The Voice Program Application Process
Applicants to the Voice Program must submit an online application and participate in a live audition.
*The 2012 application & audition season is now closed*
AGE REQUIREMENTS
The minimum age for enrolled singers is 18 by the start of the program (special consideration is given to exceptional applicants ages 16 and 17, see "The School" page for details). The maximum age for enrolled singers is 34 through the conclusin of the program; proof of age in the form of a drivers license or passport must be presented at the auditions.
The Application & fee
Online applications are required. The non-refundable Application Fee is $75.
The Live Audition PROCESS
All applicants for the Voice Program must audition in person. Auditions are held in New York City and at the Music Academy campus in Santa Barbara, California. Adjudicators include the Academy's Voice Program faculty. Applicants may bring their own pianist to the preliminary audition, although a pianist can be provided by the Academy upon request. Requests for a pianist must be included in the application. Academy pianist must be used for all callbacks.
Preliminaries:
Each applicant is granted a preliminary audition, during which the applicant sings one song or aria of his/her choice, not to exceed five minutes. Invitations to the callback round will be announced after each half hour of preliminaries.
Callbacks:
Callback auditions occur the following day. Be prepared to return the day following your preliminary audition in the event you advance to callbacks. *During the Santa Barbara Voice Auditions, every effort will be made for all callbacks to occur during the evening of the auditions (December 10, 2011), but please be prepared to return the following day (Sunday, December 11) for callbacks, if necessary.
2012 voice program audition repertoire
Singers must be prepared to sing FIVE SELECTIONS: three opera arias and two songs
Repertoire Language Requirements:
*One of the arias must be in English, and originally written in the English language (not an English translation from a foreign language).
*The remaining four selections (two arias and two songs) must include at least two additional languages, one of which must be Italian.
Preliminaries Repertoire: Each applicant will be asked to sing just one selection of his/her choice from his/her repertoire list - this aria or song must be listed first on the application's repertoire list.
Callbacks Repertoire: If the applicant is requested to return for callbacks, the audition panel will request additional selections from the applicant's repertoire list during the callbacks.
Additional Requirements:
*Singers must demonstrate in their audition a thorough understanding of the character, dramatic situation, and meaning of each aria or song text.
*Audition Repertoire (including keys) must be indicated on the application.
Repertoire Changes: Repertoire changes will not be accepted after October 31 if you have requested an Academy pianist. Repertoire changes may be made up until the auditions if you are bringing your own accompanist. Academy pianist must be used during the callbacks.
Upon receipt of complete applications, the Music Academy will notify applicants through email with their audition appointment details.
All Voice Program applicants must bring the following to the live auditions:
- Current resume
- Separate page outlining your 5 audition repertoire selections, with preliminary round selection listed first
- Copies of your music for the pianist
- Proof of age (driver's license or passport)
The Vocal Piano Program Application Process
Applicants to the Vocal Piano Program must submit an online application and participate in a live audition.
The Application & fee
Online applications are required. The non-refundable Application Fee is $75.
The Live Audition PROCESS
All applicants to the Vocal Piano Program must audition in person. Auditions are held in New York City, Houston, and at the Music Academy campus in Santa Barbara, California. All applicants audition with a singer provided by the Music Academy. Auditions are 15-20 minutes each and are adjudicated by the Academy's Vocal Piano Program faculty.
Live auditions consist of five selections, including the simultaneous playing and singing of one song, and sight-reading. See repertoire requirements outlined below.
2012 vocal piano program audition repertoire
FIVE prepared selections are required of all applicants:
Applicants must prepare the following four required selections in the specified keys:1. Richard Strauss "Caecilie" in C major
2. Gabriel Faure "En sourdine" in Eb major
3. Franz Schubert "Die Taubenpost" in Eb major
4. Ruggiero Leoncavallo "Prologue" (complete) from Pagliacci
Applicants must be prepared to simultaneously play and sing one of the following songs.
*Please remember that this is a display of the applicant's diction, coordination, and sense of style, and that vocal quality and/or training are not being considered.
1. Lori Laitman "Will there really be a Morning?"
2. Lori Laitman "If I..."
3. Charles Griffes "Pierrot"
4. Ned Rorem "O you whom I often and silently come"
Additional Requirements:
*Sight-reading will also be required of all applicants.
*Audition repertoire (including keys) must be indicated on the application.
Upon receipt of complete applications, the Music Academy will contact applicants to schedule auditions.
Vocal Piano Program Applicants must bring the following to the live auditions:
1. Current Resume
2. Comprehensive list of vocal repertoire you have studied and performed
2012 Application Deadline and Audition Dates
Singers, Vocal Pianists, and Collaborative Pianists
Application Fee: $75
Application Deadline: Friday, October 14, 2011
*Application fees are non-refundable
Audition Locations and Schedules
VOCAL PIANO & COLLABORATIVE PIANO Auditions
New York City: Wednesday, November 16. 2011
Thursday, November 17. 2011
Audition Venue: The DiMenna Center - Benzaquen Hall
Houston, TX: Wednesday, Decemer 7, 2011
Audition Venue: The Shepherd School of Music - Rice University
Santa Barbara, CA: Friday, December 9, 2011
Audition Venue: Music Academy of the West
VOICE Auditions
New York City: Friday, November 18, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
(Saturday callbacks for those who auditioned on Friday)
(Sunday callbacks for those who auditioned on Friday or Saturday)
Audition Venue: Hunter College
Santa Barbara, CA: Saturday, December 10, 2011
(Saturday or Sunday callbacks)
Audition Venue: Music Academy of the West
