Though our students come from a variety of musical backgrounds, no previous music training or experience is required to join Novae. There are no auditions. On the first day, we will listen to each student’s voice to hear where are and for placement purposes. There will also be a basic theory assessment to help us form our musicianship breakout groups.

We encourage each student to make a strong effort to be at every rehearsal. Each rehearsal is packed with with information and sometimes we will learn an entire song in one rehearsal! If a student misses a rehearsal, they will need to review the missed material at home using the practice tracks. The success of the ensemble depends on each and every voice! Of course, we encourage students that are sick to stay home. Students who are in the recovery stage of an illness may attend with a mask.

The time spent in rehearsal is meant to prepare the choir fully for our final performance. We do provide practice tracks with which students can review the music at home. Students also prepare a short introduction to an assigned musical selection from our program. That may be worked on at home in addition to during rehearsal. Otherwise, there is no homework.

Tuition is $400 for each individual student for each session. Sessions are held from August to December, and January to May and are approximately 16 weeks. A 10 percent discount is available for a second child in the same family signing up for the same session as their sibling. Scholarships are also available. Please contact us for more information about scholarships.

The Novae Choir is sponsored by and rehearses at La Cañada Congregational Church. The choir is not a religious ensemble. Most selections are from a variety of genres including classical, musical theater, folk, and pop. If any music is selected that has a religious text, it would be because of the significance of the work in music history (example: an excerpt from an oratorio by Bach or Mozart). LWPA follows the same mission statement of the church.

At LWPA, we seek to provide accessible, high quality music instruction and performance in a welcoming, inclusive community. Our teaching philosophy is centered around fostering strong musicianship, developing physical and mental ease and flexibility, as well as organic and honest artistic expression. We believe in creating a learning environment that encourages active engagement, open dialogue, and a sense of pride in students’ work and progress. We intend to be an inclusive and diverse organization that welcomes, cherishes, and affirms all individuals in our community regardless of race, culture, age, gender identity, gender expression, LGBTQIA+ identity, ability, socio-economic status, or religion.