• overview
• degree programs
• auditions & interviews
• opera productions
• youth programs

The Voice Department is dedicated to the thorough training and preparation of highly talented singers for professional careers. Students receive

outstanding vocal training and coaching by a distinguished voice faculty and are encouraged and mentored to develop their highest levels of artistry,

creativity, and musicianship, while benefitting from a wide array of performance opportunities and academic programs in theory, history, languages,

acting, dance, and pedagogy.

All roles in regularly scheduled opera, choral, chamber music, and musical theatre performances are performed by students. The Department's

Jessye Norman Master Class Series sponsors master classes and visits by distinguished artists, which further enrich the curriculum.

Faculty

Freda Herseth (Chair; Arthur F. Thurnau Professor)) Timothy Cheek (diction) Caroline Helton Martin E. Katz (Artur Schnabel Collegiate Professor of Music, collaborative piano, voice literature) Stephen Lusmann Joshua Major (opera) Carmen Pelton John Pierce

Melody Lynn Racine Rico Serbo Martha Sheil George I. Shirley (Professor Emeritus) Shirley Verrett (James Earl Jones Distinguished University Professor of Music) Daniel Washington (Associate Dean for Faculy Affairs & Director of Minority Services) Stephen West