Vanderbilt Vocal Immersion: An intensive training course for classical vocalists
June 21-27, 2026
Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University
This summer intensive is for 11th and 12th graders.
How do you prepare for a career as a classical vocalist? You may sing beautifully, but do you have the other essential skills to be a successful singer?
This course provides a condensed and comprehensive overview of the essential toolkit for aspiring classical vocalists. Through one-on-one vocal lessons, Vanderbilt Faculty from the Blair School of Music will work with you to eliminate common vocal issues, check for unhealthy vocal habits, and identify vocal strengths and weaknesses.
You will also work with world-class vocal coaches to hone diction and grammar skills and learn appropriate stylistic elements and performance practice. In addition, you will develop essential stagecraft skills related to movement, character development, improvisation, projection, and versatility as well as participate in masterclasses, special topics discussions related to the business of singing and professional development.
At the end of this immersive course, you will leave with an accurate assessment of your current vocal, musicianship and dramatic skill as well as with concrete strategies for finding success at the collegiate level and in work as a freelance singer.
Program Highlights:
Personalized Vocal Training: Lessons with Blair School of Music faculty focused on strengthening technique, correcting vocal issues, and building healthy habits
Expert Vocal Coaching: Work with world-class coaches to refine diction, language skills, and stylistic performance practices
Stagecraft Development: Training in movement, character development, improvisation, projection, and expressive versatility
Masterclasses & Workshops: Opportunities to participate in masterclasses and engage in special topics sessions on performance and professional growth
Career Preparation: Insight into the business of singing, including professional development and pathways to collegiate and freelance success
Comprehensive Skill Assessment: Receive detailed feedback on vocal ability, musicianship, and dramatic performance, along with personalized strategies for growth
In addition to these diverse opportunities, students will enjoy a rigorous yet supportive environment that fosters musicianship, artistry, and technical excellence.
Location
Blair School of Music is located at 2400 Blakemore Avenue in Nashville, on the campus of Vanderbilt University.
Application Process
This summer intensive is open by audition to rising grades 11-12. You may click here to apply.
Prerequisites:
Students must be able to learn and memorize assigned music on their own before arriving in Nashville. Students should have basic sight-singing ability.
Audition Videos:
The prescreen submission should include the following:
- A video of two contrasting art songs, one of which is in English. The other selection may be in Italian, German, French, or Spanish.
- One songs must be from the 20th or 21st century and the other may be from any other stylistic period.
- Please do not submit arias.
- Singers may use a live pianist or a pre-recorded track, but video submissions should not be sung a cappella.
- Videos should be recorded in landscape orientation on a smartphone or tablet, and should not be professionally produced or altered.
- Please upload videos to Youtube and paste your unlisted (not private or public) link in the application.
Tuition & Deadline
Tuition for this intensive is $2,750
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for available courses
*A nonrefundable 20% deposit is due one week after an admissions notification is received.