Remote Contemporary Vocal Workshop

Exclusive this year, and due to the recent health crisis faced globally, the NYU Steinhardt Vocal Performance Program will be offering a virtual two-week intensive contemporary voice workshop. During these two weeks, you will receive one-on-one virtual training with renowned instructors and have the chance to explore performance techniques from the convenience of your homes. You will learn about vocal technique, vocal function, and basics of vocal anatomy and physiology, while employing the tools learned in group virtual classes and masterclasses. Various guests currently working in the field will join in providing you with both theoretical and practical content about the music industry, equipping you to succeed as a performer.

You will have the opportunity to share the work done throughout the two weeks with your instructors by recording videos (using your smartphone or computer) of the various performance tasks related to each course and workshop and receive feedback from the instructors. The workshop will culminate with a final virtual showcase where you will perform the material you have been working on during your voice lessons and classes.

The workshop will be conducted Monday through Friday from 10-6pm, with a lunch break from 1:10-2:20pm. Voice lessons will take place in the morning and you will alternate between a morning time when you will be in lesson or taking songwriting classes, and other days when you will have an hour-and-a-half-long block of time to work on the projects for the workshop.

Audition Requirements

Please prepare two contrasting songs of your choice from the contemporary repertoire. Selections can include any genres you'd like: pop, rock, country, classical, jazz, musical theatre, R&B, etc. Please upload the two selections as two separate videos. You may choose to showcase the contrast in your selections by: 

• Choosing songs in different styles that will allow you to demonstrate contrasting vocalisms
• Choosing songs in similar styles that explore different aspects of your voice
• Choosing a ballad versus an uptempo, where you can demonstrate the ability to sing sustained/legato lines versus singing a patter song or a song with a moderate to fast tempo.

Your video should count with the collaboration of a live musician (pianist, guitarist, etc.) However, due to the current circumstances, applicants who do not have a video submission of their song selections pre-recorded with a live pianist may submit recordings using tracks for summer 2020 submissions.