The Vocal Arts Institute is a comprehensive, pre-college program for outstanding high-school singers. Combining choral singing, voice lessons, and music classes, VAI offers energized and challenging experiences focused on both choral and solo vocal training. Individual voice lessons within small group settings allow participants to study with University of Michigan voice faculty members.
As members of the Vocal Arts Chorale, all students have an opportunity to rehearse and perform diverse and exciting SATB repertoire. The ensemble offers an ideal summer music experience for students contemplating music as a career, considering music study at the college level, and, most importantly, seeking a musical experience that will remain with them for life. The Vocal Arts Chorale will perform on the final Saturday of the session and student recitals allow participants to perform solo works throughout the two weeks.
Please review all of these requirements carefully. Your application will not be considered if it is incomplete at the time of the deadline.
Application Deadline
For priority consideration, all application materials, including the recorded audition, completed application form, and teacher recommendation (optional), must be received by February 15. However, applications may be accepted after the deadline for voice parts in which openings remain. Click here for current information regarding openings.
NEW FOR 2008
The audition will be WAIVED for Summer 2007 Vocal Arts institute students who wish to return in 2008 to the same session. The application and application fee are still required and should be submitted by February 15.
CD/Audio Cassette Tape Instructions
Clearly label your recording and its jacket/case with your name, voice part, title and composer of your selection(s), and the MPulse Ann Arbor session(s) to which you are applying.
Submit a CD (preferred) or audio cassette tape of one piece, preferably with accompaniment, that demonstrates your best level of singing. The selection should be three to five minutes in total length, chosen from the classical repertoire, and appropriate for your age and ability.
Recommendation (Optional)
You may have one of your current music teachers (school teacher or private teacher) assess your work in a letter of recommendation. In addition to your musical abilities, the letter may discuss your personal characteristics such as initiative, dependability, and your commitment to increasing your musical skills.The letter should be included with your application in a sealed envelope (with the teacher's signature across the back seal).
Acceptance Notification
Decision letters will be mailed by March 30. Sorry, no decisions will be given by phone or email.
The General Information link includes many important items. Please click here if you have not yet read this information.
Click here to go to the Application web page.
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"The two weeks I spent in Ann Arbor were a wonderful experiance and the highlight of my summer. This program I am quite sure cannot be matched by any other fine arts camp in the country. It was basically attending the university for 14 days. Learning from the actual voice faculty and singing with the head of the choral dept. are certainly not things that happen to an average highschooler such as myself. Coming in this summer as an MPulse veteran, I immediately noticed one major change: THE FOOD WAS EDIBLE! Not only edible, but quite good. I also enjoyed going to central campus more than once, brilliant idea. I plan on coming back next summer for more fantastic training......then applying to the music school! Thank you MPulse Ann Arbor!"
Haley ( Michigan, 2007)
"MPulse was an experience of a life time. I was worried that the professors would be mean and scary, but I never thought that working with so many different college professors would be so much fun. It truly was a great time of learning and a great experience!" Corrie (Michigan, 2007)
"My son told me he had just a fabulous time and a great learning experience at Michigan this summer. Thanks so much to you and all the staff for such a fabulous program." Parent (New Jersey, 2007)
"It was the most productive and successful two weeks of singing that I have ever experienced." KIm (New York, 2006)
“MPulse was incredibly enriching: my range grew tremendously and being able to practice the music by myself helped me grow as a self-confident musician. Dr. Blackstone is the core of MPulse Vocal Arts Institute; I feel incredibly privileged to work with him. Most importantly, MPulse helped me to discover where music fits in to my life. I’ve always been academically-focused, but this camp helped me to open up to a career in music, because it’s what I really love.” Rachel (Florida, 2006)
"MPulse is a rigorous and enjoyable experience that combines musicianship with student life." Jesse (Florida, 2006)
"MPulse Ann Arbor was amazing!!! To be able to work with some of the best conductors and teachers in America is really a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everyones love for music means that youll have friends from day one, and the staff's love for music really spreads to the students, looking around at choral rehearsal and seeing everyone working so hard made me want to be a better singer. Being surrounded by such talent and love for music really gets your creative juices flowing. It was truly an experience like none other, two- weeks of intense devotion to music, but its so fun at the same time. I know Ill take the friendships, knowledge, and passion for music with me for years to come." Mallory (Michigan, 2006)
"As cliché as this may sound, MPulse changed my life. I met so many amazing people, formed amazing friendships, and worked with amazing people. It has made me think seriously about pursuing music more seriously in the future." Sarah (Michigan, 2006)
"MPulse Ann Arbor is an extremely unique and enriching program that provides teens with a multitude of once in a lifetime opportunities. Not only do students learn about and improve their talents, but they also get to meet and form bonds with other teens from around the world." Jane (Michigan, 2006)
