training choirs

Our Training Choirs are the first steppingstone in PYC’s choral education program.

Running from late September through early May, these introductory choirs are open to all young singers in grades 1-3 without the need for a placement session.

We have four Neighborhood Training Choirs (NTCs) located in Shadyside, Coraopolis, Allison Park, and Upper St. Clair. We also have one School Training Choir (STCs) for students enrolled at Dilworth Elementary School — all detailed below!

Training choirs provide an exciting opportunity for young singers in first, second, and third 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

  • Lay foundational skills for success in other Pittsburgh Youth Chorus programs

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 - grade 3

Singers in 3rd grade have the special treat of coming to Duquesne University on certain occasions to rehearse with our Talisman choir (grades 4+) and perform with Talisman on at least one concert per year.

weekly rehearsal duration

Grades 1-2: 50 minutes

Grade 3: 90 minutes

*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.

neighborhood training choir locations

Days, Times, and Locations

Neighborhood Training Choirs meet weekly

north (allison park)

Tuesdays from 6:00 PM

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

Instructor: Phoebe Winey

south (upper st. clair)

Mondays from 6:00 PM

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Instructor: Megan Froehlich

west (coraopolis)

Tuesdays from 6:00 PM

Coraopolis United Methodist Church

Instructor: Natalie Weaver

central (shadyside)

Wednesdays from 6:00 PM

Rodef Shalom Congregation

Instructor: Elizabeth Clippinger

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.

school training choir

how to join a training choir

Singers entering grades 1 , 2, or 3 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, Central).

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 2025-2026 school year, you can begin the registration process by filling out our interest form and a team member will reach out with the next steps.