Choral Institute

June 14-20, 2026
Princeton, New Jersey

Study small ensemble singing with Gabriel Crouch,
a former member of the King’s Singers.

The Catholic Sacred Music Project is excited to have its 2nd Choral Institute this June.  The CSMP Choral Institute offers emerging and established choral singers a singular environment that balances instruction, study, prayer, and conviviality in an atmosphere of collegial support and encouragement.  This unique and exceptional training opportunity will be hosted on the beautiful campus of Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. 

Up to twenty Choral Fellows will receive exceptional experience singing under the tutelage of Gabriel Crouch and will sing alongside a 16-voice professional choir under the direction of Dr. Timothy McDonnell in premiering either new SATB choral compositions that will be composed for the Composition Institute.  The music list for the Choral Institute will represent various genres of sacred music drawn from classic and contemporary choral repertories, Gregorian chant, and traditional hymnody.  Choral Institute Fellows will also work with Sir James MacMillan and Dr. Timothy McDonnell and will sing their music during the daily liturgies and for the closing concert on June 19. Each day’s workshop sessions will be punctuated by sung Mass, Adoration, Compline, and Benediction.  The Choral Fellows will sing in a public concert at St. Paul’s Church in Princeton Friday evening, June 19, which will conclude the Choral Institute and the Composition Institute.

Apply
Apply

Applications may be submitted until April 15, 2026.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 25, 2026.

Applicant Qualifications

  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the Choral Institute.

  • Applicants may be current university students, experienced amateurs, or professional church musicians seeking an opportunity for professional development.

  • Applicants must be available to attend the CSMP Choral Institute with in Princeton, NJ during the period of June 14-20, 2026 inclusive.

Choral Fellows

  • Choral Fellows will be sent the music several weeks before the program begins so that they can learn the music before attending.

  • Choral fellows will sing for the daily liturgies and closing concert on June 19 at the St. Paul’s Church in Princeton.

  • Choral Fellows will sing alongside a professional choir during the afternoon rehearsals and for the premiere of the eight choral compositions composed for the Composition Institute.

  • Throughout the Institute, Choral Fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate in an intimate setting with other church musicians and with composers in premiering their works.

Apply

Program Expenses

The total registration cost is $1,000 per accepted choral fellow (limit of twenty).
Meal cost is $235.00 for lunches and dinners or $325.00 for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
*Optional Princeton University on-campus housing cost is $525 (6 nights).

Partial scholarships may be awarded based on need.

Co-sponsored by

"I found myself being renewed in hope at meeting so many young musicians aspiring to serve our Church. And I was musically nourished through the incredible opportunity to meet and learn from Sir James MacMillan… I will certainly be attending again!"

— Colton Martin, 21

FAQs

Should I apply?

All singers eighteen years old and older are welcome and encouraged to apply. This program is designed to cultivate aspiring and established singers in their choral careers. Please don’t not apply because you are afraid you won’t get in. You definitely won’t get in if you don’t apply!

Do I have to be Catholic to attend?

No, applicants do not need to be Catholic to attend the event. Those desiring to attend the event should be respectful of the Catholic Church and willing to participate in Catholic liturgies during the Choral Institute.

Where will the musicians stay and where will they work?

Housing will be provided for the musicians in on-campus housing at Princeton University where they can walk around the historic downtown area.

I have more questions…

Please email any questions you have to Peter Carter at catholicsmp@gmail.com

Get On the List

Registration is not yet open, express interest and get on the list and we will notify you as soon as registration goes live.