Because it's a competitive world out there, and you deserve a prestigious vocal program that fits your needs. The Torggler Vocal Institute (TVI) is an immersive, two-week, residency program at Christopher Newport University for emerging, young vocal artists, aged 15-25.
If you wish to elevate your voice and unleash your talent by training with world-renowned vocal teachers, performers and industry professionals who will prepare you to take the stage, Torggler is the program for you.
- Charlie, Virginia
It’s already inside you — a voice that stuns the room and lifts everyone up, emotion so raw the audience can’t help but feel each note, and a passion that has the potential to transform your future.
At Torggler, you'll take your performance to the next level with:
Don’t hold back. It’s time to show the world you’re more than just another great singer. You have to know how to work in a team, how to rehearse, how to sing if you’re a dancer and how to dance if you’re a singer.
You’ll learn from masters and stars who know the struggle. They’ll help you build confidence so strong, nothing can stand in your way.
Get ready for the spotlight. You'll really shine once you conquer what’s beyond the bright lights: how to take a headshot and conduct yourself in rehearsal, who gets the part and why and what sets winners apart. At Torggler, you’ll learn the arts business from the people who know the secrets of success.
The stage is waiting. Make it yours.
- Hannah, Virginia
Co-author of Cross Training in the Voice Studio: A Balancing Act and chair of the American Academy of Teachers of Singing, Barton lives in New York, where she maintains a voice studio for Broadway performers. In addition to private teaching, she is frequently invited to present her workshop “Bel Canto/Can Belto” in the U.S and abroad.
Charismatic, elegant, bold and bright are words that have been used to describe soprano Vanessa Becerra, recent graduate of LA Opera’s prestigious Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. Becerra has played the roles of Maria in Francesca Zambello’s "West Side Story," Musetta in "La bohème" and Lise in Philip Glass’s "Les enfants terribles." She earned her master’s degree from the Boston Conservatory, which recently invited her as a featured alumna to perform at their 150th Anniversary Gala at Symphony Hall.
Dr. Corbin is currently director of keyboard studies at Christopher Newport. Ben earned the bachelor of music and master of music degrees in piano performance from the University of Oregon. He also earned a second master of music and the doctorate in musical arts in collaborative piano from the University of Texas, studying with Anne Epperson.
Vocal health is just as important as physical health. Ann Cyptar is a doctor and trained singer with over 20 years of experience, and she presents regionally on vocal health issues and various voice problems. She specializes in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of the injured voice in those who use their voice for their occupation, including singers and actors. Cyptar will offer her vocal health expertise this summer, giving you advice and tips that will keep you performing at your best for years to come.
Glinda the Good Witch by day, entrepreneur and designer by night. Haas is a Broadway performer who has wowed audiences nationwide. She studied opera and musical theater at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree. Tiffany is excited to share tips that she’s learned on and off stage.
Dr. Holland is professor of voice at CNU, and her students have gone on to attend prestigious graduate programs and grace stages around the nation. Accomplished in both operatic and orchestral repertoire, she has taken on a wide range of genres and periods from Mozartean repertoire to 20th-century composers.
Howard is a Broadway actress, recording artist and concert performer who began her professional career at age 10, and has continued to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. On Broadway, Siri has appeared in "Les Misérables" and "The Sound of Music." When she’s not on stage, Howard loves spending time with her husband, director Max Quinlan and their dog Manny.
One of Christopher Newport’s very own, Johanson ('08) graduated with a BA in music theater and BM in vocal performance. She performed her first professional show, "Quilters," with Tidewater Regional Repertory Theatre alongside many TheaterCNU students and faculty. Following that she moved to New York and booked an Off-Broadway show one month later. Since then, Johanson has appeared in "Avenue Q," "Bruce Lee: Journey to the West," and "Three Sisters" (Classical Theatre of Harlem).
Dr. Kim teaches theory, composition and keyboard at Christopher Newport. She is a pianist and composer of both acoustic and electroacoustic music.
Dr. McGuire is director of opera at CNU. He is an active teacher, director and performer who has directed and performed with several opera companies and orchestras throughout the U.S. and Europe. He has taught voice at the University of Texas and Northwestern University, and maintains a private voice studio.
Ortiz is a Louisiana native and actor known for his appearances in "Days of Our Lives," "ER" and "Killspeed," among others.
Director, advocate and entrepreneur, Perlow is the associate director of the Tony winning Broadway musical “Once on This Island.” As a director, Perlow has been on the teams of five Broadway productions. He’s also the founder of The Actor's Gym acting studio based in New York and the co-founding artistic director of ATTENTIONTheatre, which advocates for artists with disabilities so they can create art at the highest level.
Quinlan is a Broadway director, performer and Jeff Award-Winning actor. Max is the resident director for the North American U.S. National Tour of "The Phantom of the Opera." He delivers a wide array of classes focusing on audition coaching, song interpretation, vocal coaching and introduction to professional theater.
Ruffer, assistant professor of theater at CNU, specializes in musical theater singing. Most recently, Ruffer wrote, directed and performed a solo cabaret that explored the trope of “Heroes and Villains” as portrayed in traditional American musical theater. He earned his MFA in voice pedagogy for musical theatre from Penn State University, where he trained with Mary Saunders-Barton.
"Wicked" and "Matilda" (Broadway), "Shout! the mod musical" (off-Broadway, recording on Rhino Records), "Take the Stage with the Broadway Stars" (starring Tony Award winner Jessie Meuller, Carnegie Hall) and "Lucky Stiff" (Sage Theater NYC) are just a few of Stephens’ roles. As a private voice teacher, pianist and music director, Stephens will work with you one-on-one to prepare you for the next level.
- Casey, Alabama
| Application fee | Tuition, room and board (if paid before April 1) |
Tuition, room and board (if paid after April 1) |
|---|---|---|
| $30 | $2,250 | $2,450 |
Your investment includes two weeks in residence at Christopher Newport University, and:
Christopher Newport University Department of Music
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606-3072
Phone: (757) 594-8196
Email: torggler@cnu.edu
TVI is made possible by a generous gift from George and Mary Torggler, retired entrepreneurs and longtime supporters of the arts and education.
*2019 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges
**2018 Princeton Review Best Colleges