Vocal Program
Singers participate either in the Concert Studio, which concentrates on German Lieder, or the Opera Studio. Both include the Audition Training Seminar, a course in auditioning (in English and German) and communication techniques that are individualized for your career plans. This unique course is very helpful to musicians at the college/conservatory level and a necessity for those beginning a career in classical music.
The curriculum involves singers in extensive work in vocal technique, diction, psychological, musical and dramatic preparation for performing and auditioning, body movement, literary and historical studies, and the stagecraft to present their repertoire.
The AIMS approach fosters a professional attitude toward the art, craft, and business of vocal music throughout the program. Participants are exposed directly to the practices and competitiveness of the music world. No other program offers more for singers than AIMS in Graz.

Opera Studio for Singers

The Opera Studio prepares singers for performing opera at the professional level. This studio is for singers at all stages of development, from those finishing degrees to the professional level. Concentration is on the standard operatic repertoire (German, Italian, French) with emphasis on the works of Mozart and Strauss. Operetta is offered as an optional elective. Opera Studio participants work closely with European and American opera coaches, conductors and stage directors. There are many performance opportunities in the AIMS Recital and Festival Concert Series, including the concerts with the AIMS Festival Orchestra and the Meistersinger Vocal Competition. Additionally, there are master classes and special events presented by resident and visiting faculty, and eminent artists and conductors. Students may receive certification or grades in courses and apply for academic credit at the institutions in which they are enrolled. The following courses and events are offered for Opera Studio Singers:
  • Individual Voice Lessons (with Voice Laboratory)
  • Aria Coaching (with Laboratory)
  • Daily Conversational German for Musicians
  • Stage Artistry Classes
  • German Diction and Diction Laboratory
  • Italian, French, Russian and English diction
  • Poetry of the German Lied
  • Audition Training Seminar
  • Weekly Special Events
  • Master Classes
  • "Vocal Artistry Through the Ages" Lecture Series
  • Historic Singers Audio Library
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Concert Studio for Singers

The Concert Studio deals with the preparation and presentation of the concert repertoire for singers. The emphasis is on the study of the German Lied, German diction, the poetry of the Lied, historical aspects and composers of Lieder, and exploring European standards of style and execution. Concert Studio participants work closely with established professional coaches and pianists. The culmination of the Concert Studio experience is the presentation of a Liederabend in a beautiful castle in Graz.
Students may receive certification or grades in courses and apply for academic credit at the institutions in which they are enrolled. The following courses and events are offered in Concert Studio for Singers:
  • Individual Voice Lessons (with Voice Laboratory)
  • Lied Coaching (with Laboratory)
  • Poetry of the German Lied
  • Daily Conversational German for Musicians
  • German Diction and Diction Laboratory
  • Italian, French, and English diction
  • Stage Artistry
  • Audition Training Seminar
  • Weekly Special Events
  • Master Classes
  • "Vocal Artistry Through the Ages" Lecture Series
  • Historic Singers Audio Library
    •

Cost for Singers
Participant Cost: The cost of the program is $5,975 USD with full payment due by May 15, 2009. There is also a $250 non-refundable application fee. You may pay by check (preferred) or by credit card through PayPal. Round-trip airfare is not included.
Participant Cost includes tuition, single dormitory room in Graz, breakfast daily, weekday noon meals and health insurance (while in Austria).
Additional expenses include snacks, beverages, evening and some weekend meals, streetcar/bus tickets, books/course materials, photocopies and incidental expenses. These are estimated at $1500±$500.
By starting your fund raising now you CAN attend AIMS in Graz. Partial scholarships and work/study grants are awarded to eligible participants. Financial aid will be discussed at the time of your audition and by phone, or by phone if auditioning by tape/CD.
AIMS in Graz...the best value of all summer programs. Become a part of the AIMS Legend!

More Information

 To read about ways to raise money for your AIMS "Graz Experience", click here. (PDF document)  
To read about Graz, the dorm, what a day at AIMS is like and the AIMS program from the perspective of a vocal participant, click here. (PDF Document)
To visit the AIMS in Graz photo gallery, click here.  
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