Vocal Studies Program
Elisabeth Marshall, director
The Vocal Studies Program, open by audition to undergraduate and graduate students at the University, provides structured, formal study and performance opportunities for singers’ musical growth and involvement in Department-sponsored musical events, both through solo lessons and performance opportunities and in support of the four major choral ensembles. The Vocal Studies Program administers both individual lessons and group coaching opportunities, as well as master classes and workshops on various topics related to vocal performance, throughout the academic year. Solo performance opportunities include the Vocal Studies “Tea Time” Concerts, showcase concerts, and a variety of special programs on campus and in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Vocal Studies singers also may have opportunities to work with instrumentalists from the Chamber Music and Piano Programs, and to collaborate with Department of Music student composers on new works. Student singers interested in taking voice lessons but not performing in public may work privately with affiliated teachers outside of the formal structure of the program. All prospective vocal students are auditioned by the Director of Vocal Studies.
Performances & Events
Vocalists work with and are nominated by their voice teacher to participate in workshops, master classes, and performances on the Tea Time Concert Series, vocal recitals, and at community concerts.
2026/27 Concerts:
- Friday, November 6 / 8 PM / Fulton Recital Hall (Goodspeed 4th Floor) — Vocal Studies Showcase
- Sunday, January 31 / 7 PM / Fulton Recital Hall (Goodspeed 4th Floor) – Schubertiade—a historically-informed performance of Schubert's Lieder, in celebration of the composer's 230th birthday, with a pre-concert lecture at 6:30pm by Lawrence Zbikowski, Addie Clark Harding Professor in the Department of Music, and cake reception following
- Friday, May 7 / 7:30 PM / Fulton Recital Hall (Goodspeed 4th Floor) — Opera Scenes Performance
2026/27 Tea Time Concerts:
- Thursday, April 15 / 4:30 PM / Fulton Recital Hall (Goodspeed 4th Floor) — Vocal Studies and Chamber Music Collaboration Concert: students of the Vocal Studies and the Chamber Music Programs will join forces to present a concert an exciting program of vocal chamber music, with combinations of piano, voice, and various other instruments.
2026/27 Masterclasses & Workshops:
- Saturday, February 20 / 1 PM / Fulton Recital Hall (Goodspeed 4th Floor) – Masterclass with Laura Strickling, soprano
Two-time GRAMMY® award nominee for Best Classical Vocal Solo Album for 40@40 (2024) and Confessions (2022), soprano Laura Strickling is recognized by The New York Times for her “flexible voice, crystalline diction, and warm presence.” She created the roles of Fanni Radnòti in the world premiere of Tom Cipullo’s opera The Parting with Music of Remembrance and the evil Dr. Slade in the serial television-style opera film, Everything for Dawn. Celebrated for her work performing and promoting art song, with an emphasis on new additions to the canon, she has been featured twice in Classical Singer Magazine, curated The New Music Shelf Anthology of contemporary art songs for soprano, and has performed recitals and presented masterclasses and lectures with art song and chamber music organizations, music festivals, and universities around the world. Her, “powerful and expressive voice across a large range, her variety of timbre and character,” (Classical Scene), make her a welcome guest soloist for a range of opera, oratorio, concert, and chamber works – from Bach to Britten and beyond. A Chicago native, Strickling is an avid traveler, having lived in Fez (Morocco), Kabul (Afghanistan), and for the past nine years in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands). She recently relocated to Wisconsin where she is learning to appreciate cheese, beer, and being cold.
2026/27 Montgomery Place Performances:
- Sunday, November 15
- Saturday, February 6
- Saturday, April 10
Auditions
Students interested in participating in the Vocal Studies Program must audition at the beginning of the autumn quarter. Please visit the Auditions page for complete information, including audition requirements.