About Session
A Case Study of a University Voice Program with Latin-American Music
This proposal draws on nearly a decade of experience developing the first university-level voice program tailored to hybrid singers specializing in Latin-American vocal styles at the Latin-American Integration Federal University. It explores the benefits of structuring a four-year curriculum around diverse vocal styles rather than a singular repertoire focus. Given the limited time to fully develop an artist, the program emphasizes expanding students’ technical versatility and musicality through cross-training pedagogy. This approach, rooted in functional training principles, incorporates varied repertoire and styles to foster vocal flexibility, muscular functionality, and artistic independence. Students engage in peer-to-peer learning, sharing insights across backgrounds and experiences, while gaining exposure to Latin-American genres through performance and appreciation. The goal is to achieve a foundational proficiency across multiple styles using interleaved and spaced practice. Outcomes observed in graduates include increased vocal strength, coordination, endurance, and stylistic adaptability. Additionally, students demonstrate broader artistic and aesthetic boundaries and enhanced employability. The music industry increasingly values singers with flexible technique, genre-spanning repertoire, entrepreneurial spirit, and collaborative skills. This program equips students with the tools to thrive in diverse musical contexts, encouraging individual expression and creative exploration while building a resilient and versatile vocal instrument.
