Graduate Vocal Arts Program

Dawn Upshaw, Artistic Director
Kayo Iwama, Associate Director

The Graduate Vocal Arts Program is a unique master of music program in vocal arts. 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 life 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. Students work on art song, chamber music, new music and operatic repertoire throughout the coursework of the program. Operatic repertoire is studied and performed throughout the curriculum and, in alternate years, in a fully staged production at the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The program 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.

Download the Conservatory Viewbook (PDF)
Download the Vocal Arts Program Brochure (2017)

Dawn Upshaw, Artistic Director

Dawn Upshaw teaches in the Core Seminars, leads Singer's Forum, and also works with the students in weekly individual coaching sessions. 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.

Program Size

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

Guest Artists

The Vocal Arts Program has an exceptional group of master voice teachers, coaches, and instructors. In addition to the impressive resident faculty, a myriad of guest artists drawn from the professional music world supplement the curriculum.

Claire Chase, founder, former artistic director of International Contemporary Ensemble and MacArthur Fellow (’12)
Lucy Dhegrae '12, mezzo-soprano, Director of Resonant Bodies Festival
Beth Morrison, creative producer of Beth Morrison Projects and the Prototype Festival
Kelli O’Hara, soprano (Broadway, Metropolitan Opera)
Pierre Vallet, conductor, pianist, vocal coach at the Metropolitan Opera
Peter Sellars, stage director
Lucy Shelton, soprano
Howard Watkins, assistant conductor at The Metropolitan Opera
Melissa Wegner '08, associate director of the National Council Auditions at the Metropolitan Opera
Zachary Woolfe, music editor and critic at the New York Times

Graduate Vocal Arts Program