Classical Voice Core Curriculum

Voice is one of the most flexible and expressive instruments, no matter the musical style. Interlochen's nurturing community of teachers and peers, and forward-thinking curriculum that is continually evolving, offers a voice program that helps you grow as a singer and an artist. Voice students experience one-on-one private lessons, weekly studio classes, music theory classes, comprehensive choral experience, and opera workshop productions each year. You work closely with our experienced faculty, who will help you define and develop your future plans and goals.

For information on graduation requirements and academic curriculum, please visit Academy Academics.

Required Courses: Classical Voice Majors

Academy Choir is a requirement for all Voice majors and is open to all students. The choir participates in numerous concerts during the year, performing works from a diverse range of styles, time periods and composers.

This is a performance ensemble of singing actors specializing in classical vocal repertoire. The Opera Workshop program, in conjunction with the other coursework offered in the voice major, provides students with the training and experiences that will guide them to be successful singers in the college music program and beyond. Students participate in a variety of performances throughout the year, including both in-class and public performances, and masterclasses with guest artists and teachers.

The Private Lesson is individualized and tailored to the level, background, and needs of each student. It stresses a solid foundation in technical skills and covers a wide range of literature. Private study includes studio classes which provide students an opportunity to perform for their peers in an informal setting.

Sample Classical Voice Curriculum for a 4-Year Student

Semesters I and II

Required Courses
Private Lesson: Voice / MUS035-036
Studio / MUS099
Choir / MUS055
Opera Workshop / MUS411-412

Available Elective Courses
Piano Lesson (30-minute) / MUS074
Composition Class / MUS213

Sample Academic Courses
Algebra I; Biology; English I; French I


Semesters III and IV

Required Courses
Private Lesson / MUS035-036
Studio / MUS099
Music Theory / Musicianship / MUS101
Choir / MUS055
Opera Workshop / MUS411

Available Elective Courses
Piano Lesson (30-minute) / MUS074
Intro to Music Production & Technology / MUS090
Class Piano / MUS203
Beginning Organ / MUS205
Composition Class / MUS213
Performance Lab / MUS227

Sample Academic Courses
Geometry; World History; English II; French II


Semesters V and VI

Required Courses
Private Lesson / MUS035-036
Studio / MUS099
Choir / MUS055
Music Theory / Musicianship / MUS215
Musicianship Skills / MUS511
Opera Workshop / MUS411

Available Elective Courses
Piano Lesson (30-minute) / MUS074
Intro to Music Production & Technology / MUS090
Music Business / MUS109
Piano Technology / MUS131
Class Piano / MUS203
Beginning Organ / MUS205
Jazz History / MUS209
Composition Class / MUS213
Performance Lab / MUS227
Jazz Improvisation I / MUS307

Sample Academic Courses
Algebra II; U.S. History; English III; Chemistry


Semesters VII and VIII

Required Courses
Private Lesson / MUS035-036
Studio / MUS099
Choir / MUS055
Opera Workshop / MUS411

Available Elective Courses
Piano Lesson (30-minute) / MUS074
Intro to Music Production & Technology / MUS090
Music Business / MUS109
Piano Technology / MUS131
Class Piano / MUS203
Beginning Organ / MUS205
Jazz History / MUS209
Composition Class / MUS213
Performance Lab / MUS227
Jazz Improvisation I or II / MUS305-308
Conducting / MUS407
Advanced Theory / MUS413
Super Theory / MUS502

Sample Academic Courses
Precalculus; Ecology; English IV