Schola Cantorum

July 14 - 21, 2024

The Jacobs Academy Schola Cantorum is an intensive week-long laboratory for young musicians passionate about performing a cappella and accompanied sacred choral music. Also offered is voice coaching, small ensemble singing, and an opportunity for two organ scholars, who serve as accompanists.

Each day culminates in a choral service. The week culminates with a visit to glorious St. Meinrad’s Abbey. The combination of expert leadership, individual coaching, and challenging repertoire make this course a unique offering in the USA.

Academy faculty

Jeffrey Smith

Jeffrey Smith is Professor of Practice: Organ and Sacred Music. He was music director at St. Paul’s Parish, K Street, in Washington D.C. and previously Canon Director of Music at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Smith earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Yale University. He also studied at the Royal College of Music, London. Smith is a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists and the Royal School of Church Music.

Dana Marsh

Dana Marsh is Chair of the Historical Performance. He is also director of the Washington Bach Consort. His musical training began as a boy chorister at St. Thomas Choir School in New York and Salisbury Cathedral. He served as Director of Music at the Episcopal Cathedral in Indianapolis. Marsh holds a D.Phil from Oxford University, where he sang in the choir of New College.

Audition requirements

Singers

Applicants should submit the following required materials, complete the registration form, and pay the registration fee:

Two solo songs, including one in a language other than English or Latin (Provide links to unedited recordings; YouTube preferred)
One recording of an ensemble of which you are a member.
(The above items may be taken from live performances or may be recorded exclusively for this application.)
Reference letter from a professional musician
Reference letter from an adult mentor: clergy, teacher, or coach

Schoenstein Organ Scholars

Two organists will be offered full tuition, room and board, underwritten by the Schoenstein Organ Co. Applicants should submit the following required materials, complete the registration form, and pay the non-refundable registration fee:

Organ work of Bach
Organ work of a composer born after 1800
Hymn, which may include improvised elements, if desired
Anthem accompaniment, ideally with choir
Reference letter from a professional musician
Reference letter from an adult mentor: clergy, teacher, or coach

Musical submissions (YouTube preferred) may be taken from live performances or may be recorded exclusively for this application.

Fees and deadlines

Fees

Registration Fee: $70

Tuition: $1,100 (includes housing)

Deadlines

Registration and Audition: April 15, 2024

Payment: May 15, 2024

How to apply

Eligibility: Open to high school and undergraduate students, 15-years and older.
Application process: To apply, complete the online registration form
Audition requirements: Upon paying the registration fee, find the link to the audition portal on the Schola Cantorum blog. (If you need help accessing the audition portal please email musicsp@iu.edu)

Register for Summer 2024

Once you have completed the previous steps, please submit the Participant Agreement Form

Learn more about the IU Summer Schola

Visit our blog

Schola Cantorum

Schola Cantorum

Academy faculty

Jeffrey Smith, co-director

Dana Marsh, co-director

Audition requirements

Singers

Schoenstein Organ Scholars

Fees and deadlines

How to apply

Learn more about the IU Summer Schola