Join Masterworks!

Sing the world's greatest choral music with an extraordinary community of singers.

Masterworks is an auditioned chorus based in San Mateo, CA. Our 100+ organization includes members from all over the Bay Area and from all walks of life. Our diverse membership shares a strong passion for the pursuit of musical excellence, an appreciation of the camaraderie and joy choral music embodies, and an extraordinary commitment to sharing our music with our community.

Membership FAQ

When and where do you rehearse?

Monday nights from 7pm to 10pm in San Mateo.

Once per concert set we rehearse on a Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The location of Saturday rehearsals vary.

Our season generally runs mid-August through early June.

When do you perform?

We perform concerts on 4 weekends during the season (Fall, Holiday, Spring, Late Spring).

Occasionally there are other opportunities to perform/collaborate.

How much are membership dues?

New members may pay dues for a single concert set at a time ($145) for the first year of membership.

After your first year, dues may be paid in full at the start of the season, or paid in two installments of $290. Annual singer dues are $580 per season.

No qualified singer is turned away for lack of funds - see below for info re scholarships and payment plans.

Dues are not tax-deductible.

Choir members also must purchase the music they require (available from Masterworks), black concert music folders and appropriate concert attire.

What if I can’t sing a concert set due to schedule conflicts? Are partial dues refundable?

No. Masterworks depends upon member dues to support the operations necessary to accommodate our singers. Dates for all rehearsals and concerts are set before the start of the season, and we encourage all members to prioritize singing all of them they possibly can.

Are dues scholarships available?

No qualified singer is turned away due to lack of funds! We offer full exemption from dues payment for full time students. Dues may also be modified for financial hardship as resources allow. Please contact the office for more information.

Are there other membership requirements?

Masterworks relies on singer volunteers to help with nearly every facet of the organization. Our board, committees, concerts, fundraising and Outreach programs are greatly supported by our singers. While we do not require a specific number of volunteer hours, our group is the extraordinary entity it is today precisely because we work together to make the music happen.

What is the dress code for concerts?

Singers generally wear semi-formal black concert attire. For less formal and holiday concerts, at the discretion of the Artistic Director, jewel tone attire may be incorporated. Our Singer Handbook, presented upon acceptance into the group, contains full details regarding attire requirements.

Auditions

Our easy-on-the-ego approach to auditions is designed to support singers so their best capabilities can shine through. To minimize the all-or-nothing feeling sometimes associated with auditions, Masterworks sometimes accepts new members on a provisional basis, so that singers may prove their ability to sing the repertoire over a number of rehearsals. All auditions are conducted by our Artistic Director, Dr. Bryan Baker.

Request an Audition

Auditions are held prior to and during the mid-point break of rehearsals. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7pm to 10pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church (3900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo). Please fill out the Audition Request Form below to schedule an audition appointment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Masterworks office at 650.918.6225 or auditions@masterworksbayarea.org.

Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Masterworks does not share, sell or reveal personal information with third parties.