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 15-18) 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 8, 2026 and June 11, 2026.
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 Wesley Diener and/or their instructor. You will receive priority access to your teacher’s schedule when they are 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 acting technique with Abby, songwriting with Annie, and new offerings in 2025!
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.
Gather with the entire Core Program each month for a Sunday Soirée: an hour of student-led education and engagement.
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 and important enough to feel excited. Each recital will feature a surprise expert guest mentor who will share feedback with the performers following each recital.
Past Guest Mentors include Broadway-nominated producer Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf (A Doll’s House, Kite Runner), Broadway star Abby C. Smith (original Broadway cast of SpongeBob Squarepants), actress Gillian Jackson-Han (National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen, Showtime), and award-winning singer and actor Julia Meadows (Kennedy Center, 54 Below, Amazon Prime, HBO Max).
2026-2027 Core Program Recitals
November 1 at 6:00pm ET
March 7 at 6:00pm ET
May 16 at 6:00pm ET
Take the stage in bonus performance opportunities produced by WD Studio exclusively for the Core Program Singers. The 2025-2026 Core Program Singers performed solos and duets in a cabaret performance at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, VA.
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 James Madison University on November 8, 2026 or online in January. Those who qualify will also be invited to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition at Shenandoah University on March 13, 2027 and the national finals held in July 2027.
Access to this competition series is only possible through a NATS Member Teacher. 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 Legacy of Excellence
For more than five years, The Core Program at WD Studio has been helping young performers develop the skills, artistry, and confidence to thrive on stage and beyond. Our students have earned acceptance to some of the nation's most competitive musical theatre BFA programs, including the University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, NYU Tisch, Penn State, Pace University, and Elon University.
Core Program singers have also achieved remarkable success in national and regional competitions, earning numerous first-place awards in Musical Theatre and Commercial Music at the Virginia and Mid-Atlantic Regional NATS Competitions, as well as First Place in Musical Theatre at the International NATS Final Competition.
Beyond competitions, our students have performed professionally at major regional theatres, including The Muny, Theatre Aspen, The Virginia Theatre Festival, Virginia Stage Company, appeared on primetime television, and earned recognition through prestigious choral programs, including All-State Choir auditions.
Whether preparing for a professional career, college auditions, or simply seeking to become a more confident and versatile performer, The Core Program provides expert training and a supportive community designed to help each student reach their full potential.