Program Overview
More students pursue voice study at the graduate level at Westminster Choir College than any other major on campus. A strong and unique double emphasis in voice pedagogy and performance prepares our graduates to find success on the operatic and concert stages of the world, in studio and classroom teaching positions at prominent schools, universities, and churches, and in thriving private voice studios. The process-oriented approach focuses on how, rather than what to sing, enabling students to become the best possible vocal artists and independent musicians.
Curriculum Overview
This voice pedagogy and performance program has two emphases. The performance emphasis entails private lessons, voice literature, opera, vocal coaching, vocal pedagogy, and a full recital. Studio and performance classes, as well as a number of performance-oriented class options, Opera Workshop, and Opera Theatre, offer frequent performance opportunities. Two fully-staged operas, one with orchestra, are presented each year. Private vocal coaching is available (fee is charged).
Each performance emphasis student completes courses in applied study, voice science and pedagogy, and literature. Four semesters of applied voice study culminate in a graduate recital. For students whose undergraduate work has not included a public recital, presentation of a 30-minute recital is required before work on the graduate recital may begin.
Please see the Voice Handbook for language requirements.
Degree Offered
- Master of Music in Voice Pedagogy and Performance (Performance Emphasis)
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: Piano and Voice
Related Programs
- Voice Pedagogy and Performance (Pedagogy Emphasis)
- Master of Voice Pedagogy (M.V.P.)
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., 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.
Carolann Page • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice, 2008. B.M., Curtis Institute of Music.
Kathy Kessler Price • Professor, Voice, 2012. B.A., University of Richmond; M.M., University of Maryland; Ph.D., University of Kansas, Lawrence.
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 Music: Voice Pedagogy and Performance (Performance Emphasis) Program Requirements
(34-39 credits)
Learn more about General Graduate Requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Area | ||
| Applied Primary Study | ||
| VC 641A | Voice Primary (4 terms) | 8 |
| Performance | ||
| VC 593 | Opera Theater | 1-2 |
| or VC 593T | Opera Theater (Tech) | |
| Select two of the following: | 2-6 | |
| Performing in Lyric Theater | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Grad Voice Rep:Italian/French | ||
| Grad Voice Rep:German/English | ||
| The Singing Actor: Opera | ||
| Opera Auditions: Prep & Tech | ||
| Spec Topics in Voice Perf Prac | ||
| Voice Science and Pedagogy | ||
| VC 723 | Voice Ped I: Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 724 | Voice Pedagogy II: Methods | 3 |
| Literature I | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Seminar in Song Literature | ||
| German Lieder | ||
| French Melodie | ||
| Literature II | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Oratorio Solo Literature | ||
| Opera Literature I | ||
| Opera Literature II | ||
| Seminar in Opera Literature | ||
| Seminar in Song Literature | ||
| German Lieder | ||
| French Melodie | ||
| Core | ||
| MH 731 | Intro to Musicology | 3 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 2 |
| Theory or Music History elective (1 course) | 3 | |
| Core elective (1 course) 1 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 34-39 | |
- 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
Prior to graduation, students must complete at least one year of undergraduate-level study in two of the three major European singing languages (Italian, German, and French). Students must earn a minimum grade of "C" in these courses. Grades of "C-" or below are not accepted.
- 3
Students are required to present a public recital following approval by the department. Registration for VC655A is a pre-requisite for the approval.
- 4
Students may repeat any individual Performance course for credit (either for elective credit or to satisfy the Performance course requirements).
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.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| VC 641A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| VC 661 |
German Lieder or Seminar in Song Literature or French Melodie |
3 |
| Seminar in Song Literature | ||
| French Melodie | ||
| MH 731 | Intro to Musicology | 3 |
| VC 591 |
Performing in Lyric Theater or Opera Workshop or Grad Voice Rep:Italian/French or Grad Voice Rep:German/English or The Singing Actor: Opera or Opera Auditions: Prep & Tech or Spec Topics in Voice Perf Prac |
1-3 |
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Grad Voice Rep:Italian/French | ||
| Grad Voice Rep:German/English | ||
| The Singing Actor: Opera | ||
| Opera Auditions: Prep & Tech | ||
| Spec Topics in Voice Perf Prac | ||
| Semester Credit Hours | 10-12 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| VC 641A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| VC 662 |
French Melodie or Opera Literature I or Opera Literature II or Seminar in Opera Literature or Seminar in Song Literature or German Lieder or Oratorio Solo Literature |
3 |
| VC 723 | Voice Ped I: Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 592 |
Opera Workshop or Opera Theater or Grad Voice Rep:Italian/French or Grad Voice Rep:German/English or The Singing Actor: Opera or Opera Auditions: Prep & Tech or Spec Topics in Voice Perf Prac |
1-3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 10-12 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| VC 641A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| VC 724 | Voice Pedagogy II: Methods | 3 |
| VC 593 or VC 593T |
Opera Theater or Opera Theater (Tech) |
1-2 |
| TH 623 or MH 733 |
Seminar in Music Theory or Seminar in Music History |
3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 9-10 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| VC 641A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| Core Elective | 3 | |
| Oral Exam | ||
| Graduate Recital | ||
| Semester Credit Hours | 5 | |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation | 34-39 | |
Courses and Descriptions
VC 591 Performing in Lyric Theater 2 Credits
Performing in Lyric Theater offers techniques for the preparation of lyric roles in a theatrical setting. It will develop elements of stagecraft, systematize a process for preparations and exploration, and introduce the working relationship with director and conductor.
Prerequisite(s): Undergraduates, VC 291 and the successful completion of Level II jury, or permission of the Chair.
VC 592 Opera Workshop 2 Credits
Introduction to opera performance. Acting exercises, character development, dramatic exploration and musical coaching culminating in a workshop-format presentation. It is recommended that VC 491 or 691 be taken before this course. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Undergraduates, successful completion of the level II voice test or permission of the chair.
VC 593 Opera Theater 2 Credits
This course involves preparation and performance of a role or in the chorus of a fully staged opera production. Open only by audition. May be repeated for credit.
VC 593E Opera Theater (Ensemble) 1 Credits
This course involves preparation and performance of a role or in the chorus of a fully staged opera production. Open only by audition. May be repeated for credit.
VC 593N Opera Theater (Opera NJ) 1 Credits
VC 593R Opera Theater (Role) 2 Credits
This course involves preparation and performance of a role or in the chorus of a fully staged opera production. Open only by audition. May be repeated for credit.
VC 593T Opera Theater (Tech) 1 Credits
This course involves preparation and performance of a role or in the chorus of a fully staged opera production. Open only by audition. May be repeated for credit.
VC 621 Oratorio Solo Literature 3 Credits
A performance course surveying solo and ensemble portions of oratorios, masses, passions, and cantatas from the early Baroque period to the present, with emphasis on appropriate performance techniques for stylistic integrity.
VC 627 Opera Literature I 3 Credits
Study of the development of opera from 1600 through the Napoleonic era (ca. 1815), with emphasis on performance practices, singing styles, libretti, the role of the orchestra, and the historical, political and sociological milieu in which the operas were written.
VC 628 Opera Literature II 3 Credits
Study of the development of opera from the early 19th century to the present, with emphasis on performance practices, singing styles, libretti, the role of the orchestra, and the historical, political and sociological milieu in which the operas were written.
VC 633 Seminar in Opera Literature 3 Credits
An intensive study of an area of opera literature. The specific content of this course will change from semester to semester. Emphasis is placed upon in-depth study of the works of a selected composer or of a specific genre of opera.
VC 635 Seminar in Song Literature 3 Credits
An intensive study of some area of art song history and literature. The specific content of this course will change from semester to semester. Emphasis is placed upon in-depth study of the selected repertoire.
VC 641A Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 641B Voice Primary 1 Credits
VC 641C Voice Elective 2 Credits
VC 641D Voice Elective 1 Credits
VC 641E Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 641F Voice Primary 1 Credits
VC 641G Voice Primary 2 Credits
Voice Primary.
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 655A Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 655B Voice Primary 1 Credits
VC 655E Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 655F Voice Primary 1 Credits
VC 657 Private Coaching 2 Credits
Individual coaching sessions for singers on musical style, interpretation, ensemble, languages, and presentation. Registration for VC 657 involves weekly hour-length lessons and a fee of $1,200. Registration for VC 658 involves weekly half-hour lessons and a fee of $600. Open to graduate Voice Pedagogy and Performance majors.
VC 658 Private Coaching 1 Credits
Individual coaching sessions for singers on musical style, interpretation, ensemble, languages, and presentation. Registration for VC 657 involves weekly hour-length lessons and a fee of $1,200. Registration for VC 658 involves weekly half-hour lessons and a fee of $600. Open to graduate Voice Pedagogy and Performance majors.
VC 661 German Lieder 3 Credits
This survey of the German Lieder begins with its roots in the 17th and 18th centuries and continues into the 20th century. Classes will involve study of Romanticism, including philosophers and poets of the 18th and 19th centuries who were important for German Lieder. The bulk of the class involves in-depth study of the Lieder of the important composers of the genre: Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Robert and Clara Schumann, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Brahms, Wolf, Strauss, Mahler, Schoenberg, Berg, and Webern. Class sessions will involve a balance of lecture, discussion, and student performance.
VC 662 French Melodie 3 Credits
This course is designed as a survey of the song literature of France. Students examine works for voice and piano/instruments by Berlioz, Gounod, Saint-Saëns, Bizet, Faure, Duparc, Chausson, Debussy, Ravel, Messaien, Milhaud, Poulenc, and others, analyzing their relationship to larger stylistic, social, and musicological trends. Investigation will include matters of prosody, scansion, and compositional organization, with particular attention given to matters of text setting and poetic treatment. Special emphasis will be placed on important French language poets whose literary works serve as the basis for this material. Poets will include Baudelaire, Verlaine, Hugo, Rimbaud, Mallarmé, LaForgue, Maeterlinck, and others. Poetic history and form will be covered as well as important composer/poet partnerships. Class sessions will involve a balance of lecture and discussion. Works by both well-known and lesser-known composers will be included.
VC 667 Private Dramatic/Role Coaching 2 Credits
Individual dramatic coaching sessions for singers on operatic role study and/or audition preparation. Students will provide their own accompanists as needed. Registration for VC 667 involves weekly hour-length lessons and a fee of $1,200. Registration for VC 668 involves weekly half-hour lessons and a fee of $600. May be repeated for credit.
VC 668 Private Dramatic/Role Coaching 1 Credits
Individual dramatic coaching sessions for singers on operatic role study and/or audition preparation. Students will provide their own accompanists as needed. Registration for VC 667 involves weekly hour-length lessons and a fee of $1,200. Registration for VC 668 involves weekly half-hour lessons and a fee of $600. May be repeated for credit.
VC 690 Independent Research and Study 1-3 Credits
Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-3 credit hours. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to the first day of the semester in which the project is to be completed. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required.
Prerequisite(s): graduate standing.
VC 705 Grad Voice Rep:Italian/French 1 Credits
This class is a performance seminar focusing on the synthesis of musical line and linguistic inflection. Elements of tonal color, frequency, vowel purity and rhythm will be practiced in each class session as individual students perform selections from the literature. Repeatable for credit only if space is available AND by permission of the Chair.
VC 706 Grad Voice Rep:German/English 1 Credits
This class is a performance seminar focusing on the synthesis of musical line and linguistic inflection. Elements of tonal color, frequency, vowel purity and rhythm will be practiced in each class session as individual students perform selections from the literature. Repeatable forcredit only if space is available AND by permission of the Chair.
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 724 Voice Pedagogy II: Methods 3 Credits
A comparative study of various pedagogical methods and ideals. A wide range of important historical and contemporary pedagogy treatises is reviewed. 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.
VC 725 Voice Ped III:Tchng Practicum 3 Credits
Communication skills are explored and students develop a systematic approach to studio voice instruction. Each student is assigned at least two voice students (one adult and one teenager) to be taught both inside and outside of class. Emphasis is placed on becoming familiar with all voice classifications and basic vocal literature.
Prerequisite(s): VC 723.
VC 726 Voice Research 3 Credits
Peer reviewed research in voice is evaluated and research methodologies are explored. Class projects include research in historical, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
VC 730 The Singing Actor: Opera 3 Credits
This course entails coaching of selected songs, arias or repertoire from music theater, and techniques for performance preparation through intensive research. A final written project involves a musical and dramatic analysis of all chosen repertoire.
VC 731 Opera Auditions: Prep & Tech 2 Credits
This class will explore the many facets of preparing an audition for an opera role, apprentice program, or competition. At least three to four arias in contrasting styles and languages should be prepared for work in class. Areas to be addressed include vocal and dramatic presentation, networking, resume building, make-up, and photo advice. In coordination with the Office of Career Services, panel discussions with invited guests that will explore specific career-related topics will be scheduled.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the applied instructor.
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 753 Spec Topics in Voice Perf Prac 3 Credits
Intensive performance coaching and lectures in the form of master classes where performance practice in selected topics will be taught by current faculty or distinguished alumni and specialists in their fields.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the applied instructor.
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.