Tracey Richards Chebra, Department Head

• Private Lessons
• Group Instruction
• Faculty

Private Lessons

Students who study singing at the Conservatory discover the unique qualities of their individual voices while learning proper vocal technique.

The young voice is a delicate instrument and the Conservatory is cautious in treating it very carefully. Therefore, the earliest age for private vocal study is 12. Even at this age, teachers are very careful about providing instruction that is developmentally appropriate so that the voice is not pushed or strained. For students younger than age 12, we highly recommend a group vocal experience and study of another instrument. Group voice classes and choral opportunities for all ages are described in the following section.

Families with prospective students under the minimum age* may request an interview (30-minute maximum) if they would like to be considered for private instruction. Families will be asked to complete a registration form and pay an interview fee of $30 before the interview. Upon acceptance of a student under the suggested minimum age, the registration fee and tuition deposit will be due before the student can be placed with a teacher.

* The minimum age for private study is 12. The recommended private lesson length for the younger student is 30 minutes.

Group Instruction

• Download the Class Schedule for all locations (PDF)

Westminster Conservatory offers a wide range of classes and ensembles to meet the needs of every student, from the beginner to the most advanced student, regardless of age. Some classes are intended as an introduction to music, and require no previous experience. Others are designed to complement private instruction. Most classes run 32 weeks per year. Class length is based upon minimum enrollment. Some classes may be offered with a smaller enrollment by reducing the class length. In this case, the tuition remains the same.

• Children’s Voice Class
  Grades 2-4
  This class incorporates several components of music learning, taught concurrently: music reading, tone-production skills, singing technique, and critical listening skills. Through music reading, children will learn the basics of music theory (notes, rests, time values) and sight-singing. Personal attention will be given to each child as the whole class learns basic breathing and tone-production skills through vocalises and singing exercises. Critical listening skills are fostered as the children listen to each other sing during class and then offer feedback. This class will also help to prepare children for auditioned choral experiences. Class size is limited.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $640
  Materials fee: $15
• Pre-Teen Voice Class
  Grades 5-7
  This class is designed to meet the needs of the young singer and can be a complement to our choral program. Students learn the basics of sound vocal technique (breathing, posture, diction) and fundamental musical skills (sight reading, rhythm recognition). Class size is limited.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $640 (materials not included)
• Teen Voice Class
  Grades 8-12
  This class is designed for the student who enjoys singing and has a desire to study voice in a group setting. Basic posture, breathing, and diction are taught. The class also provides an opportunity to learn basic stage etiquette and poise in a non-threatening, informal atmosphere. Repertoire is geared toward the individual needs of the student. Class size is limited.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $640 (materials not included)
• YogaVoice
  Denise Mihalik, Instructor
  Grades 9 – adult
  YogaVoice is an exploration of Classical yoga and its application to the lives and work of singers, actors, and voice professionals. Since singing and speaking are full body experiences, our physical and mental health affects our breath and our voice. In this class, students will deeply explore breath as it connects to song, life, and the ever active mind. Through the use of postures, breathwork, vocal warm-ups, discussions, and singing, students will learn to identify physical, mental, and energetic blocks that impede true artistic expression.  Ethical principles, meditation, and concentration techniques will be introduced in order to quiet the mind and free ourselves from negativity, judgments, and fears.  Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Princeton location only.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length:  60 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition:  $640
• Piano for Singers
  Grades 9 – adult
  This class introduces singers to basic piano skills necessary for the development of independence in their vocal practice. Students will learn how to play scales and chords in warm-up vocalises, learn tonal patterns to support a melody, play and improvise simple accompaniments, and learn chord harmonizations. Emphasis will be placed on learning to play a vocal line fluidly and rhythmically. These skills help singers understand how an accompaniment supports and surrounds the vocal line, and are crucial in the development of self-sufficiency in the vocal artist. A placement test is required. Princeton location only.
  Number of classes:  32
  Class length:  55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition:  $640
  Materials fee: $25
• Adult Theory, Sight Singing & Aural Skills
  Timothy Urban, Instructor
  Adults
  This comprehensive course combines the study of music theory with the development of musicianship skills: rhythmic exercises, pitch exercises in both treble and bass clef, solo and duet singing using melodies from classic literature, etc. Solfege syllables (do, re, mi, etc.) will be used to represent pitches. While this class is open to all adults, it is recommended for non-reading choir and solo singers who wish to improve their music reading skills. A student may enter the program at any level, to be determined by a placement test. Princeton location only.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 45 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $512 (materials not included) 

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