The Voice Program Application Process
Applicants to the Voice Program must submit a completed application form and participate in a live audition. Every applicant is granted an audition.
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 is $75. A discounted application fee of $50 is available to those who apply early. Application fees are non-refundable. See below for details regarding the 2011 program auditions.
The Application
Online applications are preferred. Applicants also have the option of downloading and printing a written application in pdf format. An application fee is required when submitting either application. Please see the application form for fees and payment methods. Written applications must be submitted to:
Admissions
Music Academy of the West
1070 Fairway Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
After you complete the written or online application form, make a copy. Include the ORIGINAL in your application packet if you filled out the written application; bring the copy to your live audition.
The Live Audition
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. Applicants may bring their own pianist to the audition, although a pianist can be provided by the Academy upon request. Requests for a pianist must be included in the application.
Preliminary rounds take place in the morning and afternoon. Invitations to the callback round will be announced after each half hour of preliminaries. Callbacks take place in the evening. Be prepared to remain through the evening of your selected audition date in the event you advance to callbacks.
2011 voice program audition repertoire
Singers must be prepared to sing five selections: three opera arias and two songs. 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.
During the preliminaries, each applicant will be asked to sing just one selection of their choice from his/her repertoire list - this aria or song must be listed first on the application's audition list. If the applicant is requested to remain for callbacks later that evening, the audition panel will request additional selections from the applicant's repertoire list during the callbacks.
Singers must demonstrate in their audition a thorough understanding of the character, dramatic situation, and meaning of each aria or song text.
Repertoire changes will not be accepted after 31 October if you have requested an Academy pianist. Repertoire changes may be made up until the auditions if you are bringing your own accompanist.
Audition repertoire (including keys), as well as choice of audition city and date, must be indicated on the application. Upon receipt of complete applications, the Music Academy will contact applicants to schedule auditions.
All applicants must bring the following to the live audition:
- A COPY of your application
- Current resume
- Separate page outlining your audition repertoire list
- 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 a completed application form and participate in a live audition. The application fee is $75. A discounted application fee of $50 is available to applicants who apply early. Application fees are non-refundable.
The Application
Online applications are preferred. Applicants also have the option of downloading and printing a written application in pdf format. An application fee is required when submitting either application. Please see the application form for fees and payment methods. Written applications must be submitted to:
Admissions
Music Academy of the West
1070 Fairway Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
After you complete the written or online application form, make a copy. Include the ORIGINAL in your application packet if you filled out the written application; bring the copy to your live audition.
The Live Audition
All applicants to the Vocal Piano Program must audition in person. Auditions are held in New York City, Chicago, and at the Music Academy campus in Santa Barbara, California. All applicants audition with a vocalist provided by the Music Academy.
Live auditions consist of five selections, including the simultaneous playing and singing of one song, and sight-reading. Please see the repertoire requirements as listed below. Applicants must bring a photocopy of their application and a comprehensive list of vocal repertoire they have studied and performed.
2011 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"
Sight-reading will also be required of all applicants.
Audition repertoire (including keys), as well as choice of audition city and date, must be indicated on the application. Upon receipt of complete applications, the Music Academy will contact applicants to schedule auditions.
2011 Application Deadlines and Audition Dates
Singers, Vocal Pianists, and Collaborative Pianists
$50 application fee deadline: Monday, 20 September 2010
$75 application fee deadline: Monday, 4 October 2010
*Application fees are non-refundable
Audition Locations and Schedules
Vocal Piano & Collaborative Piano Auditions
New York City: Monday, 22 November 2010
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
(Audition Venue: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center)
Santa Barbara, CA: Friday, 3 Decemer 2010
(Audition Venue: Music Academy of the West)
Chicago: Wednesday, 1 December 2010
(Audition Venue: Chicago College of Performing Arts)
Voice Auditions
New York City: Friday, 19 November 2010
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Sunday, 21 November 2010
(Audition Venue: Hunter College)
Santa Barbara, CA: Saturday, 4 December 2010
Sunday, 5 December 2010
(Audition Venue: Music Academy of the West)
