The Singing Department offers a comprehensive and diverse programme designed to cultivate exceptional vocal talent across a broad spectrum of musical styles and languages. Students engage with an extensive repertoire of songs and arias encompassing various classical traditions and languages such as Italian, German, French, English, IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, and Afrikaans. This linguistic and stylistic diversity equips students with the versatility and adaptability required for successful careers in the global music industry.
A cornerstone of the department’s excellence is the opportunity for students to participate in masterclasses led by esteemed visiting lecturers from both South Africa and abroad. Notably, the department maintains a fruitful memorandum of understanding with the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. This collaboration has facilitated enriching visits from distinguished professionals including Dominic Wheeler, the Head of Opera; Samantha Malk, the Deputy Head of Singing; and director Martin Lloyd-Evans. These interactions provide students with invaluable insights and exposure to international standards of vocal performance and pedagogy.
NWU singing students have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievement in both local and international competitions, underscoring the department’s commitment to excellence. They have garnered accolades in contests such as the ATKV Musiqanto Competition, the Phillip Moore Competition, the Mimi Coertse Singing Competition, and the UNISA National Singing Competition. Internationally, they have reached finalist and semi-finalist stages in prestigious events including the Belvedere International Singing Competition, the Hertogenbosch Singing Competition in Amsterdam, The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the Mirjam Helin International Singing Competition in Finland, the Galina Vishnevskaya International Opera Singers Competition, the Stenhammar Competition in Sweden, the SAMRO Singing Competition, and the Emmerich Smola Förderpreis Competition in Germany, among others. These accomplishments reflect the high calibre of training and dedication fostered within the department.
Embracing the evolving landscape of the music industry, the department has recently expanded its offerings to include a Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) voice major. Beginning in 2025, students interested in genres such as pop, rock, musical theatre, and jazz will have the opportunity to study under two new full-time CCM faculty members. This initiative demonstrates the department’s proactive approach to providing relevant and comprehensive education that prepares students for diverse career paths.
The department takes immense pride in its alumni, many of whom have pursued advanced studies and established successful careers in prominent opera houses across Europe and the UK. The faculty, comprising Prof Conroy Cupido, Mr Thomas Erlank, Ms Thembinkosi Magagula, Ms Jana Mathee, and Dr Antoinette Olivier, are well-regarded voice pedagogues, researchers, and performers, committed to maintaining teaching standards that rival leading international institutions. Their expertise and dedication ensure a vibrant and nurturing environment where students’ voices resonate throughout the Conservatory, bringing the building to life each day.
For further information about Singing and Vocal Studies at NWU School of Music, interested individuals are encouraged to contact any of the department’s lecturers to explore the enriching opportunities available: Prof Conroy Cupido | Mr Thomas Erlank | Ms Thembinkosi Magagula | Ms Jana Mathee | Dr Antoinette Olivier.