MUS 185: First-year Opera Seminar: Introduction to Opera
An introductory look at opera for first-year students. In this course, students will study opera history, work to grow as singer-actors, and learn opera scenes culminating in a full performance. This is an auditioned course. Enrollment in MUS 130 lessons is required for the class.
MUS 265/266: Diction for Singers I & II
A course teaching the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet as an aid to learning accurate pronunciation for singing Italian and German (265), French and English (266). Each course offered in alternating years.
MUS 267/268 Vocal Literature I & II
A historical survey of art songs from c. 1600 to the present day. The course is designed to correspond with “Diction for Singers” (Italian/Spanish and German, 267; French and English, 268). Course offered in alternating years concurrent with “Diction for Singers.”
MUS 360 Vocal Coaching
Vocal coaching is available to students who have completed their first year of vocal study (MUS 130). It does not replace voice instructor, but rather enhances vocal study through deeper interpreting art song and opera literature. Prerequisite: MUS 130 and consent of your voice teacher.
MUS 362 Opera Workshop: Scenes
The study, rehearsal and staging of operatic repertoire (such as arias, scenes or one-act operas) through public performance and/or in class assignments. The students are not only responsible for scene assignments, but also the backstage work of lighting, make up, costumes, props, and publicity. This is an auditioned course that occurs annually in the Fall Semester. Prerequisite: MUS 130 (private voice instruction) and consent of your voice teacher.
MUS 363 Opera Workshop: Production
The study, rehearsal and performance of a fully staged opera. The students are not only responsible for role assignments, but also the backstage work of set construction, lighting, make up, costumes, props, and publicity. This is an auditioned course that occurs annually in the Spring Semester. Prerequisite: MUS 130 (private voice instruction) and consent of your voice teacher.
Foreign language study is crucial to the training of aspiring professional singers. Luther’s Modern Foreign Language Department offers courses in the following languages that are of particular benefit for the aspiring singer: German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, and Norwegian.
Students are also highly encouraged to study additional courses in theatre and dance, such as:
THE 105 Acting I: Text in Performance
An introduction to performance concepts and skills utilizing text as a beginning point for the performance experience. The course will include analysis and performance of diverse texts through solo and group work, incorporating elements of movement, spoken text, and music.
DAN 105 Movement Fundamentals I: Practices of Alignment and Function
An introductory movement course exploring vital integrative connections between somatic practice and performance preparation. Somatic skills including dynamic alignment and functional anatomy provide the groundwork for embodied movement exploration. The study and practice of dynamic alignment and embodied anatomy unfolds new relationships between physical function and expression.