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Department of Music

Choral and Vocal Study

Ensemble singing and private vocal instruction are an important part of campus life at Haverford and Bryn Mawr. Four established vocal artists provide rigorous training that is rooted in the classical tradition and extends to a wide range of genres. The Department of Music sponsors two choral ensembles, The Chamber Singers and The Haverford-Bryn Mawr Chorale. Both groups are directed by Nathan Zullinger, and are open to all students by audition.

Chamber Singers
Chorale
Private Voice Study

Chamber Singers

chamber singers rehearsing at bryn mawr college

The Chamber Singers of Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges, a mixed choir of 24-28 voices, perform challenging repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to the present day in a variety of languages and styles.

In addition to students majoring in music, the ensemble also attracts students from many other majors who wish to perform challenging choral works in a more intimate setting. The Chamber Singers have collaborated with arts organizations and colleges throughout the northeastern United States and frequently explores music from cultures that are not widely represented in the greater choral world. The group has also undertaken numerous foreign and domestic tours.

Rehearsals for Chamber Singers are typically held on Monday and Thursday, 4:40-6:20 p.m. at either Jaharis Recital Hall on the Haverford Campus or the Goodhart Music Room on the Bryn Mawr Campus.

For further information contact Nathan Zullinger nzullinger [at] haverford.edu.

Chorale

chorale performing

The Chorale is a Wednesday night institution in bi-college life. An oratorio choir of 120 singers, the Chorale performs a major work with orchestra each semester under the direction of Nathan Zullinger.

Members include bi-college students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends from the surrounding community. The orchestra is customarily made up of professional musicians, advanced bi-college musicians, and music students from Curtis and Temple. Soloists have included students who are members of Chorale or Chamber Singers and prominent guest artists.

Rehearsals are typically Wednesday evenings in Jaharis Recital Hall on the Haverford Campus For Fall 2021, Chorale will rehearse in two groups and merge for the final concert. You may select either the 4:10-5:40 or the 7:10-8:40 session. Both will cover identical material.

For further information contact Nathan Zullinger nzullinger [at] haverford.edu.

Auditions for Fall 2021

Chamber Singers

Auditions for Chamber Singers will be held at the end of August. New students may request an audition for Chamber Singers by emailing Dr. Zullinger (nzullinger [at] haverford.edu). The audition consists of vocal exercises to determine range, pitch accuracy, rhythmic ability, and music reading skills. Students who are invited for an in-person call back will need to prepare a passage from the planned repertoire.

Chorale

Auditions for Chorale will be held at the end of August. New students or community members may request an audition by emailing Dr. Zullinger (nzullinger [at] haverford.edu). The audition consists of vocal exercises to determine range, pitch accuracy, and rhythmic ability.

Private Voice Lessons

If you wish to take private voice lessons and have done so before, please contact your teacher. If you are new to private lessons, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Zullinger (nzullinger [at] haverford.edu) prior to signing up on Bionic.

Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Studies
Roberts 212
(610) 896-1000 x1006
nzullinger [at] haverford.edu
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Private Study Voice Lessons

Students can take private voice lessons for one-half graded credit per semester, either with one of our teachers who regularly teach on campus and whose credentials are approved by the Music Department.

  • Setting up Lessons for Credit
    • Students must audition with Dr. Zullinger to be eligible for private vocal study. First consideration will be given to students who are enrolled in ensembles and wish to study for credit. Based on successful completion of your audition, Dr. Zullinger will determine which studios currently have openings. If you have a preference, you are welcome to state that, but there is no guarantee of placement with a particular teacher.
    • In order to receive credit, you must register with the college Registrar (course number MUSCH209). To receive credit for the semester, students must complete a minimum of 10 lessons, attend voice classes with their teacher as announced, and sing a jury at the end of the semester, to include two contrasting selections performed from memory. 
    • Subsidies are available for students who are studying for credit and participating in a department choral ensemble. In order to apply for a subsidy, you must be registered for credit with the Registrar and fill out the online departmental “private subsidy form. Subsidy amounts vary by semester, depending on the demand.
    • Your final grade will be determined by Dr. Zullinger and at least one other member of the music department faculty based on your performance at the jury and the evaluation of your work during the semester by your teacher. Emphasis will be placed on your technical and musical progress since the beginning of the semester and your mastery of the songs performed at the jury.
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  • Private Lesson Additional Information
    Are voice lessons for credit covered by regular tuition?

    Unfortunately, no. As with most smaller colleges, the size of the faculty is too limited to include private teachers for voice, piano, and orchestral instruments, so the student pays the teacher directly. However, a special alumni fund is available to help subsidize the cost of lessons. Lessons tend to run $75 per hour lesson, with 10 lessons per semester required to receive credit. Subsidies range from $150 - $350 per semester depending on student involvement in the program (Music majors/minors receive more subsidy).

    Are there other opportunities to study vocal literature?

    There is an Art Song Seminar (MUSCH219) is taught on a rotating basis for one half graded credit. In this class, singers learn the basics of German and French diction, the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and gain a familiarity with the musical style of German lieder, French chanson, and art songs by American and British composers.

    Are there opportunities to study conducting at Haverford and Bryn Mawr?

    Yes, you can take Choral Conducting (MUSCH320), which is taught on a rotating basis, or an independent study course with Nathan Zullinger in conducting and gain experience as an assistant conductor with Chamber Singers and/or Chorale. Students have regularly conducted both ensembles in performance and on tour.

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ART SONG SEMINAR (offered Fall 2021)

Dr. Zullinger will teach MUSCH219 this fall for one half graded credit. Singers will learn the history and classic examples of German, French, and English art song, as well as how the tradition has evolved around the world. Diction and performance techniques will be emphasized. The class culminates in a short recital, with each student performing three works from the class repertory. To receive permission to enroll in Art Song Seminar, please contact Dr. Zullinger (nzullinger [at] haverford.edu).