Exploratory Year
Following the Choir Camps, the Tallis Academy will launch its Exploratory Year in Fall 2026. Open to children in Grades 3–8, the programme is designed specifically for young singers during the years when their voices are most responsive to musical training. Inspired by the great cathedral choir schools of England, the Exploratory Year will provide a rigorous and engaging introduction to the musical, liturgical, and educational traditions that will form the foundation of the full Tallis Academy.
Meeting on Thursday evenings from 5:00pm–6:30pm, with dinner provided afterwards, participants will embark upon a year-long journey of musical discovery, personal growth, and faith formation.
Preparing for the Future
The Exploratory Year serves as the foundation for the full launch of the Tallis Academy in Fall 2027. During this formative year, children and families will have the opportunity to experience the Academy's distinctive approach to chorister training while helping to establish the culture, traditions, and sense of community that will define the programme for years to come.
Music, Faith, and Formation
Participants will receive expert instruction in music theory, music history, sight-singing, musicianship, and healthy vocal technique. Alongside their musical studies, they will be introduced to the Church's rich liturgical and musical heritage, developing an understanding of the prayers, seasons, customs, and traditions that shape Catholic worship.
The goal is not simply to teach children how to sing, but to cultivate well-rounded young musicians who understand the music they perform, appreciate the cultural and spiritual traditions from which it springs, and possess the confidence and discipline necessary to excel.
Learning by Doing
As the group develops in confidence and ability, choristers will begin to sing occasional services at St Paul's Church. These opportunities will allow students to apply their training in a real-world setting, learning first-hand what it means to lead a congregation in prayer through music.
Through these experiences, participants will develop teamwork, leadership, concentration, responsibility, and self-confidence—qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives, regardless of whether they ultimately pursue music professionally.
Scholarships for Every Participant
The full cost of the Exploratory Year would ordinarily be approximately $2,500 per child per year. However, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of several anonymous benefactors who share our vision, scholarships are available to all participants during this founding phase of the Academy's development.
Our goal is simple: no child with enthusiasm, commitment, and potential should be unable to participate for financial reasons.
Who Can Join?
No prior musical experience is required. We are simply looking for children who enjoy singing, are eager to learn, and are excited by the prospect of being part of something special.
Overview
When...
Thursday evenings, 5:00pm–6:30pm, followed by dinner
Beginning Fall 2026
Where...
St Paul's Church, Greenwich, Connecticut
Curriculum...
Vocal technique, sight-singing, music theory, music history, musicianship, and liturgical formation
Performance Opportunities...
Participants will sing occasional services at St Paul's as the programme develops
Experience Required...
None! All enthusiastic young singers are welcome
Admission...
Rolling admission throughout the year
Tuition...
Scholarships granted to all participants through the generosity of anonymous donors. This covers the tuition fees of $2500 per annum.
Purpose: To prepare children for the launch of the full Tallis Academy Chorister Programme in Fall 2027
Outcome: Musical excellence, confidence, leadership, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation of sacred music and worship