Registration Info
June 23 - July 6, 2024
Akiko Hosaki, Program Director
An excellent summer opportunity for dedicated young classical singers to explore the many facets of developing their art. The program provides personalized hands-on instruction for each student. Working daily with the distinguished voice faculty of Westminster Choir College, you will experience life at a music college.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, we are delighted to expand the SVA as a "hybrid" program! During the pandemic, we had a successful fully virtual program in 2020 and 2021. This year the first week will be fully virtual, and the second week will be in person on Rider University's campus. A few students who could only attend virtually in the second week may be accepted as well.
Program Highlights
- Daily voice lessons and private/ensemble coaching with Westminster's artist faculty
- Learn effective musical skills to become and independent learner
- Daily sessions in body awareness, opera and art song history, and voice science
- Working on acting and interpretation through solo and ensemble repertoire
- Master classes on college auditions, performance technique, and more
- Final concert on July 6
Requirements for Admission
First-time applicants need to submit a letter of recommendation, a personal statement (regarding their interest in this program and/or their passion for singing), a repertoire list, and video recording (preferably via YouTube or Vimeo link or shareable link in Google Drive) of two (2) contrasting classical songs.
Returning students must submit only the personal statement and a current repertoire list with the application.
*If you wish to commute to campus or attend virtually in the second week, you must clearly explain your reasons in your personal statement. You may be contacted for an interview with the program director.
Please email all application materials to [email protected].
Registration Deadline: May 31, 2024
Enrollment
Enrollment is open to students entering 10th grade through those having just completed their senior year.
Our Mission
This camp is designed for high school students to experience life as young professional musicians. Our goal is that each of you grow from "where you are" to "wherever you can reach!" During the two-week program, you will be working with members of the faculty of Westminster Choir College. These faculty members, all of whom have had careers in the world of classical singing, both nationally and internationally, will be teaching, guiding, and challenging you. We will help you broaden your knowledge and understanding of the rich literature of the classical singing world and tradition. You will learn about singer's health, solid vocal technique and acting expectations, necessary information to enable you to begin your journey to becoming a Singing Artist.
Expectations for Students
Daily attendance, Monday to Friday, for two weeks. Students must participate in both weeks. There will be a virtual introductory meeting in the evening on Sunday, June 23, an orientation in the evening of Sunday, June 30 after check-in, and a final concert in the afternoon on Saturday, July 6.
Tuition
$1,900 (includes room and board for the second week)
$1,500 (for those commuting or attending the second week virtually)
Scholarship Opportunity
High school students who complete any Rider University Pre-College Summer Program prior to applying for first-year admission to Rider University can qualify for an annually renewable $2,000 Pre-College Completion Award. Some restrictions may apply.
Typical Daily Schedule
(Both virtual and in-person)
- 8:45 a.m.: Alexander Technique
- 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1-2 p.m.: Rotating Performance Technique Class, Voice/Body Class, and Scene Program Staging
- Private voice lessons are scheduled in the morning, coordinated with other classes
- 2 p.m.: Rotating Voice Scene and Opera/Art Song Literature classes
- 3 p.m.: Rotating Diction and Musicianship classes
- Afternoon private/ensemble coaching or practice time
- Evening master classes
2024 Faculty
Voice Lessons: Margaret Cusack, Kathy Price
Private Ensemble Coaching: Akiko Hosaki
Alexander Technique/Body and Voice Connection: Diane Gaary
Intro to Opera: Nancy Froysland Hoerl
Voice Science: Kathy Price
Intro to Art Song Literature: Akiko Hosaki
Scene Program: Diane Gaary, Robin Massie
Musicianship: Akiko Hosaki
Singing Diction: Akiko Hosaki