Overview
The voice performance program seeks to develop the musician by establishing a sound vocal technique and a thorough understanding of the singing voice, its literature and pedagogy. These tools are essential for the study and performance of vocal and choral literature and for training students as solo performers, professional teachers or choral conductors.
Students will build and demonstrate a healthy vocal technique, become acquainted with voice literature, and develop an understanding of the complex relationships between music and poetry. They will also learn how to sing with correct diction in English, Italian, French and German, as well as to understand both the general meaning and specific nuances of their sung texts.
As they progress in the program, students will integrate musicianship skills and use their increasing understanding of musical structure and form to communicate musically, with stylistic and textual understanding. Students will also build vocal and performance skills that equip them for the demands of solo and ensemble singing.
Curriculum Overview
Every undergraduate must satisfy departmental requirements for graduation. Juries and other tests are conducted periodically for the purpose of evaluating progress; details may be obtained from the Voice Department.
Instruction for voice performance majors entails private lessons, recitals, diction, voice literature, performance/opera classes and voice pedagogy. Weekly studio and performance classes offer regular performing opportunities. Two fully-staged operas, one with orchestra, are presented each year, along with an additional undergraduate-only opera offering. Private vocal coaching is available for upperclassmen and graduate students.
The curriculum has been revised for the class entering in the fall of 2015. Current students may continue to follow their original curriculum, or adopt the new curriculum.
Degree Offered
- B.M. in Voice Performance
Contact
Margaret Cusack
Professor
Department of Piano and Voice
Westminster Choir College
Omega House, #101
609-921-7100 x8253
mcusack@rider.edu
Program Website:www.rider.edu/voice
Associated Department: Department of Piano and Voice
Related programs
Faculty
Margaret Cusack (chairperson) • 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 of Rider University; 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.
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.
Voice Performance Program Requirements
(121-122 credits)
Learn more about General Undergraduate Requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choirs and Conducting | ||
| CR 109 | Chapel Choir (2 terms) | 2 |
| CR 209 | Schola Cantorum (2 terms) | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir (4 terms) | 4 |
| CR 215 | Fundamentals of Conducting | 3 |
| Applied Music and Diction | ||
| VC 101A | Voice Primary (2 terms) | 4 |
| VC 201A | Voice Primary (2 terms) | 4 |
| VC 301A | Voice Primary (2 terms) | 4 |
| VC 401A | Voice Primary (2 terms) | 4 |
| Piano secondary (4 terms) | 4 | |
| VC 114 | Introduction to Lyric Diction | 2 |
| VC 118 | Italian Diction | 2 |
| VC 119 | French Diction | 2 |
| VC 120 | German Diction | 2 |
| Theory and Music History | ||
| TH 141 & TH 142 & TH 241 | Musicianship I and Musicianship II and Musicianship III | 12 |
| Theory level I elective | 3 | |
| Theory level II elective | 3 | |
| TH 342 | Contemporary Trends | 3 |
| MH 247 & MH 248 | Music Historiography I and Music Historiography II | 6 |
| MH 345 | Music Since 1900 | 3 |
| Music history elective | 3 | |
| Professional Studies | ||
| VC 191 | Movement for the Performer | 2 |
| VC 291 | The Singing Actor | 2 |
| VC 305 | Singing in Italian and French | 2 |
| or VC 306 | Singing in German and English | |
| VC 408 | Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 433 & VC 434 | Song Literature I and Song Literature II | 4 |
| VC 591 | Performing in Lyric Theater | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 1-2 | |
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Opera Theater (Role) | ||
| Opera Theater (Tech) | ||
| Opera Theater (Ensemble) | ||
| Arts and Sciences | ||
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| Select from: | 3 | |
| Italian I | ||
| Italian II | ||
| French I | ||
| French II | ||
| German I | ||
| German II | ||
| OR | 3 | |
| Italian I | ||
| Italian II | ||
| French I | ||
| French II | ||
| French III | ||
| French IV | ||
| OR | 3 | |
| Italian I | ||
| Italian II | ||
| German I | ||
| German II | ||
| German III | ||
| German IV | ||
| OR | 3 | |
| Italian I | ||
| Italian II | ||
| Italian III | ||
| Italian IV | ||
| Select from | ||
| French I | ||
| French II | ||
| OR | 3 | |
| German I | ||
| German II | ||
| Literature or philosophy elective | 3 | |
| Social/behavioral/natural science elective | 3 | |
| History elective | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences elective | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 121-122 | |
Notes
- 1
Students must complete six semesters of foreign language study. Students must complete Italian I and II. They must complete additional semesters of either French or German. Semesters five and six may be of a third language (French or German) or additional semesters of Italian, French or German. If students are exempted from one or more semesters of foreign language study, they must replace the missing course credits with other Arts and Sciences electives.
- 2
Attendance at weekly studio classes is required during all semesters of applied study.
- 3
A half recital must be presented in the junior year. A full recital must be presented in the senior year.
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider 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 101A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 109 | Chapel Choir | 1 |
| PI 103 | Piano Secondary I | 1 |
| VC 114 | Introduction to Lyric Diction | 2 |
| TH 141 | Musicianship I | 4 |
| LL 145 | Italian I | 3 |
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| VC 101A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 109 | Chapel Choir | 1 |
| PI 104 | Piano Secondary II | 1 |
| VC 118 | Italian Diction | 2 |
| TH 142 | Musicianship II | 4 |
| VC 191 | Movement for the Performer | 2 |
| LL 146 | Italian II | 3 |
| Literature or Philosophy elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| VC 201A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 209 | Schola Cantorum | 1 |
| PI 203 | Piano Secondary III | 1 |
| TH 241 | Musicianship III | 4 |
| MH 247 | Music Historiography I | 3 |
| LL 141 or LL 151 |
French I or German I |
3 |
| VC 291 | The Singing Actor | 2 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| VC 201A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 209 | Schola Cantorum | 1 |
| PI 205 | Piano Secondary VCPER | 1 |
| VC 119 or VC 120 |
French Diction or German Diction |
2 |
| MH 248 | Music Historiography II | 3 |
| LL 142 or LL 152 |
French II or German II |
3 |
| Theory Level I elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| VC 301A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| CR 215 | Fundamentals of Conducting | 3 |
| MH 345 | Music Since 1900 | 3 |
| LL 141 or LL 151 |
French I or German I |
3 |
| VC 591 | Performing in Lyric Theater | 2 |
| Theory Level II elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| VC 301A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| MH 433 | Seminar in Music History | 3 |
| VC 408 | Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 119 or VC 120 |
French Diction or German Diction |
2 |
| TH 342 | Contemporary Trends | 3 |
| LL 142 or LL 152 |
French II or German II |
3 |
| Junior Recital | ||
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| VC 401A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| VC 433 | Song Literature I | 2 |
| VC 305 or VC 306 |
Singing in Italian and French or Singing in German and English |
2 |
| Social/Behavioral/Natural Science | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences elective | 3 | |
| Free electives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| VC 401A | Voice Primary | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| VC 434 | Song Literature II | 2 |
| History elective | 3 | |
| Senior Recital | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-2 | |
| Opera Workshop or Opera Theater (Ensemble) or Opera Theater (Role) or Opera Theater (Tech) |
||
| Semester Credit Hours | 9-10 | |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation | 124-125 | |
Courses and Descriptions
CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research 3 Credits
Introduces students to the process of library research and documented writing. Emphasis will be on the refinement of critical reading, thinking, and writing strategies applied to multiple sources and documented papers. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Essential Competencies element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
CR 109 Chapel Choir 1 Credits
Comprised of undergraduate students in their first year of study, Chapel Choir focuses on music for men’s, women’s, and mixed chorus. The ensemble provides the fundamentals of artistic choral ensemble singing and a foundation for all Westminster choral ensembles. Placement hearing required.
CR 209 Schola Cantorum 1 Credits
Comprised of undergraduate students in their second year of study, Schola Cantorum focuses on music for mixed chorus and continues to build and refine the skills developed in Chapel Choir. This ensemble presents campus, community, and regional performances. Placement hearing required.
CR 215 Fundamentals of Conducting 3 Credits
This course provides the foundation of conducting technique and philosophy as it relates to choral ensemble. Primarily, it deals with the development of basic pedagogical proficiencies, specifically alignment, Laban gestural vocabulary, breathing, beat patterns, consistent tempo, and the development of expressive gesture for relaying various styles of music, i.e., legato, staccato and marcato. Basic philosophical understandings concerning the human aspects of the music making process and the role the conductor plays in that process also are emphasized. Specific techniques for dealing with technical elements, e.g., fermata, dynamics, changes of tempo, contrasts in style, also are covered. The overall focus of the course is to establish the important relationship between ear, body, and the choral sound.
Prerequisite(s): TH 141.
CR 509 Symphonic Choir 1 Credits
A large mixed chorus comprised of students above the lower division, including graduate students from all disciplines. The ensemble regularly performs in the region and focuses on the major choral/orchestral repertoire along with a wide variety of repertoire for large mixed chorus. Placement hearing required.
LL 141 French I 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
LL 142 French II 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 141.
LL 145 Italian I 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
LL 146 Italian II 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 145.
LL 151 German I 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
LL 152 German II 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 151.
LL 243 French III 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in French with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 142.
LL 244 French IV 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in French with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 243.
LL 247 Italian III 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in Italian with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 146.
LL 248 Italian IV 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in Italian with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 247.
LL 253 German III 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in German with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 152.
LL 254 German IV 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in German with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 253.
MH 247 Music Historiography I 3 Credits
Historiography I begins by exploring similarities and differences between various music cultures around the world, and continues with an examination of selected genres of Western Art Music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Basic information literacy skills, such as searching library catalogs, databases and reading academic articles also will be covered.
Prerequisite(s): CMP 125.
MH 248 Music Historiography II 3 Credits
Examines Western Art Music since 1750 and includes a research assignment that builds upon the information literacy skills gained in MH 247.
Prerequisite(s): MH 247.
MH 345 Music Since 1900 3 Credits
Examines controversies and aesthetic movements in 20th and 21st century music. Emphasis is placed upon critical reading and writing skills.
Prerequisite(s): MH 248.
TH 141 Musicianship I 4 Credits
This course assists students in learning and integrating aural, performance, analytical and composition skills involving diatonic melody and harmony. Both the theoretical and the practical portion must be passed individually in order to receive a passing grade.
Prerequisite(s): TH 045 or passing a placement test.
TH 142 Musicianship II 4 Credits
A continuation of TH 141 involving chromatic melody and harmony with an introduction to binary and ternary form.
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C-" grade in TH 141.
TH 241 Musicianship III 4 Credits
A continuation of TH 142 with an introduction to larger musical forms and counterpoint.
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C-" grade in TH 142.
TH 342 Contemporary Trends 3 Credits
An analytical study of the compositional techniques of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Prerequisite(s): TH 241.
VC 101A Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 114 Introduction to Lyric Diction 2 Credits
Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and the sounds of all major sung languages through oral and written drill. Open to Voice Performance majors only.
VC 118 Italian Diction 2 Credits
Introduction to the rules for singing Italian through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with oral and written drill. Open to Voice Performance majors only.
Prerequisite(s): VC 114.
VC 119 French Diction 2 Credits
Introduction to the rules for singing French through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with oral and written drill. Open to Voice Performance majors only.
Prerequisite(s): VC 114.
VC 120 German Diction 2 Credits
Introduction to the rules for singing German through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with oral and written drill. Open to Voice Performance majors only.
Prerequisite(s): VC 114.
VC 191 Movement for the Performer 2 Credits
Movement exercises and etudes help students develop proper alignment, physical freedom, unification of voice, breath, and body, and help them explore the body as an expressive instrument.
VC 201A Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 291 The Singing Actor 2 Credits
The introduction to vocal performance 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.
Prerequisite(s): successful completion of Level I voice jury.
VC 301A Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 305 Singing in Italian and French 2 Credits
Master class and private coaching in vocal performance of Italian and French language song, recitative and opera arias. The class will focus on pronunciation, inflection and nuances of sung Italian and French.
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Level I jury; VC 118, VC 119.
VC 306 Singing in German and English 2 Credits
Master class and private coaching in vocal performance of German and English language song, recitative and opera arias. The class will focus on pronunciation, inflection and nuances of sung German and English.
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Level I Jury; VC 120.
VC 401A Voice Primary 2 Credits
VC 408 Voice Science 3 Credits
Study of the physics and physiology of voice production. Musical and vocal acoustics are explored using the facilities of the Westminster Voice Laboratory. Anatomic and physiologic underpinnings of respiration, phonation, articulation, registration and hearing are explored in depth.
VC 433 Song Literature I 2 Credits
A survey of solo literature for voice and accompanying instrument including solo vocal music of the Baroque period and German lieder.
Prerequisite(s): MH 248.
VC 434 Song Literature II 2 Credits
A survey of solo literature for voice and accompanying instrument including French mélodie, songs by nationalist composers, English and American song.
Prerequisite(s): MH 248.
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 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 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.