Vocal/Choral Music

From basic technique to performance mastery, the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) Vocal Music Department strives to uphold a high standard of self-discipline and personal growth. While learning the fundamentals of singing in both solo and choral settings, students learn basic musicianship and the principles of music theory.

Individualized instruction in music reading provides a framework for vocal development in small, experience-level-appropriate classes. Diction, interpretation, breath management, and musical terminology are all integral parts of a well-rounded musical education. Using group learning in addition to individual work, students are led through a basic repertoire of age-appropriate solo literature and progress toward a better understanding of good vocal habits and universal expectations for musicians.

Vocal majors progress as far as their personal commitment to excellence takes them. Vocal Music Department graduates have employed their training to obtain scholarships and gain entrance to nationally acclaimed universities and conservatories as well as to fine local and regional music departments.

Performance opportunities abound in large and small choral ensembles, solo competitions, small ensemble work, and run-out performances/touring groups. Operetta and musical theatre productions are also staged on our campus and offer another venue to display students’ talents.

Graduates of the Vocal Music Department can be found across the country performing in resident and touring companies and working in educational institutions as teachers, conductors, and musical directors. Many have accepted scholarships to Boston University, Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, Julliard, Oberlin, the University of Southern California, and many state universities. Graduates are now performing with Kentucky Opera, the Metropolitan Opera in New York; Lyric Opera of Kansas City; LyriCo, the light opera company of St. Louis; Louisville Chorus; Louisville Bach Society; the Lexington Singers; Paramount’s Kings Island; and Stephen Foster (the musical), and they have performed on cruise ships around the world.