Program Overview
Westminster's Master of Voice Pedagogy program is offered entirely online and is specifically designed to serve the needs of professional singers, voice teachers, school music teachers, and voice coaches who want advanced training in the art and science of voice teaching. This particular track focuses on the pedagogy and science associated with music theater genres. Supported by the latest developments in voice science, and thoroughly grounded in practical application, the program offers the most comprehensive training for singing teachers available anywhere in an entirely online format. Preference is given to candidates who can document their professional experience and who have worked in their chosen field for at least three years since their undergraduate degree was completed.
Curriculum Overview
At least one course required to fulfill this degree is offered online each semester. Coursework is also offered during Westminster's six-week Summer Session, allowing degree candidates to maintain performance schedules and teaching jobs during the year.
The M.V.P.: MT Track includes courses in music theater pedagogy and literature, culminating in a substantial vocal pedagogy project completed under the guidance of a Westminster voice faculty member.
Degree Offered
- M.V.P. - Master of Voice Pedagogy: Music Theater Track
Contact
Margaret Cusack, M.M.T.
Professor
Department of Piano and Voice
Westminster Choir College
Omega House
609-896-5000 ext. 8253
mcusack@rider.edu
Program Website: www.rider.edu/wcc
Associated Department: Department of Piano and Voice
Related Programs
- Voice Pedagogy and Performance (Pedagogy Track or Performance Track)
Faculty
Margaret Cusack (chair) • Professor, Voice, and Chair of Voice and Piano Faculties, 1994. B.M., M.M.T., Oberlin College.
Christopher Arneson • Professor, Voice, 2003. B.A., M.M., Binghamton University; D.M.A., Rutgers University.
Susan S. Ashbaker • Associate Professor, Voice, 2006. B.M., M.M., Southern Illinois University; M.M., University of Illinois.
Victoria Browers • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2017. B.M., Ohio Wesleyan University, M.M. Westminster Choir College of Rider University; D.M.A. State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Jay Carter • Assistant Professor, Voice, 2019. B.M., William Jewell College; M.M., Yale University School of Music; Institute of Sacred Music; D.M.A., University of Missouri Kansas City - Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Rochelle Ellis • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 1995. B.M.E., University of Missouri, Kansas City; M.M.E., Westminster Choir College of Rider University.
Faith Esham • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2000. B.A., Columbia Union College; B.M., M.M., The Juilliard School.
Nancy Froysland Hoerl • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 1995. B.A., Moorhead State University; M.M., Westminster Choir College of Rider University.
Akiko Hosaki • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Piano, 2005. B.M., Musashino Academia Musicae; M.M., Westminster Choir College of Rider University; D.M.A., University of Minnesota.
Katherine Johnson • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2006. B.M., University of Calgary; M.M., Manhattan School of Music.
Robin Massie • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2008. B.M., Westminster Choir College; M.M., Yale University.
Sean McCarther • Associate Professor, Voice, 2012. B.M., Baylor University; M.M., D.M.A., Indiana University.
Martin Néron • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2020. B.M., Université de Montrèal; M.M. Westminster Choir College of Rider University; D.M.A., Manhattan School of Music.
Kathy Kessler Price • Associate Professor, Voice, 2012. B.A., University of Richmond; M.M., University of Maryland; Ph.D., University of Kansas, Lawrence.
Stephen Purdy • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2020. B.M., University of Mississippi, M.V.P., Westminster Choir College of Rider University.
Debra Scurto-Davis • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2004. B.M.E., Evangel College; M.M., Baylor University; S.M., University of Michigan.
Elizabeth Sutton • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2005. B.A., Bowling Green State University; M.M., College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati.
Sally Wolf • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2001. B.M., Kent State University; Artist Diploma, Curtis Institute of Music.
Amy Zorn • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 1996. B.M., University of Wisconsin, Madison; M.M., Boston University.
Master of Voice Pedagogy: Music Theater Track Program Requirements
Learn more about General Graduate Requirements.
(32 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| VC 650 | Pedagogy Capstone | 1 |
| VC 722 | Literature for Teaching | 3 |
| VC 723 | Voice Ped I: Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 740 | Seminar in Music Theater Pedagogy | 3 |
| VC 741 | Music Theater Literature I | 3 |
| VC 742 | Music Theater Literature II | 3 |
| VC 791 | Teaching Internship 2 | 2 |
| Core | ||
| MH 731 | Intro to Musicology | 3 |
| Core Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Theory or History elective | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Free electives 3 | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
- 1
The core elective must be a single, 3-credit graduate-level course outside the student’s major area, area of emphasis and/or area of applied study.
- 2
Students who have had significant teaching experience in American schools may petition to substitute another graduate course for VC 791. The department, if granting, will specify acceptable course alternatives.
- 3
Students may fulfill free elective requirements through completion of summer workshops and/or Saturday Seminars with prior approval of the Voice Department.
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Students may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Pedagogy Courses | ||
| VC 723 | Voice Ped I: Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 741 | Music Theater Literature I | 3 |
| VC 740 | Seminar in Music Theater Pedagogy | 3 |
| VC 742 | Music Theater Literature II | 3 |
| VC 722 | Literature for Teaching | 3 |
| VC 791 | Teaching Internship 1 | 2 |
| VC 650 | Pedagogy Capstone | 1 |
| Core Course | ||
| MH 731 | Intro to Musicology | 3 |
| Core Elective 2 | ||
| Theory or History Elective | ||
| Free Electives for five credits total 3 | ||
- 1
Students who have had significant teaching experience in American schools may petition to substitute another graduate level course for VC 791. The department, if granting a substitution, will specify acceptable course alternatives.
- 2
The core elective must be a single, 3 credit graduate-level course outside of the student's major area, area of emphasis, and/or area of applied study.
- 3
Students may fulfill free elective requirements through completion of summer workshops and/or Saturday Seminars with prior approval of the Voice Department.
Courses and Descriptions
MH 731 Intro to Musicology 3 Credits
Introduction to the basic tools of research in historical musicology in order to foster: (1) an awareness of the nature and scope of historical musicology as a scholarly discipline; (2) familiarity with the techniques of musicological research; (3) an understanding of the relationship between musicological research and performance practice; and (4) experience in the application of musicological techniques to specific musical works and issues. It is strongly recommended that this course be taken at the outset of graduate study. Required for all Master of Music candidates.
VC 650 Pedagogy Capstone 1 Credits
Independent research leading to a completed capstone project, such as a pedagogical publication or presentation, development of an original or unique method of instruction, instructional materials, etc. The project must be approved by the department.
VC 722 Literature for Teaching 3 Credits
A survey of graduated teaching literature for beginning, intermediate and advanced voice students. Literature will be explored that is particularly well-suited to specific vocal issues (e.g. legato, coloratura, staccato, etc.)
VC 723 Voice Ped I: Voice Science 3 Credits
Study of voice anatomy and physiology with concentration on respiration, phonation, articulation, hearing and vocal health. Through hands-on experience in the Westminster Voice Laboratory, students explore the physics of sound, the fundamentals of musical acoustics, and acoustical elements that are unique to the human voice. Priority registration is given to M.V.P. majors and M.M. students majoring in Voice Performance and Pedagogy. Other students may enroll on a space-available basis.
VC 740 Seminar in Music Theater Pedagogy 3 Credits
Comprehensive study of various pedagogical approaches to teaching Music Theater singing techniques. Students explore exercises and vocalises for general voice development as well as techniques to address and correct specific vocal problems. Role-playing exercises are used to develop appropriate listening and teaching skills. Class participants begin supervised instruction of a volunteer singing student. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments, and other written assignments.
VC 741 Music Theater Literature I 3 Credits
Survey and analysis of Music Theater literature from its roots in Tin Pan Alley through Kander and Ebb. Students will explore the synergistic relationships among text, music, and style and discuss the influence of society and politics on the genre. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments and other written assignments.
VC 742 Music Theater Literature II 3 Credits
Survey and analysis of Music Theater Literature from Sondheim to the present. Students will explore the synergistic relationships among text, music, and style and discuss the influence of society and politics on the genre. The class will also discuss the integration of pop/rock and other contemporary substyles within the genre. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments and other written assignments.
VC 742 Music Theater Literature II 3 Credits
Survey and analysis of Music Theater Literature from Sondheim to the present. Students will explore the synergistic relationships among text, music, and style and discuss the influence of society and politics on the genre. The class will also discuss the integration of pop/rock and other contemporary substyles within the genre. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments and other written assignments.
VC 791 Teaching Internship 2 Credits
Teaching internship with a master teacher(s). The student will teach under faculty observation and supervision, including follow-up private discussion with the observer. In addition, students themselves observe group and private lessons and are given readings, written assignments, and/or projects associated with their own teaching. May be offered on an intensive basis in conjunction with Westminster Summer Session events, such as The High School Solo Vocal Artist and/or Vocal Institute.