Our History
VOICES Boston was founded in 1990 by Johanna Hill Simpson as Performing Artists at Lincoln School, an after-school program offering training in choral singing, dance, and drama. Over time, the program expanded beyond Brookline, building partnerships with leading arts organizations and welcoming young singers from across Greater Boston. Reflecting this growth, the organization was renamed VOICES Boston in 2014.
Today, VOICES Boston serves children ages 5–14 through four ensembles: First Notes (K–1), Melody (2–3), Harmony (3–5), and the VOICES Boston Children’s Choir (5–8). All singers participate in multiple concerts each year and an annual spring musical or operetta.
VOICES Boston has collaborated with major arts institutions, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, and White Snake Projects. In 2016, VOICES Boston launched a formal collaboration with Boston Lyric Opera, offering audition workshops and a summer “Create Your Own Opera” camp.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Artistic Director Dan Ryan led the rapid development of a nationally recognized virtual program, including #ZOOMBOPPING, several original virtual musicals, and the world premiere of Alice in the Pandemic, now preserved in the Library of Congress. VOICES Boston returned fully in-person in 2021–22 with Laura Nevitt joining as Associate Conductor.
From its founding to today, VOICES Boston has remained committed to providing exceptional music, dance, and theater education that builds confidence, discipline, leadership, and a love of the arts that lasts a lifetime.
Mission & Vision
VOICES Boston enriches the lives of young people through high-quality, inclusive music education. We provide a nurturing environment where children develop confidence, discipline, leadership, and a lifelong love of music. Through collaborative music-making and artistic exploration, we aim to positively impact the lives of children throughout Greater Boston.
VOICES Boston aspires to be a world-class performing arts organization accessible to all young people. We strive to be known for exceptional choral and theatrical productions that reflect diverse musical genres, cultures, and languages.
We believe ensemble learning empowers children to create meaningful, joyful art while growing as individuals and community members.
Values & Core Beliefs
VOICES Boston is guided by these core principles:
- We champion accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity in all we do.
- Collaborative music-making builds confidence, leadership, community, and artistic expression.
- Ensemble learning strengthens communication and teamwork skills that carry into every part of a child’s life.
- Children’s voices and perspectives are inherently valuable and contribute to meaningful, high-quality art.
- Art should be accessible to all — musical background or financial means should never limit participation.
- Studying repertoire from many cultures fosters curiosity, empathy, and global understanding.
- Community-based artistic collaborations enrich students’ personal, musical, and civic growth.
- We strive to create a safe, affirming environment where students can explore personal identity and express their true selves.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
VOICES Boston is a safe and affirming space for all children. We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and acceptance as core values and are committed to building a more equitable future through our work. Our Board, staff, and students support one another in creating a community that stands firmly against discrimination in all forms.
Enrollment in VOICES Boston is open to all children on a non-discriminatory basis regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Accessibility
VOICES Boston is dedicated to making outstanding arts education accessible to every child. We offer scholarships, tuition assistance, and individualized payment plans, and we work closely with families to ensure that financial circumstances, learning differences, or physical ability never prevent a child from participating fully. For questions about accessibility or financial aid, please email office@voicesboston.org.