For students interested in a rigorous learning experience, the Voice Department offers the Voice Music Certificate Program,  which requires completing a carefully developed curriculum.   The program is completed in three levels: Level I (Introductory), Level II (Intermediate), and  Level III (Advanced Pre-College/Pre-Conservatory), with specific musical and study requirements for each level.  Level III (Advanced) prepares students to pursue Vocal Performance study at a university or Conservatory. 

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER PARTICIPATING IN THE VOICE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

• Students already taking private lessons who enjoy the process of developing their voice
• Students who practice diligently and enjoy learning varied repertoire
• Students who appreciate rigorous assessment in pursuit of excellence
• Students who are interested in pursuing a Vocal Performance major or minor 

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

Students who do not yet study voice at Peabody Preparatory and are interested in participating in the Certificate Program should contact [email protected] to arrange an audition. 

Students must be approved by their Peabody Preparatory teacher to participate in the Certificate Program.  Teachers will determine which level Certificate is appropriate for the student. 

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC IS STUDIED IN THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM? 

The Voice Certificate Program focuses primarily on classical repertoire at this time.  Students and their teachers work together to select appropriate music required for juries and recitals.  

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CERTIFICATES? 

Teachers will determine the appropriate level for each student based on vocal maturity and skills.  Teen singers will typically work towards the Level I Introductory certificate in middle school or as a high school freshman, prepare for the Intermediate certificate in their Sophomore and Junior years, and complete the requirements for the Advanced Pre-College/Pre-Conservatory Certificate in their senior year of high school.

Certificate study is also available to interested adult singers, and the appropriate level will be determined by their teacher. 

• Level I (Introductory) is suitable for middle school singers, and older singers in their first or second year of study. 
• Level II (Intermediate)  continues to build on the skills required for Level I, and also acts as preparation for the Advanced Certificate.  This level is suitable for high school singers and older singers with 2 or more years of study. 
• Level III (Advanced) is commensurate with College/Conservatory jury requirements and also requires formal study of Music Theory, as well as a solo or joint Senior Recital.  It is suitable for advanced Pre-College and Pre-Professional singers.

HOW MUCH DOES THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM COST? 

Students must register for required lessons and classes, but there is no additional charge to participate in the program, or to perform juries or senior recitals. 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO EARN THE CERTIFICATE? 

• Voice Lessons Students must be enrolled in private lessons at Peabody Preparatory while they are part of the Certificate Program.
• Regular participation in Department Recitals and Repertoire Classes
• Music Theory.  There are multiple ways to meet this requirement, both at Peabody Preparatory, and through music theory classes and exams taken in high school or at the college level.   
• Juries (performance exams) In addition to performing in departmental events, students must perform and pass a jury for a panel each year they are enrolled in the Certificate program.  
• Senior Recital Students for the Advanced Pre-College Certificate must perform a Senior Recital (solo or shared) in their final semester.
• Additional classes Certificate students are encouraged to participate in additional classes and workshops that may be offered by the department (eg acting, musical theater, diction classes etc).
• Advanced Certificate teens are encouraged to audition for Vocal Performance Academy 
• Piano (optional)
  Certificate students who do not already play the piano are encouraged to take lessons or classes to become familiar with the instrument as a support to their vocal and theory studies.  
• Choir (optional)
  Certificate students may wish to audition for the Peabody Children’s Chorus  or the Peabody Hopkins Conservatory Choir. Please contact the organizations directly for further information regarding eligibility and auditions.