<p>So I visited Middlebury a couple weeks back, and absolutely loved it-- much to my surprise, in fact. The one serious (and quite possibily, determining) drawback was its seeming lack of serious music. I've been singing for almost four years now, and I would like to pursue it, but not necessarily in a conservatory setting. If there was a wonderful voice teacher at Middlebury along with a variety of relatively high quality performing ensembles/outside performing opportunities (say, in conjunction with a local opera company or something), that might be enough for me. </p>
<p>Now, I understand the unlikeliness of this, given that Middlebury is located in such a remote location. However, I really did love it, and I'm reluctant to cross it off the list!</p>
<p>So, in summary, does anyone know about: a) the voice faculty, b) the strength of the performing ensembles, c) other musical establishment affiliations?</p>
<p>As a student at Middlebury, I can truthfully tell you that the Middlebury is struggling with the music department. But that doesn't mean that there isn't serious singing and serious singers on campus. There are two main vocal teachers (a third, part-time): Carol Christensen and Beth Thompson. I work with Carol and she is quite good but others swear by Beth. Each semester, they put on recitals for their students and each year, the department puts on a vocally-intensive musical or operetta (this year, they are doing Sweeney Todd). But singing doesn't stop there, many students also choose to sing in College Choir which is getting a huge makeover this year under the leadership of Jeff Buettner who is doing great things in re-organizing to get the choir touring within the next several years. A lot of students also choose to sing in an on-campus acappella group which is a huge sensation (and source of on-campus "fame"). Overall, it's not that the music faculty is bad. Individually, there are several excellent professors but the department is having trouble overall in revamping their programs. I think there is great hope to be a part of something new and exciting in the next few years. </p>
<p>In terms of off-campus activities, it gets tough but the surrounding area does have an opera company and the Town Hall Theater is opening up in the town of Middlebury this summer debuting with La Boheme. </p>
<p>I sang seriously in operas, musicals, and choirs for 10 years before coming to Middlebury and have had a hard time adapting to the lack of serious singing but that is changing slowly but surely and I think you should definitely keep Middlebury in mind if you're looking to be a part of a new change toward creating a really strong liberal-arts singing program -- something that the President of the College is aware of.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know and I can direct you to students who have an even more in depth knowledge of this issue.</p>
<p>On the subject of the town hall theater, Middlebury just came to an agreement with them to fund them with something like $1 million/year to have the college have use of the space for certain parts of the year. Also included in the deal was the possibility of student internships and employment in the theater. This hopefully equals more performances (musicals and singing in general) in the theater and more student involvement with those performances.</p>
<p>I also really like Middlebury as far as academics, but I was curious when the tour guide glossed over the music department. I don't want to detract from the vocal question from OP, but I figure I'll ask my question in the same post. I'm a violinist (and a casual singer, but that's beside the point). Is there a decent symphony orchestra on campus? Also interested in chamber music, but symphony is my first love. Anyone have any information? Thanks.</p>
<p>Yes, Middlebury has a College Orchestra which has really picked up in the last several years under the leadership of Troy Peters who also conducts for Vermont Youth Symphony. The people involved in Orchestra seem really to like it more and more; lots of young folks joining the ranks. I won't say it is top notch yet but there are some very talented folks who are involved including a violinist friend of mine who really likes the people and direction of the group.</p>
<p>I am a music major (voice) at Middlebury, and I have to disagree with the previous post that "Middlebury is struggling with its music department." I've actually been quite pleased with the department and my overall experience, as have all the music majors in my class. Both voice teachers mentioned in the previous replies are fantastic and exceptionally qualified. In terms of the courses I've taken, I feel like I've gotten a really solid music education - the department requires that majors take theory, composition, history, performance, and ethnomusicology classes, so everyone gets a solid background. I think that the biggest strengths of the department are the faculty and the personal attention for students. All the professors are really interesting and different - they have very dynamics ways of teaching and expose us to so many different areas of music. They love creativity and are always willing to support students in any musical endeavor. Also, I love being in a small department because I can give input on courses, performing ensembles, etc., and get real feedback. Last year, I asked for a new course to be offered, and this semester, I'm taking it! Pretty quick response! My advisor is amazing, and all the professors are well-respected in their fields. I'm also currently in the college choir, which is showing incredible growth under the direction of our new conductor. Anyway, I'm hoping to go into music professionally, and I feel very prepared and happy with the experiences I've had in music here. Good luck, and feel free to ask any more questions!</p>