Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training Program

# Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training Program Since 1990, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis - one of America's leading opera festivals - has run the Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training Program (AIT) to identify, coach, and encourage promising young high school singers. Each year roughly 20 students are selected through free, open auditions, and more than 296 students have come through the program, which pairs rigorous vocal training with mentorship in goal-setting, hard work, and perseverance. ## What You'll Do - Take weekly 45-minute private voice lessons from October through April at one of four partner university campuses (SIU-Edwardsville, Washington University, Webster University, or UMSL) - Work with professional coaches in master classes and extracurricular activities - Perform in two public recitals, including the Spring Recital at the Sheldon Concert Hall - Compete for collegiate and vocal scholarships awarded at the spring recital ## Who Should Apply St. Louis-area students entering grades 9-12 who currently sing in a high school choir or other vocal program. Auditions for the 2026-27 class are Thursday, September 17 and Saturday, September 19, 2026; prepare one selection from art song, musical theater, spiritual, folk song, or opera that showcases your range. Tuition is $850 with payment plans and financial aid for those who qualify. ## Outcomes AIT alumni have earned over $729,000 in scholarships, and program graduates have a near-perfect high school graduation rate with 100% college attendance over the past decade - plus serious classical technique built years before conservatory auditions.