Applications to The Taylor Academy for 2026-27 are now open

Published on February 19, 2026

Gifted young musicians (8 to 18 years old) are encouraged to apply by March 30, 2026

The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists at The Royal Conservatory shapes the next generation of exceptional classical artists, with alumni that are building international careers and earning appointments with some of the world’s most respected institutions.

Delivering on its promise to provide Canada’s premier training program for outstanding young classical musicians aged 8 to 18, The Taylor Academy celebrates the following recent accomplishments:

Taylor Academy Vocal Alumni Commanding the Stage

Among many highlights this year from vocal alumni of The Taylor Academy, the continued success of Ema Nikolovska (mezzo-soprano, 2011), Vartan Gabrielian (bass-baritone, 2012), and Emily Rocha (soprano, 2017) is a testament to the incredible vocal talent that has been nurtured at The Taylor Academy:

Ema Nikolovska continues to grace some of Europe’s biggest stages with performances at Wigmore Hall, Staatsoper Berlin, and Gulbenkian Fundaçāo.
Vartan Gabrielian has made a home at Opéra national de Paris, returning for a second exciting season in Le nozze di Figaro, Carmen, and Tosca, to be followed by debuts with the Royal Ballet and Opera and Opéra de Lausanne.
Emily Rocha, current member of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio who recently signed to IMG Artists, will perform in Rigoletto with the COC, making this a monumental season at home.

Taylor Academy Cello & Violin Alumni Highlight a Year of Key Appointments

Whether you are in the Taylor Junior Academy (strings & piano) or Senior Academy (strings, piano, voice, woodwinds, horn, and classical guitar), the specialized training by dedicated and esteemed faculty at Taylor provide a well-rounded musical training program in an extracurricular format. Over 85% of our graduates go on to study music in post-secondary, and many step into key roles in major orchestras.

Here are just a few recent Taylor Academy alumni appointments in key North American ensembles:

Matthew Christakos (cello, 2019) – received tenure as Associate Principal Cello with the New York Philharmonic
Dale Jeong (cello, 2020) – received tenure as Associate Principal Cello with Pittsburgh Symphony
Vivian Kukiel (violin, 2019) – received tenure in LA Phil violin section
Jasmine (Meng Jia) Lin (violin, 2016) – appointed to Chicago Symphony violin section
Emma Meinrenken (violin, 2017) – appointed Associate First Violin with New York City Ballet 
San Rim (cello, 2018) – appointed to Orchestre symphonique de Montréal cello section

Program Overview

The Taylor Academy runs from September through May and is designed around an immersive core curriculum that includes chamber ensembles, academic courses, private lessons, and performances. The Junior Academy (ages 8–13) accepts piano and strings artists, while the Senior Academy (ages 14–18) accepts strings, piano, classical guitar, woodwinds, and voice. 

Thanks to the support of generous donors, all students accepted into The Taylor Academy receive a scholarship which subsidizes their tuition, with further financial aid also available.

Deadline for applications: March 30, 2026

APPLY NOW

Upcoming Taylor Concerts

Don’t miss the opportunity to see these talented young musicians perform in The Royal Conservatory’s Mazzoleni Concert Hall in February, March, and April!

UPCOMING TAYLOR CONCERTS