BOYCHOIR NEW ENROLLMENT Q&A
ABOUT
Future choristers join the Northwest Boychoir at one of our entry levels: Music Makers or Prep Choir. Your child can begin in the choir level that best matches their age, experience, and interest. Read more about each level below to find the right fit for your child.
Music Makers
No Audition | Suggested ages 5 to 6 | 1 Day A Week | 45min Classes
Our Music Makers class is ideal for boys ages 5–6 and provides a supportive and engaging environment to explore singing, rhythm, and movement. This activity-based class meets once a week for 45 minutes, offering a fun way for young boys to develop musical skills. No audition is required to join. Music Makers is a non-performance class with special family sharing events throughout the year. Sign up HERE.
Prep Choir
Audition Required | Suggested ages 7 to 8 | 2 Days A Week | 1hr Rehearsals
Prep Choir is ideal for boys ages 7–8 who have a passion for singing and a musical ear. Our Prep Choir rehearses for one hour twice a week, focusing on building fundamental skills in singing and music reading, and includes fun performance opportunities in our two annual recitals. An audition is required to join. Prep Choir is roughly a year-long program and after one year, qualifying graduates move up to our Intermediate Choir level. To sign up for an audition click HERE.
(More details on auditions below.)
Does my child need prior music experience?
No prior music experience is required to join either Music Makers or Prep Choir – we teach the choristers everything they will need to be successful in our program.
When can new choristers join the choir?
We welcome new members twice a year, with classes starting in February and September. However, you can sign up for enrollment at any time.
Does my child need to audition?
Auditions are only required for Prep Choir.
(More details on auditions below.)
Is Music Makers a required class for my child to join the Northwest Boychoir?
No. If your child is ready, they can audition for Prep Choir without attending our Music Makers class! Music Makers is an optional class for younger kids who want to explore music in a classroom setting before auditioning, but it is not a required step to join the Northwest Boychoir.
Does Music Makers and Prep Choir perform?
Music Makers is a non-performing class but holds informal sharing days for friends and family hosted at our rehearsal facility. Since this level is an introductory course, this class is geared towards music appreciation and exploring music for the first time in a low-pressure environment.
Prep Choir has two public formal recitals each year where choristers share the stage with our older choir levels in a joint recital. This is a great opportunity for choristers to show off their hard work in a formal setting, and also gives them the chance to hear the older choir levels perform.
How long does each choir level last?
Music Makers is roughly a year-long program. Music Makers does not meet during the summer months. After completion of Music Makers, members are welcome to audition for Prep Choir or attend another year of our Music Makers class.
Prep Choir is roughly a year-long program. Prep Choir does meet during the summer months. After completion of Prep Choir, qualified members are invited to move up to the next level of the Northwest Boychoir.
If my child goes into Music Makers, will they have to audition for Prep Choir later?
Yes. An audition is required if your child wishes to join Prep Choir, regardless of previous choir experience.
(More details on auditions below.)
WHEN & WHERE
Where do rehearsals take place?
All choir rehearsals are held at our dedicated facility in the UHeights Center, located in Seattle’s University District: 5031 University Way NE NB2, Seattle, WA 98105
When are rehearsals held?
Music Makers: Meets once a week for 45 minutes.
Current availability:
Wednesday Afternoons
Next class starts Fall 2025
Prep Choir: Meets twice a week for 1 hour.
Current availability:
Monday AND Wednesday 5:15–6:15pm
Next class starts Fall 2025
TUITION
How much does it cost?
Music Makers: $100/month
Prep Choir: $210/month
Does Northwest Boychoir offer financial assistance?
The Northwest Boychoir is proud to be an inclusive and equitable organization and is firmly committed to assisting families with financial aid.
AUDITIONS
Does my child need to audition?
Auditions are only required for Prep Choir. To sign up for a Prep Choir audition, click HERE.
Note: No prior music experience is required to join Prep Choir – we teach the choristers everything they will need to be successful.
Are virtual auditions available?
Yes, we offer both in-person and virtual audition options for your convenience.
What happens during an audition?
Auditions are a friendly and relaxed experience! Your child will meet with our choir director for about 15 minutes. They’ll sing a simple song of their choosing, echo musical patterns and pitches, and clap rhythms to assess your child’s capacity for rhythm and pitch-matching.
At least one parent/guardian is required to be present at the audition.
Watch our video HERE to see what our auditions look like!
Can 6- or 9-year-olds audition for Prep Choir?
Yes! Prep Choir’s suggested age range is 7 to 8, but we welcome kids outside that range who are ready. If you’re unsure whether your child should audition, check out our audition Q&A or reach out—we’re happy to help!
When will we hear about the audition results?
Audition results are shared the same day of the audition.
What happens after an audition?
Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a group call-back audition. This provides an opportunity for us to observe your child in a classroom setting, assessing their ability to engage in group activities. We look for qualities such as maturity, musicianship, and the ability to collaborate with other choristers. After the call-back audition, if your child is accepted into Prep Choir, you will be notified within the same week as the call-back audition.
What should my child prepare for the audition?
We ask that your child come prepared to sing a favorite simple song, such as “Happy Birthday” or a nursery rhyme. This helps them feel confident and allows us to hear their natural voice.
