The curriculum of the MRL International Music Festival is designed to align with the current state of music education in China, effectively complementing and enhancing domestic teaching content. The program strictly follows the pedagogical systems of leading American and European conservatories, focusing on strengthening students' professional skills, stylistic expression, and musical interpretation. With a diverse range of teaching formats—from one-on-one lessons to masterclasses, and from theoretical courses to stage performance workshops—the festival caters to the learning objectives of music students at all levels. Additionally, participants will immerse themselves in the academic life and campus culture of American conservatories, improving their English communication skills and developing the comprehensive abilities needed for future international careers.
This year's festival features two main programs: the Vocal Opera Camp and the Musical Theater Workshop.
1. Vocal Opera Camp
Mission:
To discover, inspire, and nurture outstanding vocal talents by providing world-class short-term training, promoting international cultural and educational exchange, advancing the globalization of Chinese vocalists, and deepening their systematic understanding of advanced vocal training and teaching methodologies. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of Chinese vocal students, focusing on key aspects of American vocal pedagogy, including vocal performance, vocal science, song interpretation, and language diction (English, German, Italian, and French), laying a solid foundation for future studies in the U.S.
Highlights:
One-on-one masterclasses with renowned professors from the Metropolitan Opera, The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music, New England Conservatory, China Conservatory of Music, and other prestigious institutions.
MRL International Vocal Competition in New York: Judged by distinguished experts from China and abroad, offering participants the chance to win international accolades while gaining valuable stage experience.
Venue: The acclaimed Kaufman Music Center in New York, immersing students in the heart of Western classical music.
Cultural immersion in New York, the world's arts capital, with opportunities to experience performances at iconic venues like the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Broadway.
2. Musical Theater Workshop
Mission:
To introduce innovative approaches to musical theater training through professional and diverse instruction. By learning directly from Broadway stars, directors, and other industry leaders, participants will significantly elevate their performance skills. The workshop offers an immersive Broadway experience, combining study, observation, and hands-on practice, allowing students to fully embrace the excitement and professionalism of the Broadway world. Catering to all ages and skill levels—from children and teens to adults, and from beginners to professional performers—the MRL Musical Theater Workshop provides customized training programs.
Featured Courses:
1. Broadway Rehearsal & Vocal Coaching
Taught by Broadway stars, this course combines daytime learning with evening performances by the same instructors. Students will study classic Broadway repertoire, develop proper vocal techniques for the stage, and prepare for auditions. The course replicates authentic Broadway rehearsal environments, covering everything from vocal training to dance, stage performance, and musical rehearsals.
2. Musical Theater Dance
Students will learn from Broadway dancers and choreographers, starting with warm-ups and progressing to multi-style dance techniques. The course covers essential movement vocabulary, step combinations, and facial expressions for musical theater performers.
3. Stage Improvisation
This dynamic and engaging course, led by Broadway actors and teachers, focuses on improvisational principles and practical applications. After warm-up exercises, students will develop stage concentration, creativity, quick thinking, and coordination with fellow performers.
4. Broadway Audition Techniques
Participants will learn how to prepare for Broadway and conservatory auditions, including song interpretation, repertoire selection, and interview etiquette. Students must prepare a musical theater piece in advance to apply newly acquired audition skills.
5. Q&A with Broadway Artists & Directors
Students can openly discuss any questions about Broadway, musical theater training, career development, school selection, and audition preparation with star performers and directors.
6. Broadway Production Workshop
Through intensive collaboration with Broadway directors and rigorous rehearsal schedules, students will stage a workshop production of a full Broadway musical by the program's conclusion, performing it at an Off-Broadway venue in New York.
MRL International Music Festival - Vocal
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| Cynthia Hoffman, Professor of Voice, The Juilliard School | Marlan Petersen, Chair of Voice Department, Manhattan School of Music | Karen Holvik, Chair of Voice Department, New England Conservatory | Beth Roberts, Director of Vocal Studies, Mannes School of Music |
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| Gregory Buchalter, Conductor, Metropolitan Opera | Rong Shijie, Head of Vocal Department, The Affiliated Middle School of China Conservatory of Music |
MRL International Music Festival - Musical Theater
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| Ann Nathan, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Christy Kats, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Erika Henningsen, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Corey Cott, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist |
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| Robin de Jesús, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Wang Zuoxin, Associate Director, Department of Musical Theatre, Shanghai Conservatory of Music | Daisy Eagan, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Taylor Louderman, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist |
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| Li Tang, Head of Vocal Pedagogy, Department of Musical Theatre, Shanghai Conservatory of Music | Desi Oakley, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Adam Kaplan, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Clébonte Elder, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist |
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| Leslie Kritzer, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Tiffany Haas, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Constantine Maroulis, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist |
MRL International Music Festival - Piano
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| André Schub, Professor of Piano, Manhattan School of Music | Susan Starr, Second Prize Winner, International Tchaikovsky Competition | Bruce Brubaker, Chair of Piano Department, New England Conservatory | Ernesto Barletta, Pre-College Piano Faculty, The Juilliard School |
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| Zhang Jin, Professor, Central Conservatory of Music | Qin Chuan, Professor of Piano, Shandong University | DMA, The Juilliard School | Sun Pengjie, Head of Piano Studies, The Affiliated Middle School of Xinghai Conservatory of Music | Xu Jun, Director of Piano Department, Nanjing University of the Arts |
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| Ren Shuman, Piano Instructor, The Affiliated Middle School of China Conservatory of Music | Zheng Xiaofeng, Piano Faculty, Wuhan Conservatory of Music |