Special Requirements by Instrument
Piano
Participation in the following as scheduled and assigned by the Keyboard Department:
- Piano workshops
- Master classes
- Scale and arpeggio exams
- Etude concerts
- Department recitals
Violin
Participation in appropriate activities and events as scheduled and assigned by the Strings Department
Voice/Opera Studies
Length of Program
The standard length of the program is two years. If a student is accepted into a young artist program or is offered other opera employment in the State of California, such as participation in a professional opera chorus, this can be considered as preprofessional training.
Private Instruction
One-and-a-half hours of private voice instruction, participation in opera workshop class instruction and coaching. This is usually about six hours per week. If a singer is preparing for major competitions, the APU Opera component could be waived under some circumstances. Also, solo performance opportunities with the APU Oratorio Choir are included when available and appropriate.
Practice
A minimum of eighteen hours per week. Research and translation time is included in this practice time.
APU Opera Productions and/or Chamber Music
Participation is required in at least one of these each year.
“Preparing the Total Performer” Class
This course is offered in the fall and is required each year.
External Performances
Active participation in voice competitions, preprofessional or professional auditions, or other outside performances is required each semester.
Solo Performance
One major opera role each year is required or a solo recital of 45–60 minutes of music. This recital could be either the traditional song recital or a program of the singer’s audition arias, opera scenes, or other audition-appropriate vocal literature.
English Competence
Competence in English conversation; no minimum TOEFL score
Juries
Voice students are required to sing a jury at the end of each semester consisting of a minimum of six new arias and/or art songs memorized. These juries will be scheduled at the same time as the graduate vocal studies juries.
End-of-Year Progress Report
At the end of the academic year (early May), the singer will submit a report of the opera roles sung, competitions and auditions sung, and recital performances or guest solo performances in oratorios to the Artist Certificate Program Director Faith Kenton, the Director of Vocal Studies Patricia Edwards, and the Director of Opera Studies Melanie Galloway. Please include the programs of these events when available. This should be presented at the jury time.
