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Classical Vocal Performance

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The Bard undergraduate vocal program is one of the most consistent vocal programs in the country, deeply committed to the development and nurturing of young singers while providing them with the tools they require for a professional career in music or vocational aspirations beyond college.
Studying Classical Vocal Performance

Studying Classical Vocal Performance

Employing techniques and performance skills used by world-class singers, including members of our own distinguished faculty, we educate our students in musical history, theory, languages, movement, and operatic stagecraft. Our voice faculty collaborate in teaching a consistent vocal technique in intensive private lessons, which ensures that all students are able to address their individual vocal needs, as well as guaranteeing a common approach to the voice in all classes and workshops.

Performance Opportunities

Performance Opportunities

Performance opportunities with professional musicians, directors, and conductors offer inspiration and serve as a liaison to the music world. In a supportive, creative environment that encourages our students to observe and learn from each other while building their confidence, we are able to develop our singers to their greatest vocal potential.

Requirements

Course Requirements

The requirements and recommendations for vocal majors (half these requirements are to be completed by time of Moderation):

  • Private lessons every semester for the duration of study with Rufus Müller, Ilka LoMonaco, or Teresa Buchholz
  • Individual coaching with Erika Switzer or David Sytkowski (sophomores with intent to moderate: second semester only, 30 minutes/week; juniors: 45 minutes/week; seniors: 60 minutes/week)
  • Performance class for each semester of private lessons (performance classes include Chamber Singers, Baroque Ensemble, Opera Workshop, Müller/Switzer performance Workshop. In some cases these courses may be audited, but private lessons require registration.)
  • Both semesters of Pronunciation and Diction for Singers (Music 254A/B)
  • Three semesters of music theory and music history (includes at least one course at the 300 level or above)
  • One class in composition, or 4 credits in an approved, equivalent creative course (one 4-credit class in composition or an approved alternative, such as Jazz Improvisation Workshop or Electronic Music Composition)
Juries: Two songs/arias, every semester (excluding final semester for graduating seniors or those preparing a Moderation or Senior Project)
Moderation project: For guidelines and information, click here.
Senior Project:For guidelines and information, click here.

Other suggested complimentary courses: Feldenkrais and the Voice; language courses such as French, German, or Italian; dance courses.

Moderation + Senior Project Requirements

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Guidelines for Recital Programs and Translations

Here are a few guidelines for recital programs and translation documents for Moderation and Senior projects. We do not have a set format, but we encourage you to create programs that look professional and are ultimately easy to read and follow as an audience member.
A few suggestions:

  • As a general rule, the layout should be clear, concise, easy to read, and look as clean and professional as possible.
  • Find a way to separate groups of songs so that there isn’t applause between every single piece.
  • Make sure that you are using a font that is large enough to be easily read by older eyes!
  • Artwork is fine (please limit your personal photos to the cover page) but just make sure that any artwork or decoration that you include is minimal so as not to distract from the content (and context) of the recital. Any artwork or decoration should enhance the program and relate to the context of the pieces presented.
  • For translation pages, make sure that you are lining up your text and the translation side by side (see examples). A separate document for translations is preferred so that you can use a larger font and control page breaks. These breaks should fall only between pieces, so that the audience rustle their pages as little as possible during a song or aria.
Please refer to the sample programs linked below for reference. You may use these templates or create something similar.
  • Click here to view a sample program.
  • Click here to view a sample template for texts and translations.
  • Click here to view a sample student recital program template.
  • Click here to view a sample Voice Department one page recital program template.

Classical Vocal Performance Faculty

 
James Bagwell (chair) – choral conducting and history
Teresa Buchholz – artist in residence, voice
Ilka LoMonaco – voice
Rufus Müller – voice
Erika Switzer – collaborative piano, vocal coach, lyric diction
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Applying to the Program

  • How to Apply
    To apply to the undergraduate Bard Music Program, apply through the Bard Admission Office. Applying to the Bard Conservatory of Music requires a separate application to the Conservatory.
    Apply to the Undergraduate Program   Apply to the Conservatory
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