The Aotearoa Choral Academy is Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand’s national training programme for emerging choral leaders. ACA supports young singers from across Aotearoa to develop the technical, musical, and leadership skills required for participation in the national choirs and the wider choral sector. ACA is co-directed by Fiona Wilson and Dr Jono Palmer.   

• Learn from an internationally recognised artistic team, supported by leading vocal consultants and specialist tutors. 

• Individual and small-group vocal coaching with experienced voice teachers. 

• Year-long musicianship and sight-singing programme developing the literacy and musical independence required of advanced ensemble singers. 

• Engage with a wide range of choral repertoire, including works drawn from the programmes of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir and the New Zealand Youth Choir. 

• Performance opportunities in Auckland and Rotorua, providing singers opportunities to apply their learning in public performances. 

• Build lifelong musical networks and friendships within the New Zealand choral community. 

• Excellent preparation for future pathways, including auditions for NZSSC, NZ Youth Choir, and University vocal programmes. 

  

COURSES  

• July: Intensive residential course in Auckland focused on vocal technique, musicianship, ensemble skills, score preparation, and building a strong ensemble culture. 

• September: Regional rehearsal days to maintain momentum and strengthen connections with singers in your region. 

• October: Participation in Sing Aotearoa in Rotorua, a national gathering of hundreds of singers from across Aotearoa, including: 

• workshops with leading national and international specialists 

• cultural experiences and collaborative singing 

• massed choir performances under guest conductor Michael Joseph Barrett (former Director of Choirs at the University of Pretoria; and Tuks Camerata ensemble) 

• dedicated performance opportunities for the Academy ensemble. 

 

2026 Programme Dates 

The 2026 Aotearoa Choral Academy offers a structured national training programme comprising: 

 

Initial Online Zoom Meeting 

• Date: Sunday 17 May, 3.00pm - 4.00pm 

 

Course 1 – Foundation Residential 

• Dates: Monday 6 July – Saturday 11 July 

• Location: Willow Park Christian Camp, Auckland 

 

Course 2 – Regional Workshops  

• Dates: 26/27 Sep or 3/4 Oct, TBC  

• Location: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch (one-day workshop in your nearest centre) 

 

Course 3 – Sing Aotearoa Project 

• Date: Friday 23 October – Monday 26 October 

• Location: Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua 

Acceptance into ACA requires singers to be available for all phases of the 2026 programme. Both July and October courses are fully residential, with shared accommodation arranged as part of the programme. 

 

Fees 2026 

The fee for 2026 $1990.  This amount includes: 

 

July Residential, Auckland:  

• 6 day course 

• 5 nights accommodation 

• 6 days catering 

• Potential concert on final day 

• Coach to/from airport (1 departure only) 

 

September workshop: 

• 1 day workshop (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) 

 

October Sing Aotearoa Project, Rotorua: 

• 4 day course 

• 3 nights accommodation 

• Sing Aotearoa enrolment fee 

 

The fee can be paid in a single instalment of $1990, or in 4 instalments as follows: 

Instalment 1: $497.5 due 30 May 

Instalment 2: $497.5 due 30 June 

Instalment 3: $497.5 due 30 July 

Instalment 4: $497.5 due 30 August 

 

Once enrolled, you are welcome apply for a grant of up to $250 to assist with fees.  Grant allocations will be made and notified before July. 

 

 

Application Submission details  

For your application you will need: 

• To agree to the course dates and fees 

• To give your details 

• To give your parent/guardian details (if you are under 18) 

• To outline your singing experience and other instrument experience 

• To attach a photo of yourself 

• To submit a video link of you singing (as per instructions) 

 

Video & Photo Submission 

A digital video recording must be completed by everyone, even if you have previously been accepted to the Academy. This is so the new Music Directors can hear your voice and plan for the course. Submit the link to a Google Drive or YouTube; ensure the permissions allow for anyone to view.  The video must include: 

 

1. Unaccompanied Folk Song – (examples given in folder: Down by the Sally Gardens, Blow the wind southerly, Linden Lea.) Only one verse is needed and you may start on any note that suits your range.  

1. Sing a Scale to a syllable of your choice e.g. ‘La’, ‘Di’ etc.  

• Sopranos and Altos:  

1. Start on F above middle C and sing an ascending scale as high as you can.  

1. Start again on F and sing a descending scale as low as you can. 

• Tenors and Bases:   

1. Start on F below middle C and sing an ascending scale as high as you can.  

1. Start again on F and sing a descending scale as low as you can.  

 

Paste a link to your video in the application form - either with a google drive link or (unlisted) YouTube link. Make sure the access is set to enable anyone to view. 

 

The video must be only one link but can be 2 stitched-together recordings.