training choirs
Our Training Choirs are the first stepping stone to PYC’s choral education program.
Running from late September-May, these introductory choirs are open to all young singers in grades 1-2 without the need for a placement session.
We have four Neighborhood Training Choirs (NTCs) in suburban and urban locations, including the South Hills, North Hills, Shadyside, and Coraopolis. We also have two School Training Choirs (STCs) for students enrolled at Dilworth Elementary School or Aliquippa School District — all detailed below!
training choirs provide an exciting opportunity for young singers in first and second grade to discover their voice in a high-quality choral education program that is close to home.
Training Choirs are designed to:
Enrich music reading skills
Promote healthy choral singing in a group environment*
Develop choral literacy and positive peer interaction
Refine the audition skills necessary to increase potential success in other Pittsburgh Youth Chorus programs
Participation in a Training Choir offers a peek into the PYC organization before making an extended commitment to join PYC’s core choir program. At the end of the season, children who are in second grade are invited to do a placement session to enter PYC's Troubadours Choir.
All Training Choir singers are invited to sing in PYC's annual seasonal concerts with over 150 other young musicians in grades 1-12 from across the Pittsburgh region.
neighborhood training choirs
days, times, and locations
Neighborhood Training Choirs meet weekly
*The class gives young people the opportunity to develop a healthy singing voice while:
playing musical games
moving to music
playing simple instruments
exploring their own creativity
Looking for information on tuition and tuition assistance? Click here.
North (Allison Park)
Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 PM
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Instructor: Megan Froehlich
South (Upper St. Clair)
Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Instructor: Shannon Ransom
West (Coraopolis)
Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM
Coraopolis United Methodist Church
Instructor: Natalie Weaver
school training choirs
Dilworth Elementary
Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15 PM
Dilworth PreK-5 (6200 Stanton Avenue)
Instructor: Rebecca Dougan
Note: The School Training Choir - Dilworth is a partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools. As such, only Dilworth Elementary students are eligible to register.
Days, times, and locations
School Training Choirs meet weekly
Aliquippa Elementary
Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 PM
Aliquippa Elementary School
Instructor: Shannon Ransom
Note: The School Training Choir - Aliquippa is a partnership with Aliquippa School District. As such, only Aliquippa School District students are eligible to register.
how to join a training choir
Singers entering grades 1 or 2 do not need to complete any sort of placement session before joining PYC. This means that you can register directly for an NTC, right now!
step 1
Determine which location is the best fit for you (North, West, South, Shadyside).
step 2
Review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about participating in PYC programs.
step 3
If you’re not sure you’re ready to register for a Neighborhood Training Choir, sign up to attend an open class by filling out our interest form.
step 4
Once you’ve decided to join a Neighborhood Training Choir for the 2023-2024 school year, you can register by filling out the form below.
register for an NTC
To register for an NTC, fill out the form below!