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Singing Lessons and Vocal Studies

category: Music Department, 

 



At Western Oregon University, the vocal studies program is one of the largest music specialties. Dr. Solveig Holmquist leads a traditional choral music with the concert choirs and chamber singers, while Dr. Kevin Helppie leads private vocal instruction and pop vocal groups, such as Soulstice (a jazz vocal ensemble). For either direction, WOU offers one of the best Oregon college singing environments.

One of the keys to teaching successful singing lessons is connecting with the student and encouraging them to be at ease with themselves and their voice. Dr. Helppie is notorious for cracking jokes, though while not always funny, they lighten the atmosphere and lend to productive voice lessons. Dr. Helppie completed his graduate work at the University of Indiana and the University of Washington and has a long list of performance credentials in opera and pop genres.


Amy Beth Chisholm joined the WOU faculty in 2006 and provides additional support for the growing number of voice majors.


One of the most unique aspects of being a voice major at Western, is the camaraderie and supportive spirit of classmates. For example, students taking private voice lessons are required to attend a bi-weekly seminar where students gain experience and polish their performance. Students are encouraged to give feedback, yet the feedback is unusually complimentary and encouraging, offering constructive instruction only after praise for the positive aspects of the performance. This is especially interesting, because students were not instructed in this manner of feedback, yet seemed to develop the technique naturally. Compared to cut-throat competition and sabotage rampant at other music schools, WOU is an oasis for singing lessons and vocal performance.


The typical path for a voice major is four years of private lessons. The first year, students work at the 100 level and pass a jury to proceed to the 200 level and, so on. However, the 300 level jury is the most challenging as all faculty are present and must agree that the student meets requirements to proceed. Upon completion of the 300 level jury, typically in the junior year, the student works at a 400 level in the senior year to present a senior recital. Many students perform an optional junior recital.


In addition to private vocal study, voice majors typically participate in at least one vocal related ensemble, such as Concert Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Soulstice (vocal jazz), or the Singer Songwriter ensemble. With ample performance opportunities, which may be scarce at larger schools, Western provides a well rounded Oregon music school education to ensure a successful transition to becoming a professional vocalist. And, if you don't want to be a profesional vocalist, you'll still find this to be one of the finest settings for Oregon college singing.


 



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