Recitals
There are usually at least two Vocal Technique Studio recitals a year for the young students. We have been fortunate to use an entertainment room in a local senior care facility; they have a very nice stage, acoustic piano and sound system and make us feel welcome. Our families, friends, and invited guests who are residents of the host facility, enjoy the chance to share their appreciation of these young singers. Participation in recitals at the residency qualifies for community service for honor societies, scout troops, and count toward the Music Teacher’s Association Honors Society memberships.

Other Performing Opportunities
Competitions are variously offered, primarily in the classical genre, through local and national organizations. Many times they are for scholarship funds. Whenever I am informed of these, I pass on the information to students who may be interested.

High school students in Arizona have the chance to compete in what are called “regionals” through their school system music instructors. Generally students chose material from the standard volume of 24 Italian Art Songs, or other art songs at a similar level. They can also chose to perform musical theatre pieces, or folk songs arranged for solo voices. Material that demonstrates the singer’s abilities, range and tone are favored. Students are judged on sight singing, breath support, intonation, diction and more. The regionals are great experience and the written evaluations provide the students with useful information indicating what they should focus on to improve. The more performances the better to gather more confidence. Singers with high scores get to sing with a statewide choir in a special performance.

High school students can also apply to compete in Classical Singer competitions for scholarship funds sponsored by the Classical Singer magazine. The auditions are generally held at ASU in Tempe.

Adult students periodically are invited to informal “sings” where they can share their voice with other adult students in a relaxing environment. We are also planning to try and schedule a few karaoke nights in local restaurants. Last holiday season, some of our youth and adult students both joined me in two caroling trips, (see sidebar) one to a local mall, and the other to a care center. I believe the students enjoyed this just as much as their happy listeners.

Other than local high school productions for their own students, there are several regional youth organizations that put on very ambitious and well produced musical theatre productions every year. There is also a musical theatre company that offers acting and singing workshops for youth that last several months or so. When apprised of opportunities such and these and auditions for productions, I include details in the periodic newsletters I give to students of the studio, or send targeted email notifications.

A few of my students take advantage of the Open Mike events at various restaurants in the area. And some play in local staged events such as festivals and open air concerts. The more music making the better; I encourage my students to branch out as much as possible and share their talents.