Youth Programs

Participants enrolled in the National Music Academy 2027, by Varna International will receive in-depth music instruction from our expert faculty and will benefit from unparalleled performance opportunities. The program will take place in major cities of South Carolina, including the Capital City of Columbia, as well as the cities of Greenville, and Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand.


Youth Voice Program

The National Music Academy by Varna International offers rich and versatile voice and choral ensemble training for youth in the Summer of 2027. Applicants accepted into the Youth Voice Program will get the opportunity to train under our master voice faculty, our choir master, and Maestro Gregory Buchalter, former conductor of The Metropolitan Opera. Vocalists in our Youth Program will be exposed to rich oratorio, opera, and musical theater repertoire. Join singers from throughout the country for this incredible experience to grow as a young singer.

Youth applicants can choose between two options to participate in our Summer 2027 program. Join us for two weeks or enjoy four full weeks of singing.

OPTION 1:
Requiem, Maurice Duruflé
From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

What's Included:
  • Perform in the ensemble in From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics, under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of The Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the choir of Requiem, by Maurice Duruflé under the baton of Dr. Jim Taylor, Professor of Music and Director of Fine Arts at LeTourneau University
  • Audition for a solo in the Broadway Revue, with Broadway pianist Alex Lefevre (optional; must apply to be considered)
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week taught by our voice faculty (two lessons total)
  • Perform in our Youth Recital (must apply & submit an audition recording)
  • Daily ensemble rehearsals with Choir Master
  • Vocal masterclasses
  • Italian diction classes (optional)
  • Makeup masterclasses

OPTION 2:
Requiem, Maurice Duruflé
The Marriage of Figaro, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

What's Included:
  • Perform in the ensemble in From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics, under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of The Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the ensemble of the fully staged orchestral opera production The Marriage of Figaro, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter
  • Perform in the choir of Requiem, by Maurice Duruflé under the baton of Dr. Jim Taylor, Professor of Music and Director of Fine Arts at LeTourneau University
  • Audition for a solo in the Broadway Revue, with Broadway pianist Alex Lefevre (optional; must apply to be considered)
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week taught by our voice faculty
  • Perform in our Youth Recital (must apply & submit an audition recording)
  • Daily ensemble rehearsals with Choir Master
  • Vocal masterclasses
  • Italian diction classes (optional)
  • Makeup masterclasses
Application & Audition Requirements:

Applicants for the Choral Singer Program must submit the following:

  • Application (with $40 application fee)
  • Resumé (only if auditioning for a solo in the Broadway Revue and/or youth recital)
  • Headshot (only if auditioning for a solo in the Broadway Revue and/or youth recital)
  • Video recording from within the past 12 months containing:
  • One classical piece
  • One musical theater piece

Optional Add-Ons and Exclusions:

Accommodations:

Columbia: Lodging will be in student campus housing.

Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand: Lodging will be in host homes and/or Airbnb apartments.

Participants are welcome to make their own lodging arrangements, if preferred.

  • Double occupancy: $350 per week (7 nights)
  • Single occupancy (single bath NOT included): $560 per week (7 nights)

Meals:

Meal availability depends on the city. Please see the breakdown below:

  • Columbia: A meal plan is available for $35 per day. This includes 3 meals each day provided by Columbia International University (CIU). Participants who opt for the meal plan must pay for the entire service. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated.
  • Greenville and Myrtle Beach: Participants responsible for all meals

Ground Transportation:

Transportation is included for those that add lodging to their program package, but participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.


Youth Instrumentalist Program

The Youth Instrumentalist Program offers talented high school musicians the opportunity to develop their artistry through intensive orchestral and chamber music training. Participants work closely with distinguished conductors, master teachers, and professional musicians through focused instruction, ensemble coaching, and meaningful performance opportunities. This program will take place in major cities of South Carolina, including the Capital City of Columbia, as well as the cities of Greenville and Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand.

Youth Orchestra and Chamber Music Program:
  • Perform in the Muzika Youth Orchestra under the direction of distinguished conductors, including Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Participate in masterclasses with our accomplished faculty artists (auditions are required to be selected to perform)
  • Rehearse and perform in chamber ensembles with other talented young musicians
  • Receive one-on-one instruction in a weekly 45-minute lesson with a master teacher
  • Refine ensemble skills in a 2-hour sectional rehearsal led by principal players from leading professional orchestras
  • Develop chamber repertoire through two hours of focused group coaching in preparation for the chamber recital
  • Take the stage in the Youth Recital

Youth Orchestra and Chamber Music Program

Festival Orchestra Opportunities

Select youth instrumentalists who successfully pass the Festival Orchestra audition may also participate in one of the following options:


OPTION 1:
Requiem, by Maurice Duruflé
Pictures at an Exhibition, Modest Mussorgsky (orchestrated by Maurice Ravel)
From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

What's Included:
  • Perform Requiem, by Maurice Duruflé and Pictures at an Exhibition, by Modest Mussorgsky (orchestrated by Maurice Ravel) with the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jim Taylor, Professor of Music and Director of Fine Arts at LeTourneau University
  • Perform From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics with the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of The Metropolitan Opera
  • Participate in masterclasses led by master teachers on faculty (auditions are required to be chosen to perform)
  • One 45-minute individual lesson per week with a master teacher
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal led by master principal players
  • Two-hour group chamber music coaching to prepare for the instrumental chamber recital
  • Participation in the Youth Recital

OPTION 2:
The Marriage of Figaro

What's Included:
  • Perform in the Festival Orchestra of The Marriage of Figaro, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of The Metropolitan Opera
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal led by master principal players
  • Participate in masterclasses led by master teachers on faculty (auditions are required to be chosen to perform)
Application & Audition Requirements:

Applicants for the Youth Instrumental Program must submit the following:

  • Application (with $40 application fee)
  • Resumé
  • Video recording from within the past 12 months containing solo repertoire or works performed with piano accompaniment
  • If applying to be part of the Festival Orchestra, your orchestra teacher must email a recommendation on your behalf to Varna International’s office at office@varnainternational.com
Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

Accommodations

Lodging will be in student campus housing in the City of Columbia. Participants are welcome to make their own lodging arrangements, if preferred.

  • Double occupancy: $350 per week (7 nights)
  • Single occupancy (single bath NOT included): $560 per week (7 nights)

Meals

Meal availability depends on the city. Please see the breakdown below:

  • Columbia: A meal plan is available for $35 per day. This includes 3 meals each day provided by Columbia International University (CIU). Participants who opt for the meal plan must pay for the entire service. The meal plan cannot be modified.
  • Greenville and Myrtle Beach: Participants responsible for all meals

Ground Transportation

Transportation during the academy is included for those that add lodging to their program package, but participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.


We encourage you to connect with other participants to make arrangements for shared rides during the program. Varna International will facilitate contact between participants to aid in your communication.