The Classical Vocal Music program at SUNY New Paltz is designed to develop each student’s fundamental musicianship and to develop a healthy and natural tone production in line with the Bel Canto tradition. Students participate in private lessons and coachings as well as group ensembles performing in a variety of musical styles from the Renaissance to the 21st century.
New Paltz classical vocalists also participate in a weekly studio class and the course Diction for Singers that encompasses diction in English, Italian, German and French. In addition, singers take part in public master classes.
Performance opportunities include recitals at the end of each semester and participation in Convocation and Commencement activities. Students from Kent Smith’s vocal studio have also participated in international summer vocal programs in Italy and Greece.
Students from the Classical Vocal Music program have gone on to prestigious graduate school programs including the Manhattan School of Music, New York University and Teachers College at Columbia University.
Vocal Studies Area Head
Kent Smith
Vocal Studies
