Private Voice Application - Fall 2025
Welcome to the portal for Private Voice Instruction with the Department of Voice & Opera in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance at the University of Michigan.

Voice 111.  If you have never had private voice lessons, we encourage you to register for any section of Voice 111 (Class Voice). In Voice 111, students meet together in a small group setting (no more than 14 enrollees per class section) where they will sing together and receive overall vocal principles applicable to all types and styles of singing.  In the second half of the term, students will have private lessons to refine and reinforce the fundamentals of good singing.  Overall, Voice 111 is the best place to begin.

Voice 150/500.  For those who have already taken Class Voice at U-M or elsewhere, or have previously received private voice training, then Voice 150 (Applied Private Lessons) is where you may want to be.  Voice 150 (undergrad) and Voice 500 (graduate) consists of 12 weekly one-on-one voice lessons with our experienced graduate student instructors. In Voice 150/500, you will be guided in further development of vocal techniques and the learning of solo repertoire.

Due to the popularity of both Voice 111 and Voice 150/500, please note that not all applicants can be accommodated, nor can placement with a particular teacher of your choice be guaranteed.  If you are accepted into Voice 150/500, you will receive a class override email notifying you of which class and section to enroll in. This does NOT automatically guarantee you a place in the class; you must enroll through Wolverine Access. Additionally, if you are assigned to a studio (a specific instructor) and find you can no longer take lessons, please email Becky Olsen (beckyo@umich.edu) ASAP to let us know, so we may offer your slot to another student. Failure to notify us will negatively impact the opportunity of your being placed in any Voice for non-majors offerings in subsequent semesters. Failure to register for Voice 150/500 by September 19, 2025 may result in your being removed from the class.

This form will stop collecting applications on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 8am. Instructor assignments will be determined on a rolling basis through September 10, 2025, so thank you in advance for your patience.  Please fill out the application, and we'll point you in the right direction!
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Email *
Your full name (First and Last). *
Your 8-digit U-M ID number. *
What is your Home Unit? *
What is your academic program (major)? *
Are applied voice lessons elective or required in your academic program (major)? *
Are you a declared Music Minor? *
Declaration will be checked prior to placement
What is your class level? *
Which of the following statements BEST describes your singing experience?
What styles (genres) of music are you most interested in learning more about?  (check no more than 2)
How many years of singing experience do you have? *
Enter numbers only
Briefly describe your previous vocal training: *
Responses are limited to 550 characters.
Have you already taken class voice (Voice 111) at U-M?
Clear selection
Have you previously studied private voice (Voice 150/500) at U-M? *
This does NOT include participation in campus ensembles.
If yes, who was your most recent private voice instructor and how long did you study with them?
This does NOT include campus ensemble conductors.
Who is your first choice instructor? (While we try to honor all requests, there is no guarantee that you will be placed with your first choice teacher.)

Tyrese Byrd (tenor) - One of my goals for each of my students is to become critical thinkers and go beyond just learning technique. Although vocal technique and building a solid technical foundation is my primary priority, I want to ensure that students leave with a well-rounded understanding of the repertoire they are singing including background, diction, style, and performance practice. I am a teacher who is dedicated to presenting a balanced pedagogical and repertoire experience,

leaving my students with a better understanding of themselves and are empowered to become better performers and lovers of singing.


Catherine Goode (soprano) - Singing is one of the truest forms of self- and artistic expression in which one will find much joy, comfort, and love. As a passionate educator and advocate for my students, I focus on individualized instruction, tailoring lessons to each student's musical/vocal goals and repertoire interests, and addressing each student's unique instrument and needs. I enjoy taking this journey with my students as they become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and practitioners!

Dorian Hall (baritone) - I believe that with thoughtful musicianship, a well-informed purpose, steadfast discipline, consistent practice, proper diet and rest and a healthy curiosity for beauty and the "beaux" arts, you, the voice student can rapidly transmogrify into a genuine artist. I sincerely extend a musical invitation not only to help you find your true voice but ultimately to know and discover more of thyself. 

Jiayu Li (soprano) - My approach to teaching voice is based on the bel canto technique using a combination of vocalises to work on breath management, vowel clarity, and consistent legato singing with confident musical expression. I strive to meet each of my students at their level with personalized instruction and guide them to explore and expand their vocal repertoire. It is my mission to create a safe and supportive environment to help my students find joy in their singing, open up who they are as a performer, find their performance identity, nurture their unique instruments, and build their confidence to share all their musical talents.

Christina Parson (soprano) Learning to sing is a process that simultaneously demands discipline and vulnerability. Therefore, I aim to provide a safe space in which students can explore and discover their voices, regardless of genre or goal. Though I tailor vocal and anatomical exercises to each student’s journey, two things are always required from the student: practice and patience!

Daiyao Zhong (mezzo-soprano) - In my teaching philosophy, I strongly believe that singing is an incredibly personal and meaningful form of self-expression. It's my mission to inspire my students to discover and embrace their unique voice, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for them to explore their vocal abilities and build confidence. I prioritize vocal health, breath support, and fundamental techniques in my teaching approach, helping students to develop a strong foundation in vocal technique that will enable them to sing with greater ease, emotion, and authenticity.

*

While we try to honor all requests, there is no guarantee that you will be placed with your first choice teacher. Instructors are subject to change.
If you are not able to be placed in private voice lessons (Voice 150) would you be interested in taking class voice (Voice 111)? *
Briefly describe how private voice instruction (singing lessons) will further your goals: *
Responses are limited to 500 characters
Any Additional Comments?
A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.
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