Young Artist Fellowship
About the Program
The Young Artist Fellowship invites gifted emerging musicians to participate in our week long Summer Festival in Downeast Maine as both performers and apprentice members of the management team. Fellows gain hands-on experience not only on stage, but behind the scenes—learning the nuts and bolts of producing concerts in a small community while working alongside seasoned arts professionals.
The Fellowship is awarded to young artists pursuing careers in music who are interested in deepening their engagement with the early music of Bach and his contemporaries. Fellows perform side by side with some of the most distinguished Baroque musicians in the United States, gaining invaluable mentorship, connections and professional experience.
If you are passionate about supporting educational opportunities for young professionals, we invite you to make a gift in support of this program.
To learn more about the Fellowship and access the application, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Learn More
Perform as a Festival Artist
Work One-on-One in a Vocal Masterclass
Live in Downeast Maine for the week
Build Professional Skills & Connections
Learn the Festival from the Inside
Attend Early Music Lectures & Demonstrations
Welcome Message
We're so glad you're here! This fellowship exists because we believe early music has something vital to offer young musicians today—not as a relic of the past, but as a living art form that continues to evolve and inspire. This program is designed for undergraduate music students. Whether you're already passionate about this repertoire or just starting to wonder what it's all about, we'd love to have you apply.
This fellowship is built on three core values:
Exploration — Be surrounded by early music professionals, historians, and lovers of the music. Get to attend and be a part of concerts and events exploring baroque repertoire. Discover why this music holds such historical relevance and continues to inspire musicians and audience members today.
Growth & Opportunity — Develop your musicianship through coaching with professional early music performers, ensemble experiences, and hands-on learning. This fellowship is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow as an artist, whether you're taking your first steps into this repertoire or deepening your existing practice.
Connectedness — Build meaningful relationships with professional musicians actively working in the early music field and connect with other young artists who share your curiosity. You'll become part of a supportive community of musicians who value both historical understanding and creative expression—a network that extends beyond the fellowship itself.
Whether you've performed early music for years or you're simply curious about trying something new, we welcome your application. We're committed to making this experience accessible and supportive for everyone.
Please complete this application to the best of your ability. If you need accommodations, alternative formats, or have questions about any part of this process, please don't hesitate to reach out to rosie@bluehillbach.org. We're here to help and want to work with you to ensure you can fully participate.
YAF Application
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Application Requirements
Blue Hill Bach is seeking four singers to fill choral positions for the 2026 Summer Festival: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
Fellowship Dates & Commitment:
The Festival runs from Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 19, 2026
Fellows must be available for the entire Festival week
What We're Looking For:
Singers who demonstrate a reliable, collaborative, and professional approach to their work
Musicians who are eager to learn, flexible, and ready to engage fully in both performance and behind-the-scenes activities
Practical Considerations:
Fellows will need their own vehicle
Festival work includes some physical tasks such as moving music stands, chairs, instruments, and equipment
If you are unable to fulfill any of the above requirements, please let us know in your application. This information is confidential and will not affect your ability to participate in this program. Your participation matters to us, and we're committed to finding ways to support you.
What Blue Hill Bach Provides:
Housing with host families
Lunch and dinners provided throughout the week
$750 total compensation upon successful completion of the Festival week ($150 toward travel expenses, $600 stipend)
Deadline: April 10th 2026
YAF Application Form
Past Young Artist Fellow Recipients
2013 – Stanley Moore, cello
2014 – Jude Ziliak, violin
2015 – David Dickey, countertenor & oboe
2016 – Abraham Ross, organ, harpsichord & cello
2017 – Catherine Cloutier, alto
2018 – Zachary Fisher, tenor
2019 – YuEun Kim, violin
Bradley Sharpe, countertenor
2020 – Chris Andaloro, baritone & video editor
2021 – Julian Bennett Holmes, organ
2022 – Gaia Satermoe-Howard, oboe
Kevin Devine, harpsichord
Julian Donahue, dancer/choreographer
2023 – Ashley Mulcahy, mezzo-soprano
2024 – Victor Bento, countertenor
2025 – Shelby Yamin, violinist