Apply for MNDuo, 2025

MNDuo 2025: Program Information

The MNDuo Program returns for singers and pianists keen to establish new and nurture existing collaborative partnerships during a week filled with coachings, masterclasses, and performances. *NEW in 2024* This year's festival will highlight Singing Down the Barriers, a book focused on the study of the African American Spiritual and art song compositions, headed by Dr. Emery Stephens. *NEW in 2024* Historical Performance Program in collaboration with The Schubert Club of St. Paul, Minnesota, is an optional program add-on for both singer and pianist. You will receive individual coachings with faculty on three historical keyboards including a reconstructed R. J. Regier 1824 Graf fortepiano, an 1878 Bechstein, and a 1899 Erard.

WHEN

Virtual Meet and Greet, May 11th, 2024

August 3-8, 2025 | Twin Cities, MN (with possible extension in August 9 for those interested in historical keyboard performance)

ELIGIBILITY

There is no upper age restriction. All participants must be at least 18 years old as of May 1, 2025. Please note that pianist/singer teams are highly preferred, but not required. If you are applying as an individual, you will be required to be available at 2pm on August 3, 2025 to rehearse with your duo partner.

PROGRAM FEES

There will be a $500 program fee for those selected to participate.

If accepted, notice of intent to attend and the first deposit will be due April 1st, 2025 (50% of tuition). Remaining balance due by May 11th, 2025 (remaining amount).

ACCOMMODATIONS

Source Song Festival is unable to provide housing or meals for participants, but is willing and able to help participants find local accommodations for reasonable rates.

FESTIVAL REPERTOIRE LIST

Each singer-pianist team selected to participate in the festival will be asked to curate a repertoire list comprising six (6) songs for masterclasses, performances, and workshops throughout the week. These repertoire lists should be determined collaboratively between singer and pianist and in consultation with the festival's Education Director and unless otherwise specified, all songs must be memorized and performance-ready prior to arrival in the Twin Cities. In each Duo's repertoire list, the following categories must be represented:

-Three art songs from the standard repertoire (French, German, Italian, English, and Spanish repertoire encouraged);

-An art song by an African American composer;* 

-A concert spiritual;*

-A song composed by Harry T. Burleigh (preferably art songs).*

*These selections will be featured during masterclass and concert performances dedicated to this repertoire.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Completed applications are due by March 1, 2025.

• For the 2025 festival, there is no application fee.

• Applications can be submitted electronically. Videos must include two youtube links to recordings, one North American song in English, and one song of your choice.

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE

If accepted, notice of intent to attend and the first deposit will be due April 1st, 2025 (50% of tuition). Remaining balance due by May 11th, 2025 (remaining amount).

Repertoire will be discussed between the teams and the Education Director of the Festival.

Questions?  clara@sourcesongfestival.org

2025 Festival Faculty

What Performers In The MNDuo Program Receive:

• Public Masterclasses with Emery Stephens, Warren Jones, Arlene Shrut, and Kathleen Kelly

• Private Coachings with Kathleen Kelly, Margo Garrett, Arlene Shrut, Juan Carlos Mendoza, and Sidney Outlaw

• Lecture by Libby Larsen

• Public Performances

• Concert curated by Dr. Stephens featuring music by African American composers

• Four Masterclass performances with Warren Jones, Kathleen Kelly, Arlene Shrut, and Emery Stephens

• MNDuo showcase final concert

Questions? Email
clara@sourcesongfestival.org