At the Colburn School, we teach young vocalists to master their instrument through private voice lessons, vocal classes, and choirs. Our experienced faculty helps students realize physical awareness, performance, and audition etiquette while advancing and improving vocal techniques.
Voice students age 13 and older can enroll in singing lessons from our renowned faculty. Interested individuals are required to submit an inquiry form. Before enrollment, the department chair may request an interview and/or audition to determine placement with a proper faculty member.
For children under age 13, a vocal assessment will help determine next steps for your child’s continued vocal development. Consultation includes conversation with vocal department chair Michael Stevens, followed by two 45-minute private lessons with a voice faculty member. Following the consultation, a recommendation will be made to determine if the student should proceed with private vocal study or if group classes may be more beneficial.
Voice students are encouraged to enroll in music theory classes. Theory study enhances vocal training and builds a strong foundation for future musical progress.
If you or your child loves to sing, but are unsure about private instruction, this assessment will help determine next steps for you or your child’s continued vocal development. The class consists of four meetings: an introductory meeting with Mike Stevens, chair of the vocal department, two 45 minute private lessons, and a wrap-up lesson/performance followed by recommendations. If appropriate, a recommendation for further vocal study, private lessons, choir, or other group class will be made. This is a simple way to learn more about you or your child’s vocal development from Colburn’s highly professional voice faculty.
This summer the class will be taught by Mike Stevens. For questions, please contact the instructor at mstevens@colburnschool.edu
For singers ages 14 and up. Students must be at least intermediate level singers with some significant performance experience. The class is NOT designed for beginning level singers. This class is a year–long commitment and is performance/demonstration-based. We will primarily use songs from the American Musical Theater repertoire and will explore the similarities and differences between Acting Technique and Singing Technique in regard to song preparation and performance. Where do you start your prep, what else besides the notes and rhythms should you know? How do you know if a song is right for you? What does it mean to be “in the moment”? Enroll and find out. There will be frequent in-class performances, and a final public performance with the advanced musical theater class at a date to be determined. Be prepared to take risks and experiment with new ideas.
Students ages 6–20 can develop their musicianship, vocal technique, and ensemble skills in one of our three choirs led by our Director of Choral Programs, Adrian Dunn.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2023–24 academic year.
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Basic introduction to choral singing. The group focuses on fundamentals of singing, solfeggio, listening and basic music theory concepts. The ensemble will meet weekly & prepare to participate in one major concert per semester.
The Colburn Concert Choir develops members’ use of voice, stylistic nuances, blend, and performance decorum. The ensemble commits to several performances, including regularly scheduled concerts in Colburn’s Zipper Hall as well as other local venues. Past groups have traveled to China, South America, and Europe. Members should expect to commit to meetings lasting one to three hours each week along with pre-concert rehearsals on Fridays during select weeks throughout the year. Participation in this ensemble requires a year-long commitment in the fall and spring semester.