Aspiring young vocalists in New Orleans have a unique opportunity to develop their talents under the guidance of acclaimed singer Tonya Boyd-Cannon. In partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), Boyd-Cannon will lead a series of Vocal Workshops, open to students ages 8 to 18.

These workshops, which run weekly from August to April, are designed to provide students with a comprehensive music education through Boyd-Cannon’s innovative curriculum, ARTcademics. The curriculum focuses on essential vocal techniques and musicianship, including posture, breath control, self-awareness, vocal register variations, ear-training, scales, and vocal repertoire.

Classes will be held on Mondays at the St. Bernard Recreation Center and on Thursdays at Morris FX Jeff Sr. Park, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. each day.

To participate, students must audition for a spot in the program. Auditions for the fall session are scheduled for Saturday, September 7, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each audition will last approximately 10 minutes, giving students a chance to showcase their vocal abilities and potential.

The Vocal Workshops are part of a broader initiative by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation to offer high-quality music education to young people across the city. The Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, the Foundation’s flagship music education program, is also accepting applications for its fall session. Like the Vocal Workshops, the Heritage School of Music is open to students ages 8-18, with auditions taking place on September 7.

Tonya Boyd-Cannon, a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to nurturing young talent. Her ARTcademics curriculum is designed not only to improve technical skills but also to foster self-expression and confidence in her students.

Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the Vocal Workshops or the Heritage School of Music can find more information and apply at jazzandheritage.org.