May 12-17, 2025
Welcome to Cincinnati Song Initiative’s annual festival that provides song lovers with an inspiring, open, and deeply enriching environment to express themselves and grow in their artistry.
Our cost-free fellowship program for five singers and five pianists aims to promote and innovate the song genre by empowering the next generation of twenty-first century artists who will carry the mantle of song in this country and throughout the world.
We want you to join us.
“The Fellowship of the Song is creating a fertile and welcoming environment for lovers of art song to explore and flourish. The faculty and staff are truly dedicated to supporting the artistic development of every participant, and are creating a much needed space for professional artists to explore and grow. I will remember this experience and will cherish the relationships made and the musical experiences we shared.”
2024 Fellow
At The Fellowship of the Song, we all have something to learn from each other. That’s why, as a Fellow, you have the opportunity to come to Cincinnati and work with our faculty - highly distinguished artists and scholars in the song world - for a week of rewarding study where everyone leaves inspired and having learned something new from one another.
Who is The Fellowship of the Song for?
Applying to this program as a Fellow is for you if you are:
An enthusiastic communicator.
Excited by a collaborative process with the goal of uncovering next-level artistry.
Interested in developing your passion for song in a supportive and artistically rigorous environment.
Interested in unlocking new skills that will help you build your 21st-century career.
Joining with a Fellowship Pass is for you if you are:
Interested in unlocking new skills that will help you build your 21st-century career.
An eager song lover hungry to absorb new ideas and be inspired in your own artistry.
A young artist interested in being exposed to the high-level work of professional songmaking.
Program Highlights
As a Fellow, you can look forward to the following experiences:
Two public concerts, with each Fellow performing a different set or song cycle each evening.
Six total private coachings with Fellowship Coaches Margo Garrett and William McGraw.
Multiple performances in public song workshops led by Margo Garrett throughout the week.
Daily classes and discussions on a variety of contemporary and relevant topics.
Opportunities for private consultations with CSI staff members and Fellowship faculty for brainstorming, sharing ideas, or seeking advice on topics of your choosing.
Free access to numerous and diverse festival concerts by a variety of celebrated songsters.
Where You’ll Make Music
University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)
World-class songmaking pairs best with world-class facilities. We are proud to partner with CCM, an All-Steinway School, for the use of gorgeous performance halls, comfortable studios for coachings and rehearsals, and state-of-the-art rooms for classes and fellowship during down time.
Sample Schedule
Daily Schedule
9am: Rehearsals/Practice
11am: Song Workshop
1pm: Lunch
2:30pm: Class (Various Topics)
4-7pm: Coachings + Rehearsals/Practice
7:30pm: Guest Artist Concert
Concert Day Schedule
10:30am: Class (Various Topics)
12-5pm: Coachings + Rehearsals/Practice
7:30pm: Fellows’ Concert
“Spending a week immersed in art song in such an intimate setting was magical. I was inspired by not only the coaches and faculty but the other amazing participants as well. Anyone with a love of art song should not miss this program, whether you participate as a performer or auditor!”
2024 Fellow
Fellow FAQs
Fellow FAQs
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If you will be 24 or older by May 11, 2025, you are eligible to apply and participate as a Fellow.
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It’s very free. In addition to being tuition-free, this program provides Fellows with travel reimbursement up to $500, a daily stipend for food and fun, and private apartment accommodations.
It’s a core value of The Fellowship of the Song to provide equal access to the incredible learning experience you’ll have by participating. That means no fees, anywhere.
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All Fellows who live outside of a 30-mile radius of Cincinnati will be housed in fully ADA-accessible private accommodations. If you live within that 30-mile radius, don’t worry - we’ll get your gas for the week.
Additionally, all Fellows receive a daily stipend, whether they’re being housed or not.
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You are responsible for your own transportation between downtown, the CCM campus, and anywhere else you may venture. You may bring your own car, utilize ride-sharing services, or make use of the accessible and cost-effective Metro bus network.
As a courtesy, daily shuttles to and from CCM will be provided once each morning and once each evening.
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Arrival on May 11 and departure on May 18 are mandatory for participation. Due to the interconnected nature of the entire week’s programming, releases cannot be offered.
At your own expense, you may extend your trip by arriving earlier and/or departing later than the above dates. Family vacation, anyone?
Fellowship Pass FAQs
Fellowship Pass FAQs
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Anyone may experience the Fellowship of the Song through a Fellowship Pass - there are no application or audition requirements. Simply register to enjoy this incredible artistic experience starting March 1!
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No. While we hope to see you in person, the Fellowship of the Song’s events will also be available for livestreaming and unlimited asynchronous viewing for up to one month after the program ends.
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As a Fellowship Pass holder, you may come and go from events as you wish.
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Fellowship Pass options are your best way to enjoy many events at a discounted price. Full Festival Passes provide access to every single event and cost a flat fee of $230 (savings of 15%). Concert Passes provide access to the six public performances during the festival and cost $162 (savings of 10%).
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Whether you’re with us for one day or the whole week, you’re able to access the content of the entire program conveniently online - either via livestream while each session is happening, or asynchronously for a full month after the program ends.
Each pass holder will receive access to this online library and can enjoy it whenever - and wherever - works for them.
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If you are an educator and would like to provide access for a group, we offer a flat rate of $495 for an unlimited number of beneficiaries, such as a private studio or university voice department. Please contact Programs Manager Natasha Naik to learn more about this accessible option for groups.
