MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
PROCEDURES FOR VOCAL COACHING
(Effective Fall, 2007)
GUIDELINES FOR FALL 2008
Manhattanville’s Music Department provides three coach/accompanists for students taking voice class or voice lessons on campus. In order to get the most out of your coaching, you should: have legible copies of your music for your coach (making sure that you have not cut off the bass line at the bottom of the page and that the piece is in the correct key for you); be warmed up and ready to sing; arrive on time; try to familiarize yourself with the composers' dates and stylistic era, but don't be afraid to ask questions during the session; try to come for at least three consecutive coachings at least once per term. Obviously, the more often and consistently you attend coachings, the better your progress and final results will be.
DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE ACCOMPANISTS WILL PLAY FOR YOU IF THEY HAVEN'T WORKED WITH YOU!
Procedures for MuA 1003-1004: Voice Class I and II
Students in both Dr. Gaither-Graves's and Mr. Slade's sections of voice class are required to meet regularly with Jeonguen Yom as described in class materials. Coachings can be scheduled directly with Ms. Yom.
Procedures for Voice Lessons
Students are required to attend at least six coachings per semester. Sign up sheets are posted weekly with 15-minute time slots. Time slots are limited, so if you are ill or cannot attend for any other reason, you must take your name off the list (preferably in advance) or call the Music office (ext. 5260) so that the slot may be made available to another student.
Diane Guernsey and Beverly Meyer are the coaches for voice students for Mr. Cappon, Dr. Gaither-Graves and Mr. Slade. Ms. Guernsey specializes in the classical repertoire and Ms. Meyer specializes in musical theatre. However, if your schedule does not allow for coachings with both Ms. Guernsey and Ms. Meyer, either one will be happy to help you with any of your songs. If you are one of those students who can't come for ANY regularly scheduled coachings, let the coaches know and something will be worked out for you.
Other Vocal Coaching
During the semester, there are informal recitals, competitions, and juries. You MUST notify Ms. Guernsey and Ms. Meyer at least TWO WEEKS prior to the event of your intention to perform, and you must have coached the song(s) in advance.
Accompanist fees for competitions (such as the Arlene Kaplan) are determined by the Music Department and are to be paid on the day of the competition.
If you are performing a Junior or Senior Recital, please confirm your accompanist as early as possible, and communicate when you get your concert date and program set.