Performance

Guitar : Percussion : Piano : Strings : Vocal : Woodwinds & Brass

Vocal

Voice studies at VCU Music focus on developing the highest possible level of performance while providing the essential context of a well-rounded music education. The success of the program is demonstrated by the consistently strong showing of our students and alumni in major regional, national and international competitions.

The number of VCU graduates singing professionally is another measure of success. Most recently, our graduates have performed at the New York City Opera, Paris Opera-Bastille, Vienna State Opera, Glyndebourne Opera in England, Houston Grand Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. The VCU voice performance degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate study " a viable option for students preparing for a career in higher education or as a professional singer.

In addition to the core curriculum of the Bachelor of Music degree, voice performance majors take additional courses in song literature, voice pedagogy, opera theatre, lyric diction and foreign language. Performance studies culminate in junior and senior recitals.

Voice performance majors at VCU learn by doing. Weekly master classes serve as informal performance laboratories, while convocations each week provide opportunities to perform in an actual concert setting. VCUÍs voice faculty and students maintain close ties with professional arts organizations in the greater Richmond community and beyond. The Virginia Opera regularly presents master classes for our voice students both in a master class setting and in the Opera Theatre program. Guest artists with the ChamberFest and Mary Anne Rennolds concert series also present master classes. Other opportunities for singers in Richmond are provided by area churches and synagogues where a number of VCU voice students hold positions as paid soloists.

Vocal Ensembles

Commonwealth Singers is a select choral ensemble performing a variety of musical styles. The ensemble performs on campus and throughout the region. Recent repertoire includes Samuel JonesÍ The Temptation of Jesus (world premiere with the Richmond Symphony); Bach's Cantata 150, Cantata No.4, and Motet No.6; Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms; Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor; Poulenc's Mass in G; BrucknerÍs Motets; Brahms' Zigeunerlieder, 0p.113; Haydn's Te Deum and Vaughan Williams' Hodie.

The Madrigalists at VCU was founded more than 50 years ago by L. Wayne Batty, director. The group is chosen by audition and, while the size of the group will vary depending on the suitable voices found in audition, there are never more than twelve members. Annual performances include two major concerts on campus and up to a dozen special appearances for regional and national events.

Choral Arts Society is open to all students and community members with choral experience. Students study and perform large choral works and present concerts each semester.

Opera Theatre VCU is a comprehensive program of lectures and studio work. Opera is explored through study, written research and fully staged, fully costumed public performances of operatic scenes and full-length operas performed with an orchestra. Studies include musical style, period movement, dramatic techniques, technical theatre and audition techniques.

Voice faculty

Ms. Cynthia Donnell, Associate Professor, Coordinator
Ms. Melanie Day,Opera Theatre, Vocal Coach, Assistant Professor
Mrs. Anne Guthmiller, voice
Ms. Michelle Harman-Gulick, voice
Mr. James Smith-Parham, Voice and Vocal Coach
Mr. James Taylor
Mr. Tracey Welborn
Mr. Thomas Williams, Opera Theatre