Vocal Studies
The Vocal Studies program is an essential part of the SPU curriculum, involving both Music majors and students from many disciplines across campus. Music majors, Music minors, Theatre majors, and other majors who are involved in the SPU choral ensembles have the opportunity to receive individual instruction from an outstanding faculty of artist-teachers with specializations in opera, oratorio, musical theatre, vocal chamber music, and choral singing. Opportunities for solo vocal performance while at SPU include Junior and Senior Recitals, weekly music practicum and studio encounters, Opera Workshop, and participation in the SPU choral ensembles.
The Vocal Performance emphasis helps students develop the skills necessary for a career as a solo singer, for graduate studies in voice, and for a career as a private studio instructor. Students will receive individual instruction with a faculty of artist-teachers who are active throughout the greater Seattle area and beyond. Our goal is to help students explore their vocal gifts while building a solid, healthy, technical foundation. In addition, students will develop a core understanding of vocal repertoire; vocal pedagogy; and the basics of English, Italian, German, and French diction — as well as perform a public Junior and Senior Solo Recital.
More information on the Music Performance Emphasis.
Our beginning voice class is an excellent opportunity for nonmajors to improve their vocal skills and develop the fundamentals of a healthy vocal technique. These classes also assist Music majors studying instrumental, keyboard, music technology, and music composition develop a basic understanding of the voice and vocal technique.
Voice Faculty
Chérie L. Hughes
German and French diction, Vocal Pedagogy, Opera Workshop, Vocal Instruction; Head of Vocal Studies.
Beth Ann Bonnecroy
Vocal and Voice Class Instruction
Catherine Haight
Vocal Instruction
Bernard Kwiram
Vocal Instruction
Julie Kae Sigars
Song of the Church, Italian and English diction, Voice Class and Vocal Instruction
Why I Teach at SPU
Chérie Hughes, Director of Vocal Studies
"I teach at SPU because I believe in the power of the liberal arts curriculum to address the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Each of us is given a great gift in this world: the gift to teach and to learn from one another. I feel privileged to work in a community that believes in the transformative power of education and to work with students who are at such an exciting point in their lives."