RIAM Junior Choirs
The RIAM Junior Choirs are an exciting, vibrant part of the Royal Irish Academy of Music’s community. Open to young people aged 6–18, our choirs meet every Saturday to sing and explore great music, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of collective singing under expert guidance.
Being part of an RIAM choir means more than just singing. Our choristers build lifelong friendships, develop exceptional aural and reading skills, perform in prestigious venues, and become confident musicians equipped for a lifetime of music-making.
Past members have gone on to study at conservatoires, perform professionally, and continue their love of singing into adulthood. Whether your child is an enthusiastic beginner or a budding professional, there is a place for them at RIAM.
Magic Melodies Training Choir, age 6 to 8
Conductor: Denise Coleman, Sinéad Ó Duinnín
No audition required
Who is it for?
Magic Melodies is the perfect first step into the world of singing. This choir is designed for children in early years music classes, those who have just started learning an instrument, or those brand new to music.
What we do:
Children sing fun and imaginative songs, learn through movement and games, and are introduced to musical concepts in an age-appropriate, joyful setting. They begin developing pitch recognition, rhythm skills, and ensemble awareness in a nurturing environment.
Rehearsal Time:
Fridays, 5:30 pm - 6.30 pm
Saturdays all day, exact times tbc
RIAM Treble Voices, age 8 to 10
Conductor: Denise Coleman
Entry by audition
Who is it for?
This choir is ideal for children ready to take the next step musically. Whether they’ve had a bit of music training or just love to sing, RIAM Treble Voices Choir nurtures young voices and growing musicians.
What we do:
The Junior Choir performs engaging and age-appropriate repertoire, from traditional Irish songs to imaginative choral arrangements. Members build confidence on stage and in rehearsal, learn to read music, and develop their vocal technique. Performances include seasonal concerts and collaborative events with other RIAM ensembles.
Rehearsal Time:
Saturdays, 10:55 am - 11:55 pm (Dreoilíní)
Saturdays, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Spideoga)
Saturdays, 3:30 pm - 4:30pm (Fuiseoga)
RIAM Junior Voices, age 11 to 13
Conductor: Brian Dungan
Entry by audition
Who is it for?
RIAM Junior Voices is perfect for young teens with prior choir or music experience, or those with a strong enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
What we do:
This choir tackles more complex 2- and 3-part repertoire for treble voices, focusing on vocal blend, harmony, and expressive performance. Members continue to refine sight-singing, aural awareness, and musical interpretation. Recent highlights include performing in a joint concert with New Dublin Voices in the John Field Room of the National Concert Hall, competing in Dublin Feis Ceoil in the RDS, Ballsbridge, and having their recording of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ played on RTÉ Lyric FM by Claudia Boyle as finalists in the RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition.
Rehearsal Time: Saturdays, 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
RIAM Youth Voices, age 14 to 17
Conductor: Brian Dungan
Entry by audition
Who is it for?
RIAM Youth Voices Choir is a mixed-voice SATB ensemble for committed young musicians looking to challenge themselves vocally and musically. Many members are also instrumentalists, composers, or aspiring music students.
What we do:
This advanced ensemble performs a diverse and rewarding repertoire, spanning classical, contemporary, and world music traditions. Singers explore a wide range of styles and languages while continuing to develop their vocal technique as their voices mature. Members of the choir have featured in RIAM operas such as The Cunning Little Vixen and major choral works including Britten’s St Nicolas and Noye’s Fludde. They regularly perform in prestigious venues and proudly represent RIAM at both public and private events.
Rehearsal Time: Saturdays, 9:15 am – 10:45 am
Audition Overview
Auditions are friendly and supportive. We want to meet your child, hear them sing, and see how they respond musically — no need to prepare anything elaborate.
What to Expect:
Vocal Assessment
- Sing a song of your choice (anything from a school piece to a pop song, or a folk tune for younger singers. Something that suits your voice)
- Vocal range test
Musicianship Assessment
- Clap back rhythms
- Echo singing
- (For older singers) Basic sight-singing