Proficiency Exam (Voice Concentration)

Voice Concentrations are expected to complete the Concentration Proficiency Exam at the end of their sixth semester of voice study. 

Students must prepare eight memorized selections: at least one piece each in English, German, French, and Italian. No more than two pieces from the list of eight may be in the same language.  The repertoire presented for the exam can include up to three pieces learned in the previous semesters.  At the start of the Proficiency Exam, the faculty will choose three pieces.  Then, the student will select a fourth piece. The student may then perform the total of four pieces in any order. Additionally, the students must present a list of all repertoire they have learned during their study in the degree.  

For approval, students must receive a score of 18 points or higher (out of a possible 23) with no score of 2 or lower in any category.  The student must receive a simple majority of approval votes from the juror panel (including the studio teacher) to pass the examination. The studio teacher's vote will count as part of the approval process, but the studio teacher's score will not factor into the jury grade. 

In order to have a successful exam the student must show clear evidence of very good to excellent musical preparation and memorization with few, if any missteps: correct rhythms, pitches, text, diction, and musicality. They must demonstrate that they sing consistently in tune and with an appropriate use of a natural vibrato. There must be clear and regular evidence in all selections that the student is able to produce a voice that demonstrates the timbre appropriate for bel canto singing: chiaroscuro. There must also be clear evidence that the singer is committed to a stylistically appropriate interpretation of each piece, with the ability to convincingly communicate the meaning of the words being sung as well as the musical phrase.  The student will either pass or fail the Proficiency Exam, and the final letter grade for the semester will be given by the studio teacher.  

Students who do not pass the Concentration Proficiency Exam may retake the exam after an appropriate period of additional study as recommended by the voice faculty. 

FINAL REPERTOIRE LIST - Music Education Majors must submit a final repertoire list that contains at least 26 selections, with a minimum of 5 selections in each of the following languages:  English, German, French, and Italian.   Music Composition or Music Theory majors must present a list with at least 26 selections, with a minimum of 3 selections in each of the following languages:  English, German, French, and Italian.