Community that creates excellence.
Train, Perform, Collaborate, and Compete while you develop your voice and build an artistic community to last a lifetime.
The Core Program at WD Studio is a year-long training experience for exceptional young singers (ages 12-18) that fosters artistry, community, and musical excellence. It is designed to empower and inspire our most committed singers to reach their fullest potential.
In a field that is highly competitive and rarely collaborative, we strive to create a community that collectively uplifts each singer. Through group training, peer feedback, and generous mentorship, the Core Program singers discover their deepest artistry through the support of their fellow singers.
Train
Hone your individual craft in weekly lessons throughout the academic year. Each singer will receive at least 34 lessons between September 5, 2023 and June 7, 2023.
Parents connect with teachers in three Strategy Sessions throughout the year, where they discover details about their students’ progress and learn how to best support their continued growth.
Give us a high five or a hug in person, as Core Program singers are guaranteed at least two opportunities for in-person lessons with their instructor. You will receive priority access to your teacher’s schedule when he is in your area.
Core Program singers receive priority access to their preferred lesson times and have access to blocks that may be otherwise unavailable (on the weekends, etc.)
Receive the materials you need to succeed with sheet music, custom tracks, and edited sheet music (upon request) for all of the pieces that you rehearse in your lessons.
Propel your performance to the next level with 25% off all WD Studio Group Classes, including song interpretation with Mimi, songwriting with Robert, and new offerings in 2024!
Collaborate
Build artistic friendships in your Core Program Small Group, filled with likeminded singers with whom you learn and collaborate throughout the year.
Small groups meet for pre-performance classes and workshops before each recital. This is the perfect setting to deepen connections, try out new techniques, learn from your peers, and develop your own artistic perspective.
Sunday Soirées! Gather with the entire Core Program on the second Sunday (6pm ET) of each month (or after the recital during recital months) for an hour of student-led education and engagement. Our Sunday Soirées are optional, causal, and will be recorded for playback.
Perform
Put your newly developed skills to the test and perform alongside your talented colleagues in our three Core Program Recitals. The Core Program Recitals are designed to be safe enough for you to take risks, but they’re important enough to feel excited. Each recital will feature a surprise expert guest mentor who will share feedback with the performers following each recital. Guest Mentors for the 2022-2023 Core Program Recitals included Broadway-nominated producer Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf (A Doll’s House, Kite Runner) and award-winning singer and actor Julia Meadows (Kennedy Center, 54 Below, Amazon Prime, HBO Max).
2023-2024 Core Program Recitals
November 5 at 6:00pm ET
March 3 at 6:00pm ET
May 19 at 6:00pm ET
NEW in 2023! Take the stage in bonus performance opportunities curated and produced by WD Studio for the Core Program Singers. The 2022-2023 Core Program Singers will join Founder Wesley Diener in August for a musical theatre cabaret of solos, duos, and trios in Charlottesville, VA. New performance opportunities to come!
Compete
Join us in-person at the prestigious NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competitions to win awards, receive expert feedback, and advance to the regional and national competitions! All eligible Core Program singers will be invited to compete at the Virginia NATS competition at Virginia Commonwealth University on February 25, 2024. Those who qualify will also be invited to participate in the regional rounds held in Charleston, SC and the national rounds held in Knoxville, TN. Access to this respected competition is only possible through a NATS Member Teacher, and these awards are fantastic resumé builders, networking tools, and confidence boosts!
Ready to join your community?
Returning singers should email Wesley at wesley@wdstudio.org to learn more and reserve your spot.
If you’re new to the Core Program, please click the button below to schedule a Discovery Call with us.
A Growing Legacy
Established in 2021, The Core Program at WD Studio may be fresh, but it’s already acquired a reputation for excellence. In just the past year, our Core Program Singers have achieved the following:
Placed first in the entire state of Virginia at the All-State Choir Auditions.
Performed in professional and pre-professional musical theater productions across the country.
Invited to and attended prestigious performing arts academies, including the Interlochen Center for the Arts and iTheatrics.
Signed an agreement with a leading national talent agent in film, TV, and theatre.
Performed leading roles in school and community theater productions.
Accepted to numerous District, Honor, and All-State choirs.
Won a local songwriting competition.