle Opera Academy

Experience: Ages 18-24 are accepted.

Payment: Their YAPTracker audition page lists that some payment is provided.

What they loved: This three week program gives singers the chance to perform a full opera with orchestra. In addition, the program offers workshops in singing, movement, acting, as well as some classes in business and career development. If you need financial assistance, this program offers substantial financial aid and scholarships.

Website: Seattle Opera

AIMS - American Institute of Musical Studies

Experience: College and above.

Payment: Tuition is listed as $6,695.

What they loved: One of the best parts of AIMS is living in Gratz, Austria for six weeks and taking in the sights of the city. Living in Gratz offers singers opportunities to experience the singing culture in Europe and possibly be the first stepping stone into the European circuit. AIMS offers two programs for singers: the Opera Studio Program and the Lieder Studio Program. Both programs offer lessons and coachings weekly, diction and language classes in German, master classes, as well as acting and audition classes.

Website: AIMS

These are just a few programs our team has attended and enjoyed. We hope these suggestions will give you a little more information to help you make your decision. If you have been part of a program and would like to recommend it to other singers, leave the information in the comments below.