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THE THEATRE OF ART SONG/COLLABORATIVE PIANO STUDIES
“POETRY, PASSION, PERFORMANCE PRACTICE”
June 4-23
The VISI 2010 Daily Schedule of Events
Singers, Pianists:
Tuition $1300
($1200 if paid by May 1, 2010)
VISI 2010 offers an intensive program for singers and pianists in the interpretation and performance of Art Song, combining traditional approaches to recital preparation with diverse explorations of new practices in performance innovation. The course includes private coachings, small group classes and public masterclasses, studies in dramatic diction and poetic recitation, extensive exploration in staging and improvisational theatre, workshops and lectures in music history, poetry, philosophy, translation, performance psychology, cultural studies, and more.
“All of the faculty was so inspiring, honest, warm and friendly and most of all their passion for art song showed immensely.” – VISI 2009 student.
Our artist faculty includes distinguished experts in traditional art song performance and the new generation of art song innovators whose work enjoys acclaim across North America. The VISI environment blends artistic intensity with a relaxed and supportive approach to study. Our scholarly lecturers are selected for their accessible and exciting presentations designed for artists’ interests. Discussion is encouraged at all sessions. VISI takes place at the UBC School of Music, presenting academic experts known for their dynamic and high-energy style. Enter the heart of poetry and bring it alive through creative explorations to engage authentic connection in performance and in collaborative partnerships. Explore the expressive challenges of Art Song, and join the collective research of compelling artistic presentations.
“VISI is far and away the most comprehensive summer program I have attended; every moment of it was meticulously planned so that participants could get the most out of the faculty coaches and lecturers” – VISI 2009 student
The Theatre of Art Song course includes an array of courses and workshops carefully designed to promote an integrated yet eclectic experiential learning and performance environment. In addition to Art Song topics, presentations from experts in Music Therapy, Music Neuroscience and other fields offer perspectives on diverse career paths for artists, adding new dimensions to the contemplation of Art’s in the social fabric.
THEATRE STUDIES
Opera Directors Gayle Shay and David Walsh will coach theatrical explorations in Art Song presentation throughout VISI, supplemented by classes in Dramatic Diction, Poetry Recitation, Movement, and other media explorations. Dr. Shay will supervise projects in creative writing and improvisation, and Professor Walsh will work on staged interpretations. A special studies group ( maximum of 5) people may apply to work with Prof Walsh for a two-week intensive. If you are interested in participating in that intensive, please click here to request further information.
COLLABORATIVE PIANO STUDIES
is a special topics series of courses for pianists merged into the Theatre of Song program. Pianists will participate in all aspects of the Theatre Program, and will have supplementary classes and coachings focusing on their areas of craft. Please click here for more a more detailed description of the course content.
THE NEW TRIAD FOR COLLABORATIVE ARTS will offer intensive training in building interactive connection with audiences in recital from June 6-14th with facilitators Arlene Shrut and Adam Marks. All students will have access through small classes (4-6 participants) and private consultations. Dr. Shrut will also offer private career development consultations. Please click here to see their program site.
VISI 2010 REPERTOIRE THEMES:
In celebration of the bi-centenary of Robert Schumann, VISI 2010 will include “The Romantic Self – Schumann and his legacy”. Studies in Romanticism and the repertoire of the 19th century will include a special emphasis on Schumann’s lieder, framed by a series of lectures headed by musicologist and collaborative pianist Dr. Benjamin Binder, masterclasses with Professors Kenneth Griffiths, Julie Simson, and Benjamin Butterfield, recitals and stagings featuring the cycles. These studies will take place throughout the 3 weeks of the program.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Musicology mentorship, please click here.
From June 10-13 events celebrating Samuel Barber’s centenary will include performances of his songs, masterclasses with Professors Cameron Stowe and and lectures by the pre-eminent Barber Scholar, Barbara Heyman.
During the 2nd week of VISI, June 14-18, studies in French Mélodie will include a special focus on Surrealist poetry and philosophy, and its influence on the songs of Francis Poulenc and other composers of the early 20th century. The program will be guided by François LeRoux, Director of the Centre de le Mélodie Françoise, Professor Rosemarie Landry, and Professor Sima Godfrey (UBC French Literature) . The week will culminate in a multi-media Salon celebrating the era.
ACCESS TO FACULTY AND PERFORMANCES
VISI will attempt to ensure that students perform for ALL visiting faculty, through scheduled coachings, group classes, and masterclasses. Many faculty members are accessible for additional private sessions by arrangement. In most cases these are included in the program fees, but extra coaching beyond the teaching schedule may be possible at the discretion of the individual faculty member.
Performances on and off campus are arranged for all students. Please note that many performances will take place in the final 5 days of VISI (June 19-23) . Please plan your departure for the 24th of June.
VISI CUSTOMIZED STUDIES
If the full program calendar exceeds your availability but you would like to participate for a shorter session it is possible to arrange customized programs in a limited number of cases. Vocal/piano duos can be accommodated for up to one week of lessons by direct arrangement with visiting faculty, and pianists can be accommodated for collaborative partnerships with vocal faculty and private coachings with piano faculty as our schedule permits. Fees to VISI will be determined by the extent of access and participation in the program. All students are always welcome to audit all lectures, workshops and classes except private coachings. Drop-in rates for artists currently attending university programs are $10 for a full day of courses.
VISI PEDAGOGY RETREAT
A retreat for teachers of Art Song will take place at VISI from June 11-15. If you are already working as a teacher, you are welcome to attend the sessions when you are not scheduled for other activities. Please note: from June 12 after 3 pm until June 14th there are no scheduled classes for VISI student artists to allow vocal rest. There will be Pedagogy lectures scheduled throughout that period to which you may have access – assuming that you don’t want to spend your recreational time at the beach or climbing one of the local mountains!
VISI RECREATION
VISI is an intense and densely-scheduled program. However, there will be time-outs for you to explore our beaches, mountains, botanical gardens, and shopping. Some group trips may be organized for the final weekend TBD. The UBC campus has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, running tracks, and hiking trails. Our schedule also includes movement classes and optional yoga.
A large roster of great coaches, directors, writers, and experts in related topics will fill your weeks with new ideas and inspiration. VISI is a place to try new things in an atmosphere of creative curiosity and encouragement. Bring your ideas to the collaborative forum, and create your own sparks!
Application and Audition requirements:
First, submit the online application form and pay the application fee here.
Second, please prepare the following support materials. After receipt of your online application, you will be asked to submit them through e-mail ONLY to info@songinstitute.ca:
1. A resumé of your training and performance experience.
2. A signed pdf letter of recommendation from your most recent teacher
3. A jpg photo
4. A recording or video of two contrasting songs in any language. Arias are not accepted. Pianists should also include a solo piano work of your own choice. Recordings should be sent as mp3s, YouTube links, or other electronic form.
5. A comprehensive list of song repertoire you have performed
6. A list of 8 songs you would like to study and perform at VISI, with emphasis on songs of Schumann and other German Romantic composers, English songs set to Romantic poetry, songs of Samuel Barber, French late 19th and early 20th century, songs of Wolf, Mahler.
Vocal/Piano duos are encouraged but not required.
Please submit your online application form and payment of an application fee of $50 (through PayPal on the fees page) first. When you receive confirmation of receipt, please send your support materials to info@songinstitute.ca. Please include “support materials” in your subject heading.
Tuition: $1300 ($1200 if paid by May 1, 2010)
Applications will be accepted until programs maximums are filled, with a closing date of March 1st. We strongly advise early application.
For immediate inquiries please click here to e-mail.→
Once your application has been approved, please pay tuition fees here.
In the event of a cancellation, a full refund will be granted for cancellations up to 2 weeks prior to the Institute. Should the need to cancel arise less than 2 weeks prior to the event, a 50% refund will be granted.
Note: For students with alternate payment options please go to the INCREMENTAL PAYMENT page