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Schmidt Vocal Institute Returns to Miami University June 17-30

29 Young Singers from Across the Country to Attend Prestigious Summer Training Program

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The fourth annual Schmidt Vocal Institute (SVI) will take place June 17-30, 2019, at Miami University. During this intensive summer program, 29 talented high school singers will come together from across the United States to spend two weeks working with and learning from Miami University voice faculty as well as world-renowned guest faculty.

This year’s guest faculty includes pianist/coach Michael Heaston (Director of Opera Studies at Rice University and Music Director of the Houston Grand Opera Studio), pianist/coach Martin Katz (University of Michigan), soprano Beth Roberts (Mannes College, The New School for Music) and conductor/coach Pierre Vallet (Metropolitan Opera).

The Schmidt Vocal Institute is a program developed and funded by the William E. Schmidt Foundation and directed by Miami University alumna Linda McAlister (MM '01). A highly sought-after program for aspiring young singers, SVI helps participants develop and hone their vocal technique, diction, and stage deportment. Students are selected to this prestigious program by audition and must be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and entering college freshmen.

“We are pleased to host the Schmidt Vocal Institute at Miami University again this year,” remarks Dr. Elizabeth Mullenix, Dean for the College of Creative Arts. “Working with world-renowned artists and leading educators, SVI students experience intensive, professional training in a college setting. The program not only provides transformative learning opportunities, but also helps prepare young singers for what to expect should they choose to continue their vocal education and pursue a professional career in the arts.”

Once again, the Schmidt Vocal Institute will partner with Cincinnati Opera in 2019. SVI participants will attend a performance of Roméo and Juliette and enjoy a performance and Q&A session with Cincinnati Opera Young Artist singers.

Throughout the two-week institute, students and SVI faculty will perform several concerts on the campus of Miami University. All performances are free and open to the public.

About Schmidt Vocal Institute

Supported by the generosity of the William E. Schmidt Foundation, the Schmidt Vocal Institute (SVI) is a two-week intensive residential program that attracts talented high school singers from across the country, giving young singers the opportunity to work with world renowned master teachers and professional artists. During the program, students experience first-hand what it takes to have a career as a professional singer. They are immersed in opportunities to learn and perform – from vocal coaching and classes in diction, to techniques for maintaining vocal health, staging, and acting to recital and ensemble performances. Every experience is designed to support and strengthen a young singer’s performance skills. Students in the Schmidt Vocal Institute work one-on-one with artists like Brian Zeger and Margo Garrett from The Juilliard School, Craig Terry from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Grammy-award winning vocalist, Sylvia McNair, to name a few. Since the program’s inception in 2016, more than 90 young singers have participated in SVI. More information can be found at www.schmidtvocalinstitute.org.

Schmidt Vocal Institute Public Events

Friday, June 21 - 7:30pm -- Schmidt Vocal Institute Faculty Recital

Recital of American Song and Musical Theater

Miami University, CPA, Souers Recital Hall (420 S. Patterson Ave, Oxford, OH 45056)

 

Saturday, June 29 - 7:30pm - Schmidt Vocal Institute Participant Concert

Solo Recital of Songs and Arias

Miami University, CPA, Souers Recital Hall (420 S. Patterson Ave, Oxford, OH 45056)

 

Sunday, June 30 - 2:00pm - Schmidt Vocal Institute Participant Concert

Art Song Theater

Miami University, Peabody Hall, Leonard Theater (701 Western College Dr, Oxford, OH 45056)