In support of the vocal arts, King University is delighted to offer students and performers in our region the opportunity to develop their skills through two masterclasses presented by Grammy-winning Metropolitan Opera tenor Aaron Blake.
Blake, who is serving as Artist in Residence for the 2024-25 academic year, will offer two classes – one geared for high school students and another designed for adults. There is no charge to attend.
If you are an instructor who is interested in bringing a group to observe the high school event, or a vocal performer who would like to be one of those chosen for personal instruction, read on for more information and guidelines on how to apply.
Registration is available here.
For questions or more information on the classes, please email [email protected].
High School Master Class
Thursday, October 24 from 10 a.m. – Noon
King University Memorial Chapel
2413 Tadlock Road, Bristol, TN 37620
Geared towards juniors and seniors who foster musical gifts and a desire to study voice at the collegiate level, this fun and educational class will focus on presentation, diction, style, and vocal technique.
The goal of the class is for participants and those in the audience to gain a better understanding of the voice, along with a grasp of helpful tools to navigate their own technical path as singers. It will include instruction in classical voice as well as other potential genres. Students are welcome to observe as well as audition to participate.
Attendance is open on a first-come, first-served basis to high school choral instructors, their classes, and interested members of the community. Registration is available here.
Up to five students from each school may audition to receive personal instruction during the class.
Applications will be accepted in video format and should consist of one selection, either:
The deadline to submit an audition video is Monday, September 30. To submit a video:
- Capture a performance on an iPhone or smartphone device. Please video in horizontal format (not vertical). Where possible, have live piano accompaniment. Videos of performances from the past six months with live piano or orchestral accompaniment will also be accepted.
- Include your name and school in the introduction of the video
- Upload the video to the dedicated Sharepoint site HERE.
- Once a video has been uploaded, please email [email protected] with a note that a video has been submitted. In your email, please include your name and school.
A total of five participants and two alternates (in case of illness or if time permits) will be chosen. If chosen, participants should prepare two contrasting selections (these may be different from the initial audition repertoire).
Registration is available here.
College–Level Masterclass
Saturday, October 26 from 1-3 p.m.
King University Memorial Chapel
2413 Tadlock Road, Bristol, TN 37620
The college-level masterclass is designed for musicians from regional colleges and universities who are studying vocal performance. Participants will be encouraged to fine tune an already well-developed skill set to help them shape a promising career in the classical vocal arts. Topics will include advanced vocal technique, diction, and presentation.
Students from the high school masterclass and community members are welcome to attend and observe. Registration is available here.
Twenty submissions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Five participants and one alternate will be chosen. Applications will be accepted in video format, and the repertoire should consist of two contrasting selections, including:
The deadline to submit an audition video is Monday, September 30. To submit a video:
- Capture a performance on an iPhone or smartphone device. Please video in horizontal format (not vertical). Where possible, have live piano accompaniment. Videos of performances from the past six months with live piano or orchestral accompaniment will also be accepted.
- Include your name and school in the introduction of the video
- Upload the video to the dedicated Sharepoint site HERE.
- Once a video has been uploaded, please email [email protected] with a note that a video has been submitted. In your email, please include your name and school.