Vocal Music
Faculty of Music, Department of Performance & Composition, Vocal Music
Developing expressive abilities that extend beyond words
We develop the voice from the ground up, cultivating the ability to perform on any stage, including opera and song. While mastering correct vocalization, we also place emphasis on deepening understanding of the origins and background of the works and honing expressive abilities. Students learn not only Japanese but also other languages, including Italian, German, French, and English, and are instructed in singing that conveys deep emotion and emotion to the listener, paying attention to the subtle nuances of vowels and consonants in each original language. In the specialized courses from the third year onwards, students can choose from more specialized courses, such as the "Lieder Song Soloist Course" and the "Opera Soloist Course" (selection required), and a wide range of classes are offered to prepare them as educators or répétiteurs.
Learning Features
- First, learn the basics of vocal music through "songs"
- Acquire expression methods that overcome language barriers
- You can receive a wide range of education to become a vocalist, educator, choral leader, etc.
Lesson Video
F. Schubert: Du bist di Ruh (You are my rest)
G. Puccini: "La Bohème" - "Quando me'n vo" (When I walk through the city)
Class and Activity Introduction
Specialized Practical Skills (Vocal)
In addition to learning vocal and breathing techniques, students will develop rich individual sensibilities and expressive powers through the study of songs, operas, religious music, and more, enabling them to perform in a way that resonates with the heart.
Diction
(Italian, German, French, English)
This is pronunciation instruction by a vocal music instructor. Students will learn how to pronounce various foreign languages correctly, while also striving to improve their pronunciation, leading to better singing expression.
Opera Exercises
Students will learn the expressive techniques of opera, which is touted as a "comprehensive art," by singing, playing, and performing choral pieces from works by Mozart and others.
Song Exercises
Taking into account the linguistic characteristics and historical background of each country, students will study song works in chronological order and learn singing and ensemble techniques appropriate to each work.
Musical Theatre Course
This course, which can be taken from the third year onwards, allows students to take practical musical theatre classes.
in Focus - 23rd Vocal Music Chorus Concert
The 23rd Vocal Music Choir Concert was held in November 2024. Conducted by Professor Yoshinao Kihara and Professor Toshiyuki Kudo, the concert included Mozart's "Mass in C minor, K. 427," Stravinsky's "Mass," and Atsutada Odaka's collection of women's choral pieces, "Come to the Cape of Spring." Soloists were selected through on-campus auditions, and students participated in the chorus, filling the hall with the fruits of their daily practice.
Student's Voice
Only through the accumulation of fundamentals and knowledge can
You will be able to express yourself through song
ISHIBASHI Mina
Department of Performance & Composition, Vocal Music, 4th year
Graduated from Tokiwagi Gakuen High School, Miyagi
Vocal Music + Song Soloist Course
The appeal of Kunio's vocal music is that it allows students to learn a wide range of techniques as a soloist, including opera, song, and musicals. Furthermore, because the major has a large number of students, students can also enjoy ensembles, duets, and choruses. Every "Song Practice" class requires a performance, and while practice is tough, listening to other people's performances leads to new discoveries and is a valuable learning experience. Even with the same song, everyone sings it differently. I learned that it's important to sing with confidence, focusing on what you want to convey, without comparing yourself to others. I believe the more time you spend building your foundation and studying sheet music, the more you'll be able to discover your own expression. I want to be mindful of singing songs that reach the listener, rather than singing in a one-way manner.
Faculty Message
Music is closest to my heart
KURODA Hiroshi
Vocal Music
Specialty: Vocal music
Music is always there to accompany you, whether you're happy or sad. If medicine is the field closest to life, then music is perhaps closest to the heart. At this College, where you'll find friends who share a common interest in music, you'll be exposed to a variety of genres of music, not just vocal music, and discover the joy of music. Being able to release the emotions you normally suppress on stage is a joy that only musicians can experience.
Educational Goals
This major aims to develop musicians with rich sensibility, creativity, and humanity by fully understanding that "singing" is the foundation of all music, carefully cultivating basic skills, honing musical expression, and on top of that, acquiring a wide range of musical knowledge and general culture.
Admissions Policy
We are looking for proactive individuals who aim to be active not only as opera and concert performers, but also in various musical scenes in education and society.
Curriculum Policy
In the basic course, students will "develop a voice for vocal music" with the aim of achieving a more natural and straightforward vocalization. As a required subject, students will acquire vocal expression in a wide range of languages through diction classes in German, Italian, and French. In the specialized course, students will develop a more advanced musicality while learning dialogue and cooperation through opera, song, and oratorio ensembles.
Diploma Policy
Students will acquire the vocal technique and expressive ability that are the foundation of music, and with the ability to cooperate with others that they have acquired through classes such as ensemble and chorus, they will be able to respond and play an active role not only in opera and concert performances but also in all aspects of society.