Voice Instruction

Private Voice Lessons

Students who study singing at the Conservatory discover the unique qualities of their individual voices while learning proper vocal technique. Our teachers are experienced in teaching both classical and musical theater repertoire.

The young voice is a delicate instrument and the Conservatory is cautious in treating it very carefully. Our teachers provide instruction that is developmentally appropriate so that the voice is not pushed or strained. The earliest recommended age for private vocal study is 12, however for younger students currently pursuing vocal performance, private instruction is encouraged to ensure the development of healthy vocal habits.

For beginning students younger than age 12, we highly recommend beginning with an age-appropriate group voice class. Students younger than 12 enrolling in Virtual Voice Classes may also supplement their group experience with a 30-minute weekly private voice lesson. These lessons will be coordinated with the student's specific group voice class, and will afford the student more opportunity for practice and reinforcement of the skills addressed in class. A biographical sketch of each teacher is available on our faculty page.

Group Instruction

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.

Our virtual voice classes are designed to meet the needs of the young singer by providing developmentally appropriate instruction for the young voice and incorporating the components of music learning into each class: music reading, tone-production skills, singing technique, and critical listening skills. Online platforms especially excel in spotlighting proper pitch identification and diction, and they encourage a great deal of individual attention to each student's singing. In each semester there will be opportunities for solo singing in front of the group, as well as one-on-one feedback and guidance.

Home access to a piano, keyboard, or Keyboard App is highly recommended, but not mandatory. A computer, tablet, or smart phone is required, as well as a reliable internet connection. An Ethernet connection (rather than wifi) and external headphones/earbuds will provide the most stable and authentic audio experience and are recommended, but not mandatory.

Our Children's and Pre-Teen Virtual Voice Classes will consist of three components:

Zoom classes, once a week, where students will learn the basics of a sound vocal technique (breathing, posture, diction), fundamental musical skills (sight reading, rhythm recognition), and the interpretation of text (acting for singers.) All Zoom classes are recorded, inviting the students to watch again before the next class, and allowing for students who are unable to attend a specific class to still be included in the learning experience.**
Video content and interactive musical activities.
Audio access to the piano accompaniment tracks of our selected songs, and 'sing-along' tracks of beginning vocal exercises. The exercises will serve as 'voice-builders' and will facilitate the student's practice time. The accompaniment tracks will be used to prepare a performance of one of their favorite songs for a fun end-of-semester recital to be presented at our last class.
**Zoom classes will be conducted on Rider University's ProZoom platform, which has been configured especially for educators with a secure-entry protocol utilizing password-encrypted invitations to all on-line events.

Children's Virtual Voice Class

Grade 2-4

Schedule:
Monday 4:00 p.m. - 4:55 p.m. / 6:05 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. - 5:55 p.m. (with Katherine Chen)
Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.
Thursday 6:30 - 7:25 p.m.
Saturday 1:15 - 2:10 p.m.

Location: Virtual
Tuition: $352 for 16 classes per semester

Susan Gaylord, Instructor

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 positive feedback. This class will also help to prepare children for auditioned choral experiences. Remote instruction only. Students must purchase the required textbook prior to first class meeting.

Pre-Teen Virtual Voice Class

Grades 5-7

Schedule:
Monday 7:05 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 5:00 p.m. - 5:55 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. - 8:25 p.m.
Thursday 5:30 p.m. - 6:25 p.m.
Saturday 2:15 - 3:10 p.m.

Location: Virtual
Tuition: $352 for 16 classes per semester

Susan Gaylord, Instructor

Students learn the basics of sound vocal technique (breathing, posture, diction) and fundamental musical skills (sight reading, rhythm recognition). The Pre-Teen class will be taught practical and healthy techniques for learning new songs, and will be provided access links to pre-recorded tracks of their repertoire. Along with our class study of their music and its texts, students will be encouraged to make several simple recordings of themselves singing along with these tracks. The instructor, and occasionally a Guest Artist, will provide valuable feedback both in class and via email. Remote instruction only. Students must purchase the required textbook prior to first class meeting.

Take a Bow!

Grades 3-5
Schedule: Saturday 2:00-2:55 p.m.
Location: In-Person, Princeton Main Campus
Tuition: $352 for 16 classes per semester

Dauri Shippey, Instructor

Learn to sing and act in this musical theatre program specifically adapted for online learning. Each student will be assigned a short monologue, a solo song and a group song geared towards their age and type. We will spend time playing theatre games, learning breathing, range and projection and have a lot of fun! Each student will be individually challenged in this program. Ms. Shippey will facilitate making recorded accompaniment tracks (when a track is not available online) that students will use to practice and for singing in class. Class size is limited to 6 students. No experience necessary.

Rising Stars

Grade 6 - 8
Schedule: Saturday 3:00- 3:55 p.m.
Location: In-Person, Princeton Main Campus
Tuition: $352 for 16 classes per semester

Dauri Shippey, Instructor

Do you love musical theater? Then come and join other rising stars! Improve your singing and acting in this musical theatre class specifically adapted for online learning. Each student will be assigned a monologue, a solo song and a group song geared towards their age and type. We will spend time playing theatre games, learning proper breathing, tone and projection and have a lot of fun! Each student will be individually challenged in this program. Ms. Shippey will facilitate making recorded accompaniment tracks (when a track is not available online) that students will use to practice and for singing in class. Class size is limited to 6 students.