Requirements for the Voice Certificate Program at each of the four levels are outlined below. Exceptions and waivers must be requested in writing and may be granted only by the Faculty Council. Technique requirements vary by level. Please consult with your studio teacher or department chair on specific pieces. Students are required to receive a grade of High Pass or higher on their PLE to receive the certificate. Work at each certificate level normally requires two years of study.
Level I
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements: Present a minimum of 3 songs in English (and Italian or other language if the teacher chooses) to be memorized and presented in any order for the year-end PLE evaluation.
- Sing from memory on at least two workshops and/or masterclasses and one departmental recital
- Demonstrate Piano Proficiency equivalent to 1 year of piano instruction through one of three options:
- 1 year of private piano instruction at NEC Prep
- 1 year of Piano Class for Singers at NEC Prep
- Piano Proficiency Exam - Required of certificate-seeking voice students who do not choose to participate in the above 2 options. For requirements, see below.
- Vocal Chamber Music
- Complete Music Theory I
Piano Proficiency Exam Requirements:
- Play one solo piece equivalent to at least 1 year of piano study. (Does not need to be memorized.)
- Play 2 scales of the students choosing - Major and Minor - Hands Together or Hands Separate
- Sight reading
The piano proficiency exam only needs to be completed once at Level I.
Level II
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements: A minimum of 4 songs in at least two languages (English and Italian required, additional languages if the teacher chooses) to be memorized and presented in any order for the year-end PLE evaluation.
- Sing from memory on at least 3 workshops and/or masterclasses and two departmental recitals.
- Demonstrate piano proficiency (see Level I)
- Complete 1 year of NEC Prep Chorus from one of these three options: Young Women's Chorus, Chamber Chorus, CI A Cappella Ensemble.
- Complete Music Theory II
- Complete Audition Preparation Class
- Complete Diction and Language for Singers (both semesters)
- Vocal Chamber Music
Level III
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements: A minimum of 5 songs in at least three languages (English and Italian required + French or German) to be memorized and presented in any order for the year-end PLE evaluation. Student must demonstrate ability to sing in several different styles.
- Sing from memory on at least 4 workshops and/or masterclasses and two departmental recitals, including at least one special guest masterclass
- Complete one year of Youth Chorale at Level III
- Complete Music Theory III-1
- Vocal Chamber Music
- Demonstrate piano proficiency (see Level I)
- Present half recital program
Level IV
- Meet vocal repertoire & technique requirements: A minimum of 6 songs including English, Italian, German, and French, other languages optional to be memorized and presented in any order for the year-end PLE evaluation. Student must demonstrate ability to sing in Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary styles.
- Sing from memory on at least 4 workshops, including at least one special guest masterclass.
- Demonstrate piano proficiency (see Level I)
- Complete one year of Youth Chorale at Level IV
- Complete Music Theory III-2
- Vocal Chamber Music
- Present full recital program