Registration Info
July 6-19, 2025
Akiko Hosaki, Program Director
Celebrating its 26th anniversary, Solo Vocal Artist is an excellent summer opportunity for dedicated young classical singers to explore the many facets of developing their art. The program provides personalized hands-on instruction for each student. Working daily with the distinguished voice faculty of Westminster Choir College, you will experience life at a music college. After successful virtual programs in 2020 and 2021 and a hybrid program in 2024, it is a delight to announce that the program is coming back to be fully in-person for two weeks this year!
Program Highlights
- Daily voice lessons and private/ensemble coaching with Westminster's artist faculty
- Learn effective musical skills to become and independent learner
- Daily sessions in body awareness, opera and art song history, and voice science
- Working on acting and interpretation through solo and ensemble repertoire
- Master classes on college auditions, performance technique, and more
- Final concert on July 19
Requirements for Admission
First-time applicants need to submit a letter of recommendation, a personal statement (regarding their interest in this program and/or their passion for singing), a repertoire list, and video recording (preferably via YouTube or Vimeo link or shareable link in Google Drive) of two (2) contrasting classical songs.
Returning students must submit only the personal statement and a current repertoire list with the application.
Please email all application materials to [email protected].
Deadline to submit audition materials: May 31, 2025
Tuition
$2,400 (includes $150 deposit/processing fee and room & board)
Enrollment
Enrollment is open to students entering 10th grade through those having just completed their senior year.
Our Mission
This camp is designed for high school students to experience life as young professional musicians. Our goal is that each of you grow from "where you are" to "wherever you can reach!" During the two-week program, you will be working with members of the faculty of Westminster Choir College. These faculty members, all of whom have had careers in the world of classical singing, both nationally and internationally, will be teaching, guiding, and challenging you. We will help you broaden your knowledge and understanding of the rich literature of the classical singing world and tradition. You will learn about singer's health, solid vocal technique and acting expectations, necessary information to enable you to begin your journey to becoming a Singing Artist.
Scholarship Opportunity
High school students who complete any Rider University Pre-College Summer Program prior to applying for first-year admission to Rider University can qualify for an annually renewable $2,000 Pre-College Completion Award. Some restrictions may apply.
Expectations for Students
Daily attendance for two weeks. Students must participate in both weeks. There will be an introductory meeting in the evening on Sunday, July 6 and a final concert in the afternoon on Saturday, July 19.
Typical Daily Schedule
- 8:45 a.m.: Alexander Technique
- 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1-2 p.m.: Rotating Performance Technique Class, Voice/Body Class, and Scene Program Staging
- Private voice lessons are scheduled in the morning, coordinated with other classes
- 2 p.m.: Rotating Voice Scene and Opera/Art Song Literature classes
- 3 p.m.: Rotating Diction and Musicianship classes
- Afternoon private/ensemble coaching or practice time
- Evening master classes
2025 Faculty
Voice Lessons: Margaret Cusack, Kathy Price
Private Ensemble Coaching: Akiko Hoaski
Alexander Technique/Body and Voice Connection: Dianne Gaary
Intro to Opera: Nancy Froysland Hoerl
Voice Science: Kathy Price
Intro to Art Song Literature: Akiko Hosaki
Scene Program: Diane Gaary, Robin massie
Musicianship: Akiko Hosaki
Singing Diction: Akiko Hosaki
Masterclass Guest Artists TBA