Vocal Performance - Albright College

Vocal Performance - Albright College Vocal Performance Sing. Interpret. Perform. Discover your unique voice. Designed for aspiring vocal artists interested in careers in musical theatre, opera, jazz, and pop, the program emphasizes rigorous training through a series of vocal skills courses and performing opportunities, preparing singers to meet the demands of the contemporary music industry. About the Program The Vocal Performance co-major empowers students to pursue their passion through Albright’s unique interdisciplinary approach, allowing them to combine vocal performance studies with a complementary co-major in fields such as Theatre, Music Industry, Music Production, Biology, Psychology, and more. This combination equips students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in a variety of professional paths, including performance, artist management, vocal pedagogy, and speech pathology. Hands-On Learning Students participate in vocal ensembles, staged performances, workshops, and masterclasses with visiting professionals. Through partnerships such as the Berks Opera Company, students gain experience in fully staged operatic productions while developing the skills needed for professional and academic success. Program Goals Course Requirements Opportunities Faculty MUSICIANSHIP: Display a working knowledge of the essential technical aspects of music (music theory and notation, aural skills, rhythmic acuity, and compositional structure). ARTISTRY: Apply the elements of musicianship toward the expressive aspects of singing (tone quality, breath control, intonation, style, diction, articulation, lyricism, and performance presence). COLLABORATION: Effectively partner with other singers, instrumentalists, artists, writers, pedagogues, etc. to lead constructive creative processes that aim to elevate the artistry and professionalism of both the rehearsal and performance experiences. CULTURE: Articulate their appreciation and understanding for the socio-cultural meanings of music around the world and throughout history, including how music is used to communicate messages, reinforce senses of belonging, and amplify other aspects of a society’s or community’s way of life. COMMUNICATION: Think, speak, write, and read critically about music and the anatomy/physiology of the human voice in order to be an effective communicator in the professional music world. Full Course Catalogue Course Descriptions Combined Major Requirements Four semesters of active participation in one of the following Vocal Ensembles: MUS103B Commercial Music Ensemble MUS103C Jazz Combos MUS105A Albright Chorale MUS105C Spiritual Ensemble Six semesters of active participation in Private Lessons: MUS309 Applied Lessons for Vocal Performance Co-Majors Eight half-credit Vocal Skills courses: MUS160 Music Theory and Aural Skills I MUS161 Music Theory and Aural Skills II MUS260 Vocal Anatomy and Physiology MUS261 Diction and Phonetics MUS360 Vocal Styles and Repertoire I MUS361 Vocal Styles and Repertoire II MUS460 Vocal Pedagogy MUS461 Capstone Performance Project One full-credit course in Music History from the following list: MUS 113: Rags, Rock and Rap: Popular Music and American Culture MUS 120: Listen to Musical Worlds MUS 121: Black Popular Music MUS 125: All That Jazz MUS 284: Popular Music and Digital Culture MUS 287: History of the American Musical Berks Opera Company The Vocal Performance Studio collaborates with Berks Opera Company to allow students the opportunity to take part in fully staged operas. This allows for a professional experience that helps students work on rehearsal etiquette, language study, and memorization techniques. The Capstone Performance Project The program concludes with a senior-level capstone performance project in the form of a recital/concert or stage performance to showcase their artistry and encourage a constructive dialogue with the learning goals from each singer’s complimentary co-major in terms of repertoire, programmatic structure, style, target audience, theme, and performing arena. Workshops and Masterclasses The Vocal Performance Studio will also offer a series of workshops with invited professional artists and clinicians as well as welcome guests from academic departments around campus to foster a holistic approach to vocal performance training. By the end of their time at Albright, every student will have been afforded the opportunity to solidify their career goals and maximize their artistic potential as they propel themselves into the professional arena. Global Performance Opportunities Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in prestigious international programs, such as the Austrian American Mozart Academyin Salzburg, Austria, where past students have studied and performed alongside world-class artists. While these programs are independent of Albright, faculty provide guidance, training, and professional connections to help students pursue these experiences. Internships and Career Support Students can connect with the Career Development Center to find internships, job listings, and other professional opportunities related to art and design, helping build real‑world experience while in the program. ACRE Undergraduate Research Students in any major can engage in interdisciplinary undergraduate research through the Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) , partnering with faculty mentors to pursue independent research or creative projects and present their work beyond the classroom. Tamara Black , M.M. Instructor of Music James Damore , M.M. Artist in Residence of Music, Director of Choral Activities Jeff Lentz , M.M. , 85 Senior Artist in Residence of Theatre, Coordinator of Vocal Performance Program Curriculum Highlights Six semesters of private voice instruction Senior capstone recital or performance Ensemble participation across multiple vocal styles Performance opportunities in opera, musical theatre, and contemporary vocal music