How much is tuition?
Every music student at Yale receives a scholarship to cover full tuition.
Do students receive stipends?
Voice students entering the Yale School of Music (YSM) through the ISM receive generous monthly stipends.
What is the Voxtet?
The name “Voxtet” is simply a catchy name for the eight voice majors enrolled in the ISM voice program. It implies neither a specific era in music history nor a specific number of voices.
What is Yale Schola Cantorum?
Yale Schola Cantorum is our top-notch, 24-28-voice chamber choir led by interim conductor, Stefan Parkman (until the end of 2025), and principal conductor, Grete Pedersen (as of Jan. 1, 2026). The Voxtet acts as the section leaders and soloists for the ensemble throughout the year. Schola tours and produces recordings regularly.
What sort of repertoire do you do at the ISM?
Our repertoire spans the 1000-year history of notated Western music, starting with Gregorian Chant and moving forward through the centuries to the present day. The core experience, spread out over four semesters, is the High Baroque, regularly featuring works in German, Italian, French, and English. From here, we spread our wings in both directions back to the Medieval era and forward to the present day, often commissioning new works
Do voice students perform recitals?
Yes! Voice students do one recital each year—a required recital comprising repertoire from at least four eras and in four languages; and a degree recital for which students receive a budget to hire instrumentalists. The repertoire in the second recital is essentially up to the student.
How many lessons do students get each week?
Each student (M.M., M.M.A., D.M.A.) receives a one-hour, weekly, private voice lesson. A collaborative pianist/keyboardist is present at all lessons. Additionally, we have a weekly studio class or seminar in voice.
What other vocal instruction do ISM majors receive?
- Weekly coaching with a pianist/keyboard specialist, who also plays for all lessons and recitals.
- Weekly coaching with an early music specialist.
- Diction courses in German, Italian, French, and Latin in various national pronunciations.
- The opportunity to participate in a weekly vocal chamber music class.
Are there required ISM and religion courses?
The ISM requires all voice majors to take at least two ISM courses—that is courses taught by ISM faculty or courses that align with the ISM’s mission. These cover a huge variety of topics, from theology and musicology to literature and art.
Are ISM graduate students able to take courses outside the YSM and ISM?
Yes! While scheduling such courses is sometimes challenging, students may take courses offered by other professional schools, and even courses in Yale College.
Are students allowed to have outside gigs?
Yes, when possible. All outside gigs and absences must, however, be approved in advance and should not interfere with our own programing. There is an official limit to how many days a student may be absent each year.
Any questions can be directed to the Voxtet program director, Professor Jimmy Taylor.