The Lakes Area Music Festival is one of the fastest growing arts organizations in the nation. Set amongst the stunning beauty and lakeside recreation of central Minnesota, LAMF fosters the highest level of artistic excellence, while connecting its art and artists to a vibrant community of music lovers.
Our 2026 Resident Artist Program will offer up to 5 talented vocalists and one pianist a paid residency in Brainerd, Minnesota in July and August, 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to Minnesota this summer.
Vocal application materials are due Sunday, December 14, 2025.
More information about piano applications and deadline will be available in January 2026.
Benefits
$1,800 stipend, travel, and host accommodations in the Lakes Area of central Minnesota. Activities begin Wednesday, July 15, 2026; final performance is Sunday, August 16.
VOCALISTS
- Participation in the Lakes Area Music Festival’s main-stage production of Bizet's CARMEN, performing the roles of Frasquita (soprano), Mercedes (soprano/mezzo), Remendado (tenor), Morales (baritone), or Zuniga (bass) in a new production, sung in French and conducted by LAMF music director Christian Reif and directed by Lisenka Heijboer Castañon.
- Have the opportunity to record arias (with piano) with a high-quality audio and video .
- Participate in additional festival events including two cabaret events (classic musical theater and jazz standard repertoire) and other performances as determined by mutual agreement.
- Receive one-on-one instruction and mentorship from LAMF music staff and special guests, including an open work session with Julia Bullock (classical singer) and career coaching from Paul Hopper (director of artistic planning, LA Opera)
PIANIST
- Assist in preparation of LAMF’s production of Bizet's CARMEN (Responsibilities may include playing for staging, music, and chorus rehearsals)
- Coach and rehearse singers for other festival events
- Perform in festival events, e.g. Cabaret nights; orchestral pianist for select concerts; other duties as assigned by mutual agreement
- Receive instruction and mentorship from LAMF music staff and guest artists
Application
Vocal applications will be accepted through Sunday, December 14, 2025. Pianists, more information regarding application information will be available in January 2026.
Interested singers and pianists should submit materials and information through the google forms linked below. There is no application fee or age limit. Applicants must be able to work in the U.S. legally during the dates of the festival. LAMF is committed to accessibility; if you require any additional accommodations, please email vocal@lakesareamusic.org.
VOCAL APPLICANTS
- Materials should include 3 recordings of arias or art songs, with at least one in French. Video is preferred; audio-only will be accepted.
- Additional materials such as CVs, resumes, headshots, or personal statements are accepted but not required.
PIANO APPLICANTS
- 2 unedited video files of the Applicant performing in collaboration with a singer, one of which must be an opera aria. Both pieces must have been recorded within the last 12 months. (Recordings of a solo piece and/or an operatic excerpt with the applicant singing/playing simultaneously may be submitted, but are not required.)
- A brief CV listing education/training and any relevant professional experience
- Additional materials such as references or personal statements are welcome but not required.
APPLICATION INFORMATION COMING JANUARY 2026
“My time at LAMF was incredibly rewarding. It provided me with many performance opportunities and the chance to collaborate with their phenomenal music staff. The experience has allowed me to further my career through singing new repertoire with an orchestra and covering a lead role. It is such a welcoming, supportive place and I highly recommend any young singer consider this program in their musical journey!”
–OLIVIA GRONENTHAL, Mezzo-soprano. 2025 Resident Artist
“As a pianist, learning an entire opera score is always an exciting but daunting task, especially a score as complex as Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. LAMF gave me the opportunity to learn this score for the first time and take it for a test drive. I received feedback from LAMF coaches, performed with the Resident Artist singers, and accompanied staging rehearsals throughout the production process. I’m grateful that this opera is part of my repertoire moving forward as a university staff pianist and vocal coach, and LAMF played a major role in making that possible.”
–MAGGIE HINCHLIFFE, Piano. 2024 & 2025 Resident Artist
“LAMF’s opera residency program provided me with more performance opportunities in one month than most programs can offer with twice as much time. I found my time with the program both challenging and rewarding in all sorts of ways, thanks in no small part to the valuable insight provided by LAMF’s gifted artistic and administrative team. I’d recommend the program to any young singer as they begin to find their way in the opera industry.”
–JEREMY HARR, Bass. 2024 Resident Artist
My time with LAMF was so rewarding. I needed that time to fine tune and polish some things, as an artist, to take me to the next level. From the video package you all helped me put together, I’ve been officially offered a contract with management. Thanks to LAMF for your support to emerging artists.”
–MARCUS KING, Baritone. 2023 Resident Artist
