Mission Statement

The Vocal Program at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College promotes musical and academic scholarship within a liberal arts education, and inspires personal and professional growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.  A comprehensive and challenging curriculum provides Gettysburg students with the skills necessary to be excellent singers, confident performers, educators, and life-long participants in the vocal arts.

Vocal Studies at Sunderman

The Sunderman Conservatory offers a rigorous program of music study in vocal technique, song literature, diction, and opera. Depending upon students' interests and goals, multiple opportunities for on-campus and community performance are available.
 
All applied voice courses are designed to implement the maximum growth of the individual singer through acquiring the techniques of correct posture, breath management, aural perception and tone production, furthering the expressive and appropriate interpretation of solo literature (in original languages whenever feasible) and becoming knowledgeable about the historical and cultural backgrounds of the repertoire studied.

During each semester, a voice major will receive 13 hourlong applied lessons; voice minors receive 13 half hour applied lessons, both culminating in a juried performance for the voice faculty. All voice students will participate throughout the semester in various solo performance opportunities. Levels of proficiency have been established for each year and degree program, and students must perform all requirements to ensure advancement (see Student Handbook).

Weekly studio classes provide the opportunity for voice students to perform for each other and obtain guidance in professional auditioning, resume writing, repertoire listing, and performance techniques. Sunderman voice students are encouraged to participate in the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competitions, the Gettysburg College study abroad program, and to audition for summer voice programs. As informed performers of vocal music, voice students at Sunderman are taught to develop an appreciation of artistic expression through the study of various characteristics of many musical styles.