TRIAD: 2026 Residency
The inaugural Triad residency has concluded!
In August 2026, ten emerging artists came together for the inaugural TRIAD: Emerging Artist Residency—a fully funded, four-day partnership of Music in the Somerset Hills, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, and Tenet Vocal Artists, with the generous support of Trinity Church, NYC.
The residency brought post-collegiate singers into close collaboration with faculty Jolle Greenleaf, Christopher Jackson, and Stephen Sands for focused rehearsal, chamber-music coaching, conversation about artistic life, and professional mentorship. The cohort began its work in New York City at Trinity Church before traveling to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where it joined The Bach Choir of Bethlehem for a culminating appearance on the acclaimed Bach at Noon series.
Across four concentrated days, Triad artists explored the demands and rewards of historically informed, one-to-a-part ensemble singing: listening closely, taking responsibility for musical choices, shaping text and rhetoric, and building the trust that makes chamber music possible. Just as importantly, the residency made room for candid conversations about professional relationships, networking, sustainable careers, and the practical tools young singers need to build a life in music.
“Triad smoothly integrated performance coaching, career guidance, and peer networking into an intensive that culminated in a performance on the storied Bach at Noon series with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem. The program was unique in its methods of mentorship—never before have I taken part in a program that so seamlessly combines musical training with the often-neglected aspects of navigating the complex career of the freelance musician.”
“The residency’s fully funded model was central to its purpose. By covering participation and travel costs, Triad enabled artists to focus their energy on musical growth, collaboration, and connection. In participant feedback, artists consistently described the program as a rare combination of rigorous artistic work, high-level performance opportunity, accessible support, and genuine community.
Though only four short days, I grew so much in both my musicianship and gained confidence as a performer. All three directors were incredibly nurturing, meeting each participant with openness and care, leading honest discussions about the professional choral industry, and beautifully balancing focused rehearsal with intentional time for us all to become a community.”
Watch the residency
“Triad had a huge impact on me as an artist. Getting together with nine other young professionals at similar career stages had a beautiful feeling of community, and the level of performance was spectacular. The directors were excellent and generous in sharing their knowledge of the industry, with a genuine desire for us to succeed in our careers.”
“Triad provided a space to test new artistic boundaries in a format that was equal parts challenging and pedagogically safe and daring. It showed me what the bar of high-quality music making—and the future of the industry—should look like: support and growth while holding the utmost regard for quality music making.”
2027 and Beyond
The success of Triad’s first year has affirmed the need for sustained, artist-centered opportunities at this pivotal stage of a singer’s professional life. As we plan for 2027, Music in the Somerset Hills and its partners are exploring an expanded residency: more time for artistic development, a larger cohort, additional performance opportunities, and deeper access to mentorship, professional-development conversations, recording and media resources, and an emerging Triad alumni network.
Potential elements of the 2027 program include a longer, approximately week-long format; an expanded cohort of up to twelve artists; multiple performances in the New York–New Jersey–Pennsylvania region; and a possible residential component, including work at the Pottersville Campus of The Pingry School. The program is also exploring an additional New York City presentation with Tenet Vocal Artists, alongside the continuing partnership with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem.
These plans remain in development. What will remain constant is Triad’s commitment: exceptional musical training, meaningful performance experience, honest career guidance, and a fully supported environment in which emerging artists can take ambitious next steps. In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more, contact Stephen Sands at stephen@musicsh.org.
“Triad is an amazing opportunity to come together with like-minded musicians in a similar walk of life to rehearse and perform difficult music at a high level—all while being the only model of its kind that is fully funded. You get exceptional musical training, performance opportunities in high-profile festivals and concert venues, and wonderful camaraderie with colleagues that quickly become your friends.”
TRIAD Purpose
Triad invests in the future of vocal music by bringing emerging post-collegiate singers together with accomplished faculty and presenting partners. Through intensive musical collaboration, performance, mentorship, and professional connection, Triad helps artists build sustainable careers and serve communities through the power of vocal music.