Stylized text with the phrase 'The Fellowship of the SONG: Life's Journey' in various fonts and colors.

May 17-22, 2026

Welcome to Cincinnati Song Initiative’s week-long program that provides song lovers with an inspiring, open, and deeply enriching environment to express themselves and grow in their artistry.

We want you to join us.

Sign up for Fellowship of the Song Info to receive important reminders such as applications opening, deadline reminders, and other announcements.

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Videography by B Studios

A man with curly hair and a beard playing piano in an empty auditorium, smiling with eyes closed.
A woman singing passionately on stage in front of a grand piano with a wooden backdrop.

“There are very few programs that are a truly special experience, but this is one of them. The fact that I learned so much in one week, it feels like the knowledge I gained became a part of my musical DNA without sacrificing my sense of self, my own artistry and how I approach song.”

2025 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.

Apply
A woman in a sleeveless red dress with black tree branch patterns, standing indoors with warm wood-paneled walls.
A young man in a dark suit playing the piano on a stage in a concert hall, with rows of empty seats around him.

Who is The Fellowship of the Song for?

A woman singing on stage with a pianist accompanying her, both dressed in black, in a setting with dark curtains and string lights.

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.

As a Fellow, you can look forward to the following experiences:

  • Participating in two concerts: one focusing on Fellow-chosen repertoire, and the other being a deep dive into the world of Spirituals and art songs by Black American composers.

  • Numerous private coachings with world-class Fellowship Coaches.

  • Public performances in at least three song workshops.

  • Intriguing 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 artists.

Program Highlights

Apply

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.

Apply

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

Apply

“I am so grateful to CSI for creating this opportunity for singers and pianists. It is so rare to be able to focus this intensely on art song repertoire, and it was a joy to work with such talented and dedicated musicians throughout the week.”

2025 Fellow

Fellow FAQs

Fellow FAQs

Two women are on stage, one is standing next to a grand piano and the other is leaning on it, both smiling. The woman on the left is wearing a black sleeveless top and a colorful pleated skirt. The woman on the right is wearing a blue dress with floral embroidery and red heels. The background is a wooden-paneled wall.
Apply

  • If you will be 24 or older by May 15, 2026, you are eligible to apply and participate as a Fellow.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Arrival on May 15 and departure on May 23 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

Three people sitting close together, reading from booklets titled 'Americana,' indoors, with dim lighting. One person wears a red jacket, another wears a gray jacket, and the third wears a yellow scarf.
Passes On Sale March 1

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • As a Fellowship Pass holder, you may come and go from events as you wish.

  • Fellowship Pass options are your best way to enjoy many events at a discounted price. Full Festival Passes provide access to every single event, while Concert Passes provide access to all Fellowship concerts and song workshops.

  • 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.

  • 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.