Classical Voice at Arts Academy

Why Study Classical Voice at Interlochen

As a voice student at Interlochen Arts Academy, you'll explore the depths of your potential, cultivate your inherent talent, and experience the opportunity to share your unique gifts with the Interlochen community and beyond.

What You’ll Learn

Voice students will experience one-on-one private lessons, weekly studio classes, music theory classes, comprehensive choral experience, and two opera workshop productions each year. You will work closely with our experienced faculty, who will help you define and develop your future plans and goals.

Interlochen Arts Academy is the top-rated boarding school for voice. Sound vocal technique and appropriate literature that is voice appropriate to the individual singer is foundational to the program. We also teach voice specific elements, such as: mastery of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), a strong emphasis of text interpretation, and a thorough study of college audition skills.

How to Apply

Core curriculum

Audition Requirements

Jeffery Norris

Chair of Voice; Instructor of Voice

Laura Osgood Brown, D.M.A.

Instructor of Voice & Opera

Darrell Babidge, The Juilliard School
Lawrence Brownlee, professional tenor
Jane Bunnell, Michigan State University
Salvatore Champagne, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Barbara Clark, Rice University
Kathryn Cowdrick, University of Rochester
Ken Cox, University of Denver
Margaret Cusack, Rider University
Kristin Ditlow, University of New Mexico
Elem Eley, Rider University
Carleen Graham, Houston Grand Opera
Judith Haddon, Roosevelt Conservatory
Kathleen Kelly, Louisiana State University
Mark Padmore, professional tenor
Lorraine Sims, Louisiana State University
Louis Toppin, University of Michigan

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Voice students have multiple performance opportunities with our choral ensembles and opera workshop productions. See our Explore Ensembles section below. We also showcase solo engagements on Interlochen Public Radio.

Master Classes and Workshops

Experience world-class master classes and workshops with voice instructors from some of the nation's leading conservatories and institutions.

Distinguished College and Conservatory Preparation

Along with Interlochen's Academic and College Counselors, our voice and music faculty will provide guidance in your college, conservatory, or career path. Our faculty have extensive experience as performers and educators who've been in your shoes when deciding the next step.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios—which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus—multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Opera Workshop

The Opera Workshop offers singing actors opportunities to study, rehearse, and perform selections from classical and contemporary operas. The company performs at least one showcase each semester with support from the Arts Academy's resident costume, lighting, and scenic designers.

LEARN MORE

Choir

The Choir welcomes students of all majors who are passionate about singing—presenting works from a variety of genres, musical eras, and geographic origins and performs regularly at events both on and off campus.

LEARN MORE

Chamber Singers

Composed of Interlochen Arts Academy's most advanced vocal artists, the Chamber Singers are an intimate ensemble that performs a diverse and challenging repertoire.

Learn More

Watch Now

I decided to come to Interlochen as a freshman because it would offer me more artistic opportunities than my school back home.

Jessica, Voice

In Studio A with soprano Addy Sterrett

Voice student Addy Sterrett visited Interlochen Public Radio's Studio A to perform "Rosenblumen" by Richard Strauss with pianist Steve Larson. Addy talked about her eclectic interests in early and new music.

Learn more about Addy