Award Date

5-1-2025

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Music

First Committee Member

Monica Williams-McCullough

Second Committee Member

Alfonse Anderson

Third Committee Member

Linda Lister

Fourth Committee Member

Stephanie Council

Fifth Committee Member

Stefano Boselli

Number of Pages

132

Abstract

While operatic apprentice programs seek singers with strong vocal potential, they rarely define the specific technical skills necessary for success. This study bridges the gap between vocal performance degrees and the opera industry by identifying the vocal techniques that may improve a singer’s likelihood of acceptance into an apprentice program. To achieve this, the research draws from two primary sources: pedagogical texts and interviews with industry experts who actively teach, coach, or perform alongside apprentice artists at elite opera houses. These experts include voice teachers Darrell Babidge and Jack LiVigni, vocal coaches Beatrice Benzi and John Parr, and internationally acclaimed singers Angela Meade and Dolora Zajick. The findings provide practical guidance for singers and educators, clarifying the technical skills most valued in apprentice program auditions and offering training approaches that align with industry demands.

Keywords

Audition Skills; Classical Voice Training; Opera Apprentice Programs; Opera Voice Training; Vocal Pedagogy; Vocal Technique

Disciplines

Education | Music | Performance Studies | Theatre and Performance Studies

File Format

pdf

File Size

959 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Download


Share

COinS