Program Overview
Shenandoah University's Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy (Voice) program offers a unique blend of classical and contemporary commercial music (CCM) voice techniques, preparing graduates for diverse careers in voice instruction. With no classical music audition requirement, the program welcomes singers of all styles and provides advanced knowledge in voice science, pedagogy, and performance. Graduates are equipped to teach, research, and lead in academic and non-academic settings, including private studios, non-profit organizations, and voice care teams.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This unique doctoral program in voice pedagogy is designed for singers of all styles, with no classical music audition requirements. It combines both classical and contemporary commercial music (CCM) voice techniques, preparing graduates for a variety of academic and non-academic (alt-ac) careers in the evolving world of voice instruction.
Objectives:
- Prepare students for academic and non-academic careers in voice pedagogy.
- Equip students to teach, research, and lead academic programs.
- Enable graduates to successfully run private studios, non-profit organizations, and join voice care teams.
- Provide students with the knowledge and skills to help singers of all styles achieve their full potential.
Program Description:
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy (Voice) program at Shenandoah University offers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in interdisciplinary approaches to voice science, pedagogy, and performance. Students gain advanced knowledge in anatomy, physiology, technology, and applied voice. They study classical and CCM voice techniques, preparing them to work with singers of diverse styles and backgrounds. The program features two cognate areas of specialization: Leadership and Voice Science. The Leadership track prepares students for leadership roles in academic and administrative settings, while the Voice Science track focuses on advanced research in voice pedagogy and voice care.
Key Features:
- No classical music audition requirement: This program welcomes singers of all styles, making it accessible to a wider range of applicants.
- Interdisciplinary approach: The curriculum integrates voice science, pedagogy, and performance, providing a well-rounded foundation for teaching and research.
- Classical and CCM voice techniques: Students learn to teach and coach singers in both classical and contemporary commercial styles.
- Cognate areas of specialization: The Leadership and Voice Science tracks allow students to tailor their studies to their specific career goals.
- Faculty expertise: The program boasts a renowned faculty with extensive experience in voice pedagogy, research, and performance.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Students have access to advanced technology and resources, including the Janette E. Ogg Voice Research Center.
- Performance opportunities: Shenandoah Conservatory offers numerous performance opportunities for students to hone their skills and gain experience.
Outline:
Curriculum:
- Anatomy and physiology (including cadaver lab experience)
- Voice disorders
- Body awareness
- Teaching practicum
- Technology in the studio
- Research design
- Two years of private voice lessons
- Classical and CCM voice techniques
- Leadership or Voice Science cognate area of specialization
Courses:
- VoceVistaPro with glottal enterprises PC-2 EGG
- Glottal enterprises Aeroview software
- Multispeech 3700 from KayPentax
- Madde and Apex from KTH (Decap, RTSect, and Director Musices are also available)
- Praat
- Dr. Speech Real Analysis
- Speechstation 2 from Sensimetrics
- Student versions of Waveview, Aeroview, and Nasality, with training exercises from glottal enterprises.
- Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Vocal Pedagogy Institute
- Performance opportunities with top-tier facilities
Modules:
- Voice Science and Anatomy
- Voice Pedagogy and Methodology
- Technology and the Voice Studio
- Research Methods and Design
- Classical and CCM Voice Techniques
- Leadership or Voice Science Cognate Area
Module Descriptions:
- Voice Science and Anatomy: This module provides students with a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism. Students will explore topics such as laryngeal function, vocal fold vibration, and resonance.
- Voice Pedagogy and Methodology: This module focuses on the principles and methods of voice teaching. Students will learn about different teaching approaches, voice assessment techniques, and curriculum development.
- Technology and the Voice Studio: This module explores the use of technology in voice pedagogy. Students will learn about audio recording and editing software, computer-assisted learning tools, and other technologies that can enhance the teaching and learning experience.
- Research Methods and Design: This module provides students with the foundational skills needed to conduct research in voice pedagogy. Students will learn about research design, data collection, and data analysis.
- Classical and CCM Voice Techniques: This module offers students a comprehensive understanding of classical and CCM voice techniques. Students will learn about different vocal styles, repertoire, and performance practices.
- Leadership Cognate Area: This cognate area prepares students for leadership roles in academic and administrative settings. Students will take courses in curriculum development, program administration, and educational leadership.
- Voice Science Cognate Area: This cognate area focuses on advanced research in voice pedagogy and voice care. Students will conduct research under the guidance of faculty mentors and present their findings at national and international conferences.
Assessment:
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy (Voice) program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These methods include:
- Traditional exams and quizzes: These assessments measure students' knowledge and understanding of course material.
- Performance evaluations: Students are regularly evaluated on their singing and teaching skills.
- Research projects: Students complete a major research project as part of their dissertation.
- Portfolio development: Students develop a portfolio of their work, which includes teaching materials, performance recordings, and research papers.
- Comprehensive exams: Students take comprehensive exams to demonstrate their mastery of the program's curriculum.
Teaching:
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy (Voice) program is taught by a renowned faculty with extensive experience in voice pedagogy, research, and performance. The faculty is committed to providing students with a personalized and supportive learning environment.
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures
- Small group discussions
- Individualized instruction
- Masterclasses
- Performance opportunities
- Research mentorship
Faculty Expertise:
- Dr. David Meyer: Director of the Janette E. Ogg Voice Research Center and Associate Professor of Voice (Baritone) and Voice Pedagogy.
- Dr. Matt Edwards: Associate Professor of Voice & Musical Theatre.
- Dr. Kathryn Green: Professor of Voice.
- Dr. LaSaundra Booth: Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music (CCM).
- Dr. Alison Crockett: Adjunct Associate Professor, CCM Voice.
- Dr. Christian T. Herbst: Visiting Adjunct Professor of Voice Science.
- Dr. Edrie Means Weekly: Auxiliary Adjunct Associate Professor of Voice.
Careers:
Graduates of the Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy (Voice) program are prepared for a variety of careers in voice pedagogy, including:
- University professors and instructors
- Private voice teachers
- Directors of choral and vocal ensembles
- Voice researchers and scientists
- Voice care specialists
- Arts administrators
Career Outcomes:
- Shenandoah University graduates have gone on to successful careers in academia, private studios, and the music industry.
- The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in prestigious institutions, including the University of Maryland, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the Eastman School of Music.
- Graduates have also been successful in establishing their own private studios and working with renowned artists.
Other:
- The Janette E. Ogg Voice Research Center: The program has access to the state-of-the-art Janette E. Ogg Voice Research Center, which provides students with opportunities to conduct research and collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects.
- Performance opportunities: Shenandoah Conservatory produces over 400 performances each year, providing students with numerous opportunities to perform in front of audiences and gain valuable experience.
- Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Vocal Pedagogy Institute: The program offers specialized courses in CCM Vocal Pedagogy, training students to teach and coach singers in contemporary styles such as musical theatre, country, pop, jazz, rock, and blues.
- Faculty publications and presentations: The faculty is actively involved in research and regularly publishes articles and presents at national and international conferences.
The program's unique combination of classical and CCM voice techniques, interdisciplinary approach, and renowned faculty make it an excellent choice for singers of all styles who are passionate about teaching and research.
