VOCAL IMMERSION PROGRAM

Program Details:

The Vocal Immersion Program at Castleton (ViP) is a professional performing arts mentoring program in the bucolic Piedmont Region. Established in 2020 by Paul Groves, Michelle DeYoung, and Dietlinde Turban Maazel for emerging professional artists, the program allows a select group of young singers to explore their artistic potential through two weeks of diverse lessons and classes culminating in performances of well-known opera arias, duets, and ensembles as well as German Lieder. Faculty instruction led by world-renowned artists, mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, tenor Paul Groves, actress Dietlinde Turban Maazel, are joined by guest faculty Carol Vaness, coach Julian Garvue and world percussion artist Tom Teasley.

Faculty advisors include professional artists, agents, stage directors, and more: Susan Graham, Bryn Terfel, and Lucas & Irina Meachem, among others. In a candid meeting, where the guest advisors answer participant questions. 

The program is merit-based and tuition-free. Shared houses and meals in the rural farm area of Castleton permit full immersion and focus. The program’s mission is not only to hone skills but to encourage the young stars of tomorrow to find their path in their desire to communicate with audiences in a meaningful way and connect to the human spirit.

There are no age restrictions or limitations for applicants.

Program Cost:

Tuition, housing, and meals are covered for all participants. Participants are responsible for application and travel costs.

Program Dates:

January 05 to January 17, 2026 – Participants should reserve JAN 04 and JAN 18 for travel.

There are two main performances during the program:
Art Song & German Lieder Recital, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Opera Scenes Performance, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Audition Information:

AUDITIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THREE ROUNDS ~

Pre-screening:

Voice applicants should submit two Art Songs, two Arias (as YouTube links only), Headshot (JPEG), Resume (PDF – *must include 2-3 references), and a short, program-length Biography (as Word file – 250 word count Maximum)

Piano applicants should submit two Art Songs, two Arias (as YouTube links only), Headshot (JPEG), Resume (PDF – *must include 2-3 references), and a short, program-length Biography (as Word file – 250 word count Maximum).

In pre-screening stage, all pieces for the piano applicant must be with a singer.

Pre-Screening Materials are due by the end of the day AUGUST 01, 2025. 

The JotForm to apply will become available JUNE 04, 2025.

ZOOM-LIVE Auditions:

After review, applicants will be selected for ZOOM-LIVE auditions. Applicants should expect to receive a 10-minute audition slot in this round. Applicants should bring two art songs and two contrasting arias. Detailed information will be sent via e-mail to the invited applicants.

The Zoom-Live auditions are TBA in Fall 2025.

-Vocal applicants at this stage are expected to provide their own pianist.

-Piano participants at this stage are expected to provide a singer for a minimum of one art song and one aria. The panel may ask to hear the pianist alone during the audition.

Final Interview Round:

After ZOOM-LIVE auditions, a final group of applicants will be contacted for a final interview round.

Please be prepared to speak on your Rèsumé/CV, your experience as an artist, “why” you are interested in the Vocal Immersion Program as your next step, and line-up 2-3 references. 

Application Deadline:

Pre-screening materials are due AUGUST 01, 2025.
There is a nonrefundable application fee of $50 due for all applicants by AUG 01.

Submit all materials to Jared Alan Yoakem via the JotFrom: LINK AVAILABLE JUNE 04

Please contact Jared Alan Yoakem with any application questions at JaredY@castletonfestival.org

Proof of Covid vaccination and at least one booster is required for all participants and is expected to be shown upon arrival to the program. 

Accepted Participants will be required to test negative 4 days prior to arrival, in addition to flashing their vaccination record in-person. Experience has shown one participant who contracts the virus can shut down an entire workshop.