Summer Voice Intensive
Summer Voice Intensive
Join UNCSA voice faculty, alumni and guest artists for a three-week journey as we explore your individual voice through lessons, group voice classes, Alexander Technique, yoga, music theory, aural skills, stage combat, drama and improv.
Using varying musical styles (primarily classical art song, opera and musical theater), we'll enhance your technique, build upon your existing foundation and fuel your passion to be a complete artist and singing actor. We can't wait to hear you!
My daughter attended the 3-week voice intensive program last summer and she had an incredibly amazing time and learned so much. She has been accepted to Indiana University's Jacob School of Music as a voice student for the 2024 fall semester. I am thankful for these intensive and highly impressive programs at UNCSA! They truly leave a mark in the kids.
Juanita N. (parent of a 2023 Summer Voice Intensive student)
Summer Voice FAQ
What is a typical daily schedule like for Summer Voice?
A typical daily Summer Voice schedule begins at 9am and ends at 5pm, Monday-Friday. Each day will include a combination of the following courses:
- Yoga or Alexander Technique
- Music Theory and Aural Skills
- Topic Workshops such as: Vocal Health, Audition Techniques, Marketing and Social Media and Resume Hints
- Voice Class and Masterclasses (with UNCSA Voice faculty, Summer Voice faculty, and guest artists)
- Private Voice Lessons
- Musical Theater Class
- Drama Games, Improv, Movement for Singers and Acting for Singers
Our daily schedule is designed to keep you busy and learning, but varied to make sure that your whole body is learning what it's like to be a singing actor! We work hard, but promise you'll enjoy every minute!
How many private lessons will the student receive during the program?
Each student will receive one to two private voice lessons while they are with us. This could vary based upon the repertoire they bring with them and what they are assigned once they arrive. Additionally, students receive individual time daily with each instructor. We work in a team environment that has students singing one-on-one or within duets or trios of singers as we work on each individual's needs every day.
How will workshops impact musical growth?
Beyond the private and group lessons, we strive to give Summer Voice students a well-rounded idea of what is demanded of them as they begin to pursue their passion of singing. This includes both physical body work (Yoga, Alexander Technique and Movement for Singers) as well as the Topic Workshops (Vocal Health, Audition Techniques, How to Practice, Marketing, Resumes, and Social Media) that help train our students how to take care of their instrument and how to begin promoting themselves professionally.
Will you offer music theory? Ear training?
One of the most important skills you can have as a voice student and professional musician is a solid grounding in music theory and aural skills. Both of these important skills will be taught every day.
What guest artists will you have?
In addition to our Summer Voice Faculty, students will also have the opportunity to sing for and interact with UNCSA's School of Music and A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute Voice Faculty including:
- Marilyn Taylor
- Glenn Siebert
- Phyllis Pancella
- Jodi Burns
- Steven LaCosse
Faculty availability is subject to change.
Will there be student recitals? If so, how many?
We provide several opportunities throughout the three weeks for students to participate in Masterclasses - performing their solo repertoire in front of their peers, faculty, and guest artists. Additionally, there is a culminating 90-minute final demonstration on the final Friday that combines their work into a fun display of song, dance, drama, and games.
It is truly inspiring to watch their transformation!
Will there be mock auditions?
Yes, we will have mock auditions this season. This is an opportunity for students to sing for the UNCSA Voice Faculty and get immediate feedback on aspects of their performance on which to work.
What makes your program stand out from other summer music programs?
Summer Voice at UNCSA takes each singer and works with their individual strengths and challenges. We take a wide variety of students, focus their talent, offer them a place to thrive, and to make mistakes. We encourage a supportive atmosphere that fosters learning from faculty and from each other. We also take the time to focus on the full package. Singing is a full body sport. It is hard and demanding. We want our students to leave with a comprehensive overview of where they are in the process and what their next steps should be. And, we have fun doing it!
What do I need to bring to the Summer Voice Intensive?
The Information for Parents Page (opens in new tab) has a suggested packing list for the dorms. Students should also bring the following items:
Water Bottle - (you will be drinking more water than you ever thought possible over these 3 weeks!)
Recording Device - something to record your lessons and masterclasses! Your phone is perfectly acceptable.
Black, 3 Ring Binder - standard 1.5 inch is fine.
Your Music! - The pieces you sang for your audition, plus any additional you would like to work on. You will need your original copy for yourself and an additional clean copy for your pianist. You must have sheet music for a song you would like to sing on the very first day. I cannot stress this enough.
Pens/Pencils/Highlighters
Dividers - one set
Yoga Mat - if you do not have one or can't fit it into your luggage, let me know and I'll have one for you.
Comfortable clothes that you can move in - I'm talking stage combat, on the floor, learning to fall, stretchy, clothes, folks!
Clothing – Masterclasses will need to be dressy – not formal wear, but nice. Ladies, the stage you will be singing on is at a strange height, so make sure dresses are at least knee length. Gentlemen, a nice pair of pants or nice jeans and a button-down shirt is great.
Final Concert Attire – We will be wearing black and white for the final concert. Same deal with the dress/skirt issue – you MUST be able to move in them. Stage combat, drama games, and fun staging will all be part of the final demo. Please bring a pair of bike shorts to go underneath your dress or skirt – trust me, you'll thank me later! Gentlemen: black pants and a white shirt are just fine.
Shoes: You will need close-toed shoes for the final demo with backs! (no slingback shoes or cute, strappy sandals, ladies!) If you own character shoes or jazz shoes, those are perfect. You will also need comfortable shoes for games and stage combat – no flip flops allowed during those classes or rehearsals.