The Exploratory Year
The Tallis Academy’s Exploratory Year began in September 2026, bringing together young singers from across the region for a year of intensive musical training, Christian formation, and choral singing.
The response exceeded all expectations. More than thirty children joined the programme at its launch, creating a thriving community of young musicians and laying the foundations for the future Tallis Academy.
Inspired by the great cathedral choir schools of England, the Exploratory Year gives children the opportunity to experience a distinctive approach to chorister training: one in which singing is combined with musicianship, education, discipline, friendship, and the musical traditions of the Church.
A Living Choral Tradition
Each week, choristers receive systematic training in healthy vocal technique, sight-singing, aural skills, music theory, and music history. They encounter music ranging from Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony to the great choral repertoire of later centuries, learning not merely to reproduce notes but to understand the music they sing.
Learning by Doing
An essential part of chorister training is learning to perform. As their skills develop, members of the Exploratory Year will sing at selected services and events at St Paul’s, culminating in their participation alongside the professional singers of the St Paul’s Consort in the parish’s Service of Nine Lessons and Carols in December.
These opportunities introduce children to the particular concentration, teamwork, responsibility, and confidence required of a chorister. They also allow them to experience the purpose for which much of the music they study was written: the worship of God.
Frequently asked questions
When is it?
Wednesdays during the academic year.
Grades 2–4: 4:30pm–5:30pm
Grades 5–8: 5:30pm–6:30pm
Where is it?
St Paul's Church
84 Sherwood Avenue
Greenwich, CT.
What ages is the academy for ?
Open to all children Grades 2-8
Does my child need prior musical training?
No! Your child will be taught everything
that they will need to know by expert tutors.
What does the tuition cost?
Scholarships will be granted to all participants through the generosity of anonymous donors. This covers the tuition fees of $2,500 per annum.
Can families join after the programme begins?
The response to the launch of the Exploratory Year greatly exceeded our expectations, with more than thirty children joining the programme.
Places are therefore now limited. Families interested in joining the Exploratory Year, or in future admission to the Tallis Academy, are warmly encouraged to contact us at music@stpaulgreenwich.org
What will my child learn?
Vocal technique, sight-singing, music theory, music history, musicianship, and Catholic liturgical formation.
Will the children perform?
Yes. As their training develops, choristers will sing at selected services and special events at St Paul’s Church.
In December, members of the Exploratory Year will join the professional singers of the St Paul’s Consort for St Paul’s Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.