Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
VOICE PROGRAM
Diller-Quaile offers a program of voice study for the early beginner through the advanced high school student. Students generally interview for individual study at age ten or older. Boys may begin individual study as young as age eight and may participate in our Boys Vocal Class. Teaching informed by traditional vocal pedagogies that is tailored to the needs of the individual student, encourages the development of skilled vocal technique, confident solo performing, and fluent music reading. The study of folk and classical repertoire supports the development of healthy vocal production, with repertoire and study materials tailored to the individual student.
The typical program for a beginning student includes an individual lesson and a musicianship class. Older students take lessons of forty-five minutes to an hour in length and, as they advance, participate in repertoire class and chamber music. In addition to the many performing opportunities the School offers, the Voice Department gathers several times each year for Liederabends - informal gatherings where voice students of all levels of experience share repertoire.
Vocal Repertoire Class
| Tuesday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
Teenagers studying advanced repertoire participate in this weekly class, focusing on the interpretation and performance of compositions from the standard repertoire. In class, students are coached on solo works and learn from observing and participating in the work of their fellow students. The class also includes experience with Italian, French, and German diction, and translation of song texts. The use of IPA (International Phonetics Alphabet) is incorporated.
Vocal Chamber Ensemble
| Wednesday | 6:45 - 7:30 p.m. |
Students are admitted by audition to this small vocal ensemble. The ensemble studies a wide range of repertoire from various periods, including madrigals and motets, contemporary ensembles, and age-appropriate opera and music theatre excerpts. Preparation is on a highly polished level, with emphasis on developing sight reading skills and ensemble collaboration.
Class Instruction for Beginners
These small classes provide an introduction to study in an engaging and supportive group setting. Students learn the fundamentals of first-year study, including instrument technique and music reading. Classes explore a variety of music styles through group and solo playing or singing and participate in Diller-Quaile's First Year Concerts. Teachers facilitate the transition to individual study in the second year.
| Voice | Ages 10 - 12 | Tuesday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Voice | Ages 12 - 14 | Friday | 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. |
Boys Vocal Class
| Ages 8 - 11 | Thursday | 3:45-4:30 |
The Boys Vocal Class focuses on the study and performance of solo and ensemble repertoire written specifically for the unchanged boy's voice, as well as works traditionally performed by boy singers. Class members develop a foundation of vocal technique with an emphasis on posture, breath, tone production, and diction. An emphasis on sight reading and ensemble listening helps students build critical musicianship skills. Members of the class perform in Diller-Quaile concerts throughout the year.