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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 open to all students by audition and are directed Dr. Nathan Zullinger.

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. Chorale rehearses from 7:00-9:15 p.m. in Jaharis Recital Hall.

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

Auditions for Fall 2024

Chorale and Chamber Singers

The deadline to audition for Chamber Singers is Wednesday, September 4. Chamber Singers will meet for the first time on September 5. The deadline to audition for Chorale is September 10. Chorale will meet for the first time on September 11. If you are auditioning for both groups and wish to be considered for private study, one audition slot will suffice.. Those seeking an audition should reach out to Nathan Zullinger nzullinger [at] haverford.edu directly. Singers should expect the following at the audition:

  • Prepare a small excerpt of an art song, aria, musical theatre piece, folk song, hymn melody, etc..anything that shows your voice! Be prepared to sing a cappella.
  • Additional exercises will be used to determine range, pitch accuracy, musical literacy, etc.

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

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, you must complete an audition and gain permission from Dr. Nathan Zullinger prior to signing up on Bionic. Students interested in an audition should reach out to Nathan Zullinger at nzullinger [at] haverford.edu. Students should expect the following at the audition:

  • You must complete an audition to sign up for private voice lessons.
  • Prepare a small excerpt of an art song, aria, musical theatre piece, folk song, hymn melody, etc..anything that shows your voice! Be prepared to sing a cappella.
  • Additional vocal exercises will be used to determine range, pitch accuracy, etc.
  • If you are accepted into a voice study, you are REQUIRED to participate in either Chamber Singers and/or Chorale.
Assistant Professor and Chair of Music
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 or whose credentials are approved by the Music Department.

  • Setting up Lessons for Credit
    • Students must audition with Nathan 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. Students who are taking voice lessons are required to participate in either Chorale or Chamber Singers concurrently.
    • 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 $80 per hour lesson, with 10 lessons per semester required to receive credit. Subsidies range from $150 - $750 per semester depending on student involvement in the program. Yes, you can take Choral Conducting (MUSCH320), which is taught on a rotating basis, or an independent study course with the consent of the Director of Choral and Vocal Studies.

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