Voice

Students planning to major in Voice must successfully audition before the Vocal division just prior to the beginning of classes, singing music of their own choice.

• First Year. Tone production and diction are stressed. Song-literature from the early Italian period and from oratorio is usually emphasized. During the first year the student will be carefully evaluated in regard to voice, musicianship, and physical stamina for the purpose of determining whether he or she has the combination of talents needed for successful performance.
• Second Year. Technical and interpretative studies are continued. The repertory will be expanded as the student's technical facility develops. As the use of foreign language is increased, French and German songs will comprise a larger share of the literature to be studied.
• Third Year. Considerable vocal agility, volume, range, and pleasing tone quality should be achieved in the third year. Frequent group recitals will be encouraged. Operatic and oratorio arias are a necessary part of the repertoire as well as wide-ranging choices in several languages. Ability to perform contemporary English, Canadian, and American songs will be expected. A third-year recital is required.
• Fourth Year. The fourth year should be devoted to the interpretative aspects of singing, supported by a growing technical command. It will be assumed that the student can satisfactorily perform any of the standard repertory for his or her vocal classification. A fourth-year recital is required.