The Division of Vocal Studies includes Voice and Oberlin Opera Theater. Students in this division learn from faculty who have impressive performance and academic achievements. They develop students’ talents through courses in technique, performance readiness, linguistic style, staging, set design, and more.
Faculty
Our faculty is comprised of outstanding teacher-performers who are devoted primarily to undergraduate education. They maintain rigorous performance schedules yet provide individual instruction and spend generous amounts of time with their students via lessons, coaching, mentoring, and more.
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Every year, 20 to 30 gifted singers enter degree programs in the conservatory. These students receive weekly private instruction from faculty members with impressive performance and academic attainments, and take courses in pedagogy, performance readiness, musicianship, musical style, diction, and linguistic accuracy.
All students take weekly private lessons with a major teacher and participate in studio classes. Vocal studies students also have a wealth of opportunities to perform with the varied student-led and professional ensembles, choirs, a cappella groups, and other musical troupes that give recitals and concerts during the academic year.
We prepare voice students for exceptional careers in opera, oratorio, recital, early music, and the music of today. Qualified advanced students may earn the Artist Diploma in vocal studies.
Opera Theater is a vital program of the vocal studies division. Courses include character development, body technique, directing, stage management, and more. Students have opportunities to participate in twice-yearly main-stage operas from the core repertory and Opera Scenes presentations, winter-term productions that feature new works, student-directed productions, and a cappella groups, and the Oberlin in Italy summer program.
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Vocal Studies Facilities
Eric Baker Nord Performing Arts Annex
The Eric Baker Nord Performing Arts Annex brings together these three theaters to allow the Department of Theater to stage a range of productions—from experimental works to full-scale plays.
Hall Auditorium
This 501-seat theater is used for large-scale opera, drama, and dance productions.
Irene and Alan Wurtzel Theater
The Irene and Alan Wurtzel Theater is part of the Eric Baker Nord Performing Arts Annex. The accessible and highly adaptable theater can accommodate up to 300 seats.
Kulas Recital Hall
With seating for 148, intimate Kulas is ideal for chamber music performances and solo recitals.
Otto B. Schoepfle Vocal Arts Center
Students can record, play back, and analyze vocal performances using sophisticated audio and video equipment. The lab features high-tech tools for examination of both the function and the timbre of the artistic singing voice.