Serena Fenwick programme for singers
The Serena Fenwick Programme
The Serena Fenwick programme is our intensive career booster that offers something a bit different to other programmes in the UK. Run in partnership with Garsington Opera, the Serena Fenwick programme is open to anyone who feels they could benefit from it, but is particularly suited to applicants who can show they need a career boost. So that might be because they’re not in full-time education, or because they’ve taken ‘breaks’ for personal or financial reasons, or maybe they’re transitioning voice types or fachs (not an exhaustive list, just some examples)
“The masterclass with Adrian Kelly created an incredibly detailed and focused space that was also inclusive and fun. Every single singer expressed that they felt more confident and that they were singing with their voice after that session."
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– 2026 participant
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The 2027 programme
There are three main types of activity on the Serena Fenwick programme:
- Saturday workshops – these will take place every other week in London from early January 2027 and cover topics including social media, intimacy and fight coordination, and vocal health
- Intensive weekends at Garsington Opera – in their new, state-of-the-art studios, you'll explore set repertoire with Garsington coaches, eventually building to a public sharing of your work
- Private coaching – following a goal-setting session early on in the programme, we'll pair you with a coach who will target the specific areas you want to focus on
You'll also automatically be considered for the following year's Alvarez Emerging Artists’ Programme at Garsington Opera.
who can apply
Anybody is welcome to apply for the Serena Fenwick programme – there are no formal entry requirements
– but you should have advanced training and experience in either piano (for the collaborator) or conducting (for the creator).
You should make sure you have the right visa arrangements to complete our programmes.
Key dates
- xxxx October 2026 – applications close
- 8 and 9 December – interviews and working sessions in London
- from December 2026 and into January 2027 – places on our programmes are offered
- July – rehearsals and studio sessions
- 17–20 August – performances at Battersea Arts Centre
financials
To submit an application you'll need to be a member of BYO hub (£33 a year), but taking part in our summer programmes is completely free, and you'll receive a £xxx bursary to help with living costs during your time with us. Creator strand participants may be entitled to enhanced bursaries to support them through their pre-rehearsal work. If you're coming from outside London we may also be able to help you with accommodation.
applications and auditions
To apply, just hit the button at the bottom of this page. There is a single application form for all 2027 programmes for music staff – take a look at our Serena Fenwick programme for conductors and consider if you want to apply for that at the same time (you won't be able to go back and apply later on).
After the application deadline we will shortlist applicants and invite those successful ones to an interview or working session in London – you'll be told what to expect in that email. If invited, you'll need to attend in person. Offers on places on our programmes will be sent out via email shortly afterwards.
faqs
All programmes in a career area (eg singing, directing, music staff) share an application form, so you can apply for all of those at the same time. You're also able to apply to programmes in multiple areas – just fill out each application form.
It is possible that you could be offered a place on the Serena Fenwick and summer programmes – the decisions on offering places take place independently. However each programme is offering something different, and you'll only be offered a place where the panel think that matches what you need.
There is no upper age limit to apply – you just need to be able to show your career would benefit from the training on offer. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the programme.
You can apply for both strands at the same time, it won't affect how your application is considered.
Still have questions?
Email admin@byo.org.uk and we'll get back to you ASAP.
apply now
The deadline for applications is xxpm on xxx October 2026. Make sure you get yours in before then because we're not able to accept late applications.