"My voice has been completely changed for the better and I have really realized the preparation, practice and dedication necessary to become a vocal performer.  This has been an incredible and life-changing experience!  Thank you, so much."

"ALL the teachers were enlightening, informative and always willing to help."

"This is an experience I will never forget.  I look forward to applying here."
            - Solo Vocal Artist 2011 students

 Now in its 12th year, Westminster is pleased to offer this summer program for the high school solo vocalist.

An excellent opportunity for the dedicated young classical singer to explore the many facets of developing the singer's art. Young singers study voice in daily private lessons (five lessons in Week One, and four in Week Two) taught by Westminster artist faculty members: Sharon Sweet, Elem Eley, Mark Moliterno, Charles Walker, Lindsey Christiansen, Diane Gaary, Akiko Hosaki and Laura Brooks Rice - singers who have performed with major opera companies and orchestras across the United States and Europe, as well as on Broadway and in regional theater. 

New this year!  Students will also have the exclusive opportunity to attend concerts and master classes of Westminster's internationally recognized CoOPERAtive Program, which runs concurrently with Solo Vocal Artist. 

Just Announced!  Solo Vocal Artist students will attend the dress rehearsal of Opera New Jersey's production of H.M.S. Pinafore!

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When is the program offered?
July 8 - July 21, 2012

Registration is Closed

 Audition Information

• DVD submission should include two pieces. Repertoire should be age appropriate, MUST be performed from memory and should include: Italian songs and arias from 16th-18th centuries, German Lieder or American art songs.
• Upon acceptance all students will receive repertoire assignments for the program.
• Please mark your DVD clearly (no paper labels on the DVD) with your name and both repertoire selections. If you cannot produce a DVD, you may use a VHS videotape.
• Early Acceptance Deadline: DVD's should be postmarked Friday, February 24, 2012. 
• NEW: Applications still being accepted!
  
• Notifications will be sent out to Early Acceptance applicants on March 30, 2012.

 General Information

Enrollment
Enrollment is open to students entering the 10th grade through those who have just completed their senior year.

Enrollment is limited to 40 singers.

Tuition
$1750 Resident
$1350 Non-residential (includes lunch; dinner when evening schedule occurs)

Tuition Discounts

• Two or more programs - $100 discount off each program
• Family discount - Families sending more than one student receive a $100 discount per program
• Returning student - $50 discount per program

All students perform two concerts.
Both concerts are scheduled for the final weekend (making parental attendance more convenient). A concert of art song will be performed at Christ Church United Methodist in New York City on Friday, July 20th, 12 p.m.; and a concert of staged scenes from the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta repertoire will be performed on the Westminster campus on Saturday, July 21st, 2 p.m. 

Seminars
Seminars in applying and auditioning for colleges of music, dealing with performance anxiety and memorization, musical style, musicianship, careers in music, recital preparation, performance protocol and language are also offered.

Daily Schedule

Morning and afternoon:
Students attend daily voice lessons with Westminster faculty.

The schedule will alternate between Class Days and Staging Days. A typical Class Day will consist of: Yoga taught by Mark Moliterno; Performance Techniques classes taught by Charles Walker; Alexander Technique classes taught by Diane Gaary; Introduction To Opera taught by Nancy Froysland Hoerl; and Musicianship for Singers. A typical Staging Day will focus on staging of the assigned Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire. Both days will include vocal coaching with Akiko Hosaki and members of her coaching staff.

During the program, students will attend an evening master class in The Art of German Lieder Singing taught by Lindsey Christiansen, and College Auditions master class taught by Laura Brooks Rice. Solo Vocal Artist students will also have an opportunity to observe and interact with students in Westminster's renowned CoOPERAtive program.  

Westminster Office of Continuing Education
609-924-7416