Approximately 100 students enroll in applied vocal music each term. The primary objective is to give the student the tools needed to develop a healthy way of singing that the singer can carry into every manner of vocal expression, from music theatre to choral ensembles and beyond. A wide variety of activities are offered in conjunction with vocal study at Carleton, including: weekly Studio Classes that emphasize and develop performing skills; Four Studio Voice Recitals which are presented at the close of every term; vocal chamber music and opera scenes production which can be coordinated with the Music Department’s Chamber Music Program; as well as guest artists/clinicians (including Beverly Sills in 1996 and Elizabeth Hynes in 2000).

Applied Vocal Music Program Course Offerings

Voice Lessons

Both half-hour (MUS 151) and 1 hour (MUS 251) private lessons are available. Students who are interested in registering for private voice lessons for the first time must meet with the voice faculty coordinator in order to determine the best course of study. Students who have no previous vocal experience, either in private study or in choral ensembles, and no prior study in the fundamentals of music should consider taking MUSC 102, Basic Musicianship. In order to facilitate lesson scheduling, students who register for applied voice lessons must submit, as soon as they have completed registration, their complete class schedules to either their teachers (if a returning student) or to the Applied Voice Coordinator to be assigned to an instructor. Students will be notified by e-mail regarding studio assignments. The teaching schedules for each of the voice studios will be posted on the voice studio doors (Music Hall 203, 209, 210 and 211) at the start of each term.

Requirements for Applied Vocal Study

Attendance
There are nine lessons each term -- one each week. Attendance at each of the nine weekly lessons is obviously an important element in the successful pursuit of vocal training. If a student has more than three absences in a term, that student is recommended to withdraw from the course, as it is not possible to guarantee more than one makeup lesson. The absence policy is as follows:

Excused Absences
Absences will be considered excused if they are the result of circumstances beyond the control of the student (e.g. illness or family emergency). An excused absence will not count against the student's final grade. All reasonable effort will be made to make up an excused absence (up to one makeup lesson per term).

Unexcused Absences
Absences for personal reasons such as completing an assignment for another course, a scheduled appointment, an off-campus trip not related to requirements of other courses, etc. are considered to be circumstances within the control of the student and are not excused. Unexcused absences have a direct impact on the final grade for the term. In some cases, where there is sufficient advance notice given, the anticipated missed lesson can be exchanged with another student's lesson time (as arranged by the student).

Instructor Absence
In the event of an absence by the instructor, the instructor will make a good faith effort to schedule makeup lesson times with the affected student(s) as soon as possible.

Voice Performance Class

There are two sections of Performance Class offered to all students studying voice at Carleton. The purpose is to enhance the learning process in a group setting that specifically addresses issues of performance skills, including in-class performances and exercises that deal with a wide range of concerns for the singer. Performance classes take place in the Concert Hall on Mondays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. and Thursdays from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Attendance is taken at every session and it is expected that every voice student attend one or the other class each week of the term. Absence is permitted only in the instance when the student’s class schedule does not allow participation in either section. NOTE: students who are unable to participate in Performance Class for this reason should not hesitate to register for lessons; their instructor will provide alternative(s) for this course component.

Recitals

Vocal Studio Recitals are scheduled toward the end of each term. Students selected to perform are at the discretion of the instructor.
Students are also encouraged to participate in the Common Time recitals, which are held periodically throughout the term.
Solo and joint recital performances may be petitioned by students who  have demonstrated a high level of repertoire preparation and have the permission of the instructor and voice coordinator. Approved solo and joint recitals are scheduled through the Performance Activities Coordinator’s office and become a department-sponsored event. Students, however, are responsible for acquiring their own accompanist.