Theatre of Art Song/Collaborative Piano Studies
June 2-24
Singers and Pianists
• Advanced Performance Studies (APS)
For graduate students and emerging artists preparing to launch their performance careers. Click here for further info.
• Young University Artists (YUA)
For Undergraduate university artists in 1st-3rd year of training in Opera, Voice, or Piano degree programs. Click here for further info.
“VISI is far and away the most comprehensive summer program I have attended” . “All of the faculty was so inspiring, honest, warm and friendly and most of all their passion for art song showed immensely.”
– VISI TAS students
TAS (Theatre of Art Song) is the full 3-week VISI course in the interpretation and performance of Art Song, combining traditional approaches to recital preparation with diverse explorations of new practices in performance innovation. Enter the heart of poetry and bring it alive through creative explorations that help you to engage authentic connection in your duo partnerships and performances.
The VISI environment blends artistic intensity with a relaxed, enjoyable, and supportive approach to study. Our artist faculty includes distinguished experts in traditional Art Song performance and the innovators whose work is changing the models and rules. Our lecturers are selected for their accessible and exciting presentations designed for artists’ interests. Discussion is encouraged at all sessions.
We celebrate the return of MARGO GARRETT from the Juilliard School, who will work with pianists in both TAS programs. Please click on your program stream (APS, YUA) for a full faculty list.
Daily schedule includes:
• private coaching
• small group classes and public masterclasses
• lectures
• studies in dramatic diction and poetic recitation
• Art Song Diction with experts Rosemarie Landry, Bruno Laplante, and Laura Loewen
• extensive exploration in staging and improvisational theatre
• courses and workshops carefully designed to promote an integrated experiential learning and performance environment. The first two weeks will include morning lectures in Art Song Poetry, Collaboration Skill-building, Art Song history, and other topics.
• Special presentations from the Art Song Lab and Arts of Conscience programs offer perspectives on diverse career paths for artists, and new ideas about venues for Art Song performers.
• Career Development consultations and workshops with Dr. Arlene Shrut, Artistic Director of the New Triad for Collaborative Arts.
THEATRE STUDIES
UBC Professor of Theatre Tom Scholte is joined by Opera Professors Gayle Shay (Vanderbilt) and David Walsh (University of Minnesota) for an array of theatrical explorations in Art Song presentation throughout VISI, including Poetry Recitation with Theatre directors Dean-Paul Gibson and Craig Holzschuh, and classes in Dramatic Diction, Movement, and other media explorations. If you are interested in an intensive Art Song Theatre production program, please see our SONGFIRE Theatre Apprenticeship program.
COLLABORATIVE PIANO STUDIES
A special topics series of courses for pianists merged into the Theatre of Art Song program. Pianists will participate in all aspects of the Theatre Program, and will have supplementary classes and coaching focusing on their areas of craft. Please click here for more a more detailed description of the course content.
PERFORMANCES
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, so if your summer plans necessitate an early departure please let us know prior to the start of the program.
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, pianists can be accommodated for collaborative partnerships with vocal faculty private coaching with piano faculty, singers can work with faculty coaches as our schedule permits.
Fees to VISI will be determined by the extent of access and participation in the program.
AUDITING TAS:
All students are always welcome to audit all lectures, workshops and classes. Drop-in rates for artists currently attending university programs are $10 for a full day of courses.
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. The UBC campus has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, running tracks, and hiking trails, as well as access to beaches. 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.
MAKE SURE TO READ THE PROGRAM INFORMATION FOR THE STREAM FOR WHICH YOU ARE ELIGIBLE. (APS, YUA) Please contact us with any specific program inquiries at info@songinstitute.ca
Application Criteria and Deadline:
First: Submit your online application and pay the $50 application fee.
Next: Compile and submit the required support materials to info@songinstitute.ca . Additional materials may be requested.
The deadline for Registration for this program is February 29th, 2012. We strongly advise early application. You are welcome to inquire about limited late acceptance and waiting list options.
Required Support Materials:
1. A résumé of your training and performance experience.
2.
A signed PDF letter of recommendation from your most recent teacher
3. A digital photo (jpg format)
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 their own choice. Recordings should be sent as mp3 files, YouTube links, or other electronic format.
Mp3 files should be titled with your name.
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. Your song selection should feature repertoire that will be explored by our faculty (2-3 German songs, including one by Wolf or Brahms, 3 French mélodies, including at least one by Debussy, and 2-3 English songs.
Please note that songs to be performed at VISI will need to be memorized) Vocal/Piano duos are encouraged but not required. Please write your name as the subject line of any email containing required support materials.
