The establishment of fundamental skills through the singing and recognition of diatonic materials, i.e., scales, intervals, triads, and seventh chords, both as isolated phenomena and in musical contexts. Solfeggio performance of diatonic melodies and rhythmic performance in all basic meters is emphasized, as well as the dictation of these materials. Ear Training Placement Test and permission of instructor is required. Technical and artistic preparation for public performance from workshops to major productions of full operas. Permission of instructor is required.
Students perform and are critiqued by faculty and guests.
English, Italian, French, and German diction are studied. Permission of instructor is required. Class includes lectures by guest singers, composers, opera and musical directors, vocal coaches, and record producers.