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Virginia Best Adams Masterclass

The Virginia Best Adams Masterclass is a program for emerging singers, offering intensive coaching in Baroque vocal repertoire, along with guidance in style, technique, language, communication, performance, and artistry.

About the Program

The Virginia Best Adams Masterclass brings four emerging singers to Carmel for intensive study and coaching in Baroque vocal repertoire. Through coaching and exploration of Baroque vocal music, participants develop their understanding of style, technique, language, communication, performance skills, and artistry, with a focus on communicating the music with greater vividness and expression.

  • Public Masterclasses

    Participate in a series of six public masterclasses in Baroque style and interpretation.

  • Coaching & Mentoring

    Receive private coaching and mentoring from Festival artists.

  • Festival Chorale

    Perform as members of the professional 28-voice Carmel Bach Festival Chorale under Conductors Grete Pedersen and Andrew Megill.

  • Showcase Concert

    Be featured in a showcase concert with members of the Festival Orchestra.

  • A Month in Carmel

    Study and work for a month with renowned artists in one of the most scenic areas in the world.

  • Stipend, Airfare & Housing

    Receive a stipend, round-trip airfare within North America, and housing.

Black-and-white photograph of a granite valley with a waterfall, under towering clouds Virginia Best Adams and Ansel Adams standing together in front of a stone fireplace
Virginia Best Adams & Ansel Adams

Made Possible by the Adams Family

The Virginia Best Adams Masterclass is made possible through the generosity of the Adams family. In 1985, Ansel Adams, the renowned American landscape photographer, established the program as a gift to his wife, Virginia, in celebration of her lifelong love of music.

See the musicians who have benefited from the Adams family’s generosity.

Past Participants

Important Dates & Eligibility

  1. February 15

    Application Deadline

  2. March 15

    Acceptance Notifications

  3. April 1

    Commitment Deadline

  4. July 3 – August 2

    Masterclass in Session

  • Graduate-level voice and musical studies or the equivalent in training/performing experience.
  • All applicants must be authorized to work the United States. The Carmel Bach Festival is unable to assist in obtaining work authorization in any way.
  • While there is no age restriction, the program is geared towards emerging artist(s) with training, technique and a love of the Baroque.

Application

Application Requirements

  • Audio Selections Provided electronically

    A maximum of three contrasting selections from the Baroque era. At least one work should be in German and by Bach. You may submit recordings via private YouTube links, MP3 files, or links to your personal website.

  • Recommendation

    At least one letter (or email) of recommendation from music a professional(s).

    If you are submitting a letter of recommendation, please use the button below to access the recommendation form.

    Submit a Recommendation (opens in a new window)

  • Résumé and General Repertoire List

    Please be sure to include ensemble experience in your résumé.

How to Apply

To apply for the program, please complete the form below. Having trouble viewing or completing the form? Click here to open it in a new window.

If you have any questions, please email the program director, Michael Beattie.

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