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

Andrea Kennard
Contact
Assistant Director of Admission
Andrea Kennard
Phone
231.276.7200 231.276.7200
Send Email

Available Programs

Meet the Faculty

Our voice faculty has reached the highest levels of success, garnering many years of experience working with young vocalists while still balancing performance opportunities, teaching master classes, and serving as competition judges, even as they help train you—the next generation of world-class musician singers.

 

All Faculty

Laura Osgood Brown

Laura Osgood Brown, D.M.A.

Instructor of Voice & Opera

Ty Chiko

Ty Chiko, D.M.A.

Director of Vocal Music, Instructor of Voice

W. Carter Smith

W. Carter Smith, D.M.A.

Conductor of Choral Music

Guest Artists

  • 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 can provide insights as you decide your 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 with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Explore Ensembles

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 performing 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

Jessica Kodsi   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

A smiling woman

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

College Matriculation

Recent Interlochen Arts Academy Music Division students have continued their education at the following institutions and beyond.

  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • Indiana University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Rice University
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook

Arts Academy Viewbook Thumbnail

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • College-preparatory academics 
  • Student resources 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more