Fisher Center

Graduate Vocal Arts Program

Graduate Vocal Arts Program Dawn Upshaw, Artistic Director
Kayo Iwama, Head of Program
The Graduate Vocal Arts Program is a unique master of music program in vocal performance. Conceived, designed and led by renowned American soprano Dawn Upshaw, the program was created to prepare the young singer to meet the special challenges of pursuing a professional career in music in the 21st century. This two-year master of music degree balances a respect for established repertory and expressive techniques with the flexibility and curiosity needed to keep abreast of evolving musical ideas. It also includes a strong practical component with seminars and classes on career skills led by some of the leading figures in arts management and administration.

To receive invitations, updates, and information for prospective students of the Graduate Vocal Arts Program please fill out an inquiry form.

DownloadDownload the Vocal Arts Program Brochure PDF
Photo Caption: Vocal Arts Program students in performance at Carnegie Hall

Program Size

Each class consists of a select group of up to nine singers, chosen through an audition process that includes a CD screening and live audition. The small number of students in each class ensures that each singer receives the individual attention that can uncover and nurture his or her unique qualities to create the complete singing artist.

Guest Artists

A group of master voice teachers, coaches, instructors in Alexander Technique, and experts in acting, movement and diction is supplemented by guest artists drawn from the professional music world. Previous guest artists have included the conductor James Conlon; Metropolitan Opera coaches Robert Cowart, Ken Noda and Pierre Vallet; stage director Peter Sellars; dramaturge Cori Ellison; music criitic Richard Dyer;  and singers Dwayne Croft, Phyllis Curtin and Lucy Shelton.

Artistic Director

Upshaw teaches the Core Seminar course and also works with the students in individual coaching sessions and master classes. She takes a personal interest in the growth of each student, developing a relationship with them in order to help them realize their full potential. Her inspirational presence sets the tone for the exploration and discovery of a wide range of musical styles.

Distinctions earned by graduates of the program include:

  • Winner, Young Concert Artists International Competition
  • Winner, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions
  • Winner, Astral Artists National Auditions
  • Prize winners at the Palm Beach Opera Vocal Competition
  • Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program for Singers
  • Los Angeles Opera Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program
  • Lyric Opera of Chicago-Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
  • Merola Opera Program at the San Francisco Opera
  • Utah Opera Apprentice Artists Program
  • Joy of Singing, Debut Artist Award Winner
  • Appearances with the Phoenix Symphony, American Symphony Orchestra, and Portland Baroque Orchestra,
    • and in the Cincinnati May Festival and Bard SummerScape
  • Acceptances to graduate programs at Curtis Institute of Music, The Juilliard School, and New England Conservatory, among others
  • Summer festival attendance at the Aspen Music Festival and School, Chautauqua Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, SongFest, and Tanglewood Music Center, among others
Share |