(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – May 28, 2010) California Lutheran University’s Summer Vocal Institute returns in July with a two-week program of choral and solo singing.

The full-day program for 12- to 18-year-old aspiring singers will be held from July 11 through 24.

The two-week institute covers vocal technique, solo repertoire and performance. Students will explore their voice and artistry through one-on-one coaching/lessons, daily master classes and course work in technique, sight singing, performance etiquette, interpretation, movement, and classical and musical theater repertoire.

Both weeks will include a mix of choral and solo singing. Wyant Morton, who chairs the music department and conducts the chorale ensembles at CLU, will lead an intense week and a half of ensemble singing that will culminate in a concert. Master teachers Angela Rasmussen Hicks, a mezzo-soprano on the CLU faculty, and Valencia Vas, a classically trained soprano on the Pepperdine University faculty, will focus on solo singing with students.

The program features opportunities to attend or perform in concerts. There will be three performances that will be open to the public, including one featuring Hicks and Vas.

The institute is open to youths of all levels, whether they just started singing in a choir or have been studying voice for several years. Enrollment is limited to preserve the individualized nature of the program.

Three $1,000 scholarships, which are renewable for four years, will be awarded to prospective students of CLU at the end of the institute.

Tuition is $865. For more information, go to http://www.callutheran.edu/music/svi, call (805) 405-0148 or (818) 605-3944, or e-mail CLUSVI@callutheran.edu.