All lessons must be well-prepared. Suggested minimum practice time is one hour per day. Organize your practice time so that you have 10 or 15 minutes of vocalizing, and then work on your repertoire.

Arrive at your lesson warmed-up and ready to sing. Always bring a notebook for keeping track of information, assignments, vocal exercises, etc.

If you are ill or have an emergency to attend to, you must call in advance of the lesson time. Call my studio, 831-5296, or call the school secretary at 831-5177 and make sure that the message is delivered directly to me. You can also e-mail me at cjames@radford.edu. Unexcused missed lessons will automatically lower your grade.

You are expected make an English translation of any foreign language repertoire. (In addition to foreign language dictionaries, other resources are the Word-By-Word books from my personal library, or you can use the library copies. They are on reserve under Applied Voice. Some Web resources are babelfish.com or freetranslations.com

Learning to use the IPA is extremely important and will be covered as much as possible in your lessons.

Voice Performance Classes

Participation is required in all Voice Performance Classes. (Three TBA each semester.)

All songs performed in Voice Performance Class must be from memory.

Always bring 4 x 6 index cards for writing comments. Then bring your comments to your following lesson for discussion.

Performances/Assignments

Attendance at all voice recitals is required.

Attendance at the Opera Ensemble performances (fall/spring) is required.

There will be other recommended performances TBA throughout the year.

There will be individual written and listening assignments TBA throughout the year.

Grading

One half of your final grade is given by the teacher's daily grade, one half from the Jury Exam at the end of the semester.

The RU catalog defines "A" work as excellent; "B" for work which is distinctly above average; "C" indicates work of average quality; "D" as below average; and "F" as failure.

Contact me for more detailed information about vocal repertoire.

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