Vocal Arts Academy — Queensland
Exceptional Artistry at
St John’s Cathedral
One Week That Could Change Your Voice
This April, internationally respected UK conductor and educator Simon Toyne comes to Queensland for an immersive vocal intensive unlike any other.
Five days of high-level coaching, large ensemble rehearsal, small ensemble work, solo performance opportunities and two public concerts.
Designed for ambitious singers aged 16–28 who want to move beyond “good” and into confident, expressive artistry.
If you are serious about your voice, this is where you grow.
6–10 April 2026
Voices in Action: The Academy Experience
Find Your Voice. Own the Stage.
A transformative week with Simon Toyne
Designed for aspiring vocalists aged 16 to 28, our week-long intensive workshops provide a profound immersion into the world of professional vocal arts.
Participants focus on core skill development and long-term vocal health, guided by world-renowned presenters including Simon Toyne.
This is a non-auditioned academy, and singers of all levels are welcome.
Within the program is a series of ensemble and solo performances, staged within the breathtaking late-Gothic architecture and unparalleled acoustics of Brisbane's St John's Cathedral.
What is
The Academy Experience
This is a fully immersive vocal intensive where you sing, explore and strengthen every day.
Across seven immersive days, Academy participants move between full-choir rehearsals, small ensemble intensives, vocal coaching sessions and solo development workshops. Technique is refined in real time. Interpretation is challenged. Musical instincts are sharpened.
Every session is designed to strengthen vocal health while building confidence, stamina and artistic clarity. You will explore breath, resonance and sound production alongside text expression, ensemble precision and performance presence, always with sustainability at the core.
Full Academy rehearsals build power, blend and collective artistry.
Participants will be placed in small ensembles of similarly skilled singers that allow for self-direction and choice of repertoire, with focused mentoring and detailed feedback.
Solo opportunities give you space to step forward and be heard.
Gain skills and experience within the Academy that you can only get by doing.
And just as importantly, this is a community.
Shared meals are included throughout the week, creating space to connect, debrief, laugh and build friendships with other dedicated young singers.
The social side of the Academy is intentional: conversations around the table often become as valuable as the sessions in the rehearsal room.
You will leave not only with stronger technique, but with artistic direction, new collaborators and a network of peers who share your ambition.
A visionary leader in choral pedagogy and conductor, renowned for his artistic excellence.
Simon Toyne
lead clinician & maestro
Our Staff
Always pursuing exciting new choral works for his singers and their audiences alike
Graeme Morton
Academy director
Kathryn Morton
specialist in vocal physiology
Dedicated to the intersection of vocal skill development and vocal health for young professionals.
Sean Brown
specialist voice teacher
Acclaimed bass focusing on vocal technique and solo performances within the unparalleled acoustics of St John's Cathedral.
Who Should Attend?
16–28 YEAR OLD SINGERS
Why You Should Be There
If you are serious about your voice, this is for you.
This is about gaining skills and experience
NO AUDITION IS REQUIRED
You will:
• Spend a week in intensive rehearsals, workshops, and vocal classes
• Work directly with UK conductor and voice master Simon Toyne
• Individual Voice Lessons
• Sing in small ensembles with individual feedback
• Develop solo performance confidence
• Strengthen musicianship and stylistic awareness
• Build artistic networks
• Perform in two public concerts
This Academy is designed for ambitious singers who want to grow — technically, musically and professionally.
Spaces are limited to maintain high-level mentoring.
Join the Academy
Come to the Performances
Contact the VAA
Discover our week-long intensive workshops for vocalists aged 16 to 28. Develop your skills and vocal health in the exceptional acoustics of St John's Cathedral with Simon Toyne.
The Vocal Arts Academy Venue
St John's Cathedral
373 Ann St, Brisbane City
Queensland 4000, Australia

