About the Instructor
Dr. Rickards earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University. He then received a Fulbright-Hayse Scholarship and a Rotary Grant for continued study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He completed his Doctor of Music at Florida State University. Dr. Rickards teaches as a Vocal Instructor at both Butler University and the University of Indianapolis.
At the University of Indianapolis he is also co-director of the Vocal Arts Institute for high school students. Each summer, he teaches at the Summer Music International Summer School at Ardingly College in England. He is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).
In addition to his work at the college level, Dr. Rickards also maintains a private voice studio, where he teaches adult students as well as a substantial number of high school and middle school students. Many of his younger students have been members of the Indianapolis Children's Choir. His high school students have done consistently well in solo competitions such as ISSMA and the Prelude Awards (sponsored by the Indianapolis Children's Museum). His students have been accepted for musical study at the following institutions: Ball State University, Butler University, Carnegie Mellon University, De Paul University, Florida State University, Indiana University, the University of Indianapolis, Millikin College, the Mountview Conservatory (London), Northwestern University, and Stetson University.
Why Study Singing?
The art of singing is a marvelous pursuit. Singing is an activity that can enrich one's life both musically and socially. The more one develops musical skills, the more one is capable of truly understanding the depth, beauty, and tremendous power that the world of music and singing has to offer.
Singing is a physical activity. In this aspect, it is similar to a sport. Whether one sees music primarily as a hobby or as a career goal, a sense of commitment and discipline is required for proper skills development. Frequent practice is necessary to apply and re-enforce the principles of good singing. Through the singing of scales and other vocal exercises, the student will learn techniques in proper posture, breath control and tone placement.
Singing is a musical activity. A singer must be musically literate in order to achieve the maximum enjoyment that music has to offer. The student will develop the skills of music reading and sight singing. Young singers often rely on their ears to learn their music. Achieving musical independence is an important skill to develop. This process involves developing the eye as well as the ear when approaching a new score.
Singing is an intellectual activity. In this aspect it is similar to any other academic subject. In order for one to grow as a singer one needs to explore music from a variety of different time periods and styles. The student will begin their vocal training with folksongs from various cultures. The student will explore vocal music of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Periods. We will begin our studies with songs in English. In time we will include songs in Italian, French, Latin, and German.
Singing is also an emotional activity. In order to become a successful singer, one must explore the world of emotion and dramatic intent. A singer needs to connect with text on an emotional level. The student will develop these skills by reading of song text as poetry. The student will also learn how to develop and use subtext to enhance their performance. To refine these skills, we will explore the repertoire of British and American art song and the American Musical Theatre tradition.
Studying With Dr Rickards
Dr. Rickards maintains an active private studio of young singers and adults. Middle school students, high school students, and adults interested in vocal study should contact Dr. Rickards directly at (317) 252-4311.
High school students attending North Central High School may receive lessons through the Vocal Arts Institute sponsored by the University of Indianapolis. It will be possible for many of the students enrolled through this program to have lessons at school during the school day. For information about this program, please contact the administrator of the program, Holly Garmon, at (317) 788-2109.
Vocal Arts Institute Summer Program
Each summer, the University of Indianapolis offers the Vocal Arts Institute, a ten-day summer program for singers of high school age (grades 9-12). The program is aimed at developing vocal, musical and theatrical skills, offering private vocal instruction and classes in movement and music theory. Students can either live on campus for the duration of the institute, or they can live at home and commute daily. For further information about the summer program, please contact our administrator, Holly Garmon, at (317) 788-2109.
Student News and Honors
High School Students:
2004-2005
David Barnhouse (Ben Davis H.S.) has been accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Music Education at Indiana University, Bloomington.
Katherine Bayt (Cathedral H.S.) has been awarded the "Outstanding Performer Award" from the Choral Department's Pop/Swing Choir.
Hanna Benn (North Central H.S.) has been accepted to Cornish College of Fine Arts in Seattle, Washington as a Vocal Jazz Major.
Matt Campbell (North Central H.S.) has been awarded a $2500 vocal scholarship at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY
Alec Goins (Seymour H.S.) has been accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Music Education at Butler University.
Laura Gunton (Home school) has been accepted to Butler University and has beeen awarded the Irvington Scholarship and the Media Arts Department scholarship for 2005-2006.
Kristen Kennedy (North Central H.S.) has been accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Music Education at Indiana University, Bloomington.
Erica Mail (North Central H.S.) Has been accepted to All-State Choir, 2006.
Maggie Meier (Pike H.S.) was a finalist in the Prelude Awards sponsored by the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.
Matt Preston (Ben Davis H.S.) took first place at Center Grove High School’s “Best in the Midwest” competition in the solo division. He was also awarded third place in the solo division of Mooresville High School’s “Spotlighter’s Invitational.” He has been accepted to Ball State University to pursue a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater.
Timothy Williams (North Central H.S.) was awarded the won "Outstanding Male Soloist in the Competition Division" in the Mooresville High School’s “Spotlighter’s Invitational.” He was also first place in the 2005 Carroll Show Choir Invitational Mixed Choir Competition as male soloist within a choir. He will attend Ball State University as a Music Theater major.
Congratulations to the following students for winning first place in the State ISSMA Competition:
Katherine Bayt
David Barnhouse
Nicole Bridgens
Elise Vreede
(Cathedral H.S)
(Ben Davis H.S.)
(Beech Grove H.S)
(University H.S.)
College Students:
Lindsy Kannen (Butler) will return for her second year as a counselor for the Vocal Arts Institute at the University of Indianapolis.
Sarah Kellner (Butler) and Leah Johnston (Butler) were the first students to perform in recital at Butler University’s newly renovated Eidson-Duckwall Hall.
Patrick Parsell (Butler), countertenor, recently sang his senior recital at Butler University. He has been invited to audition for Chanticleer.
Lindsay Szwed (Butler) soprano, won a 2005-06 SAI music Scholarship. She will be attending the Summer Music Summer School at -Ardingly College in England.
2005-2006
High School Students:
Jeff Barth (North Central H.S.)was the 1st Prize winner in The Prelude Awards Sponsored by the Indianapolis Children's Museum. He was awanded a $20,000 scholarship by the University of Indianapolis.
David Terry (North Central H.S.)was a finalist in the Prelude Awards sponsored by the Indianapolis Children's Museum. He was awarded a scholarship by Depauw University
Leea Rothenberg (North Central H.S.) was the 1st prize winner in the solo category at the Ben Davis Giant Spectacular
Jeff Barth (North Central H.S.) was the 3rd prize winner in the solo category at the Ben Davis Giant Spectacular
Caroline Turk was the 4th prize winner in the solo category at the Ben Davis Giant Spectacular
Congratulations to the following students for winninggoldin the District ISSMA Competition:
Emily Adams
Melanie Addleman
Katherine Bayt
Jeff Barth
Claire Corn
Cory Burns
Eddie Foggs
Britnay Mani
Maggie Martin
Alex Minner
Leela Rothenberg
Carla Seet
David Terry
Caroline Tuerk
Cate Vreede
Tyler Webb
(North Central H.S.)
(Carmel H.S.)
(Cathedral H.S)
(North Central H.S.)
(Perry Meridian M.S)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(Pike H.S)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(The Orchard School)
(Cathedral H. S.)
Congratulations to the following students for winning Silver in the District ISSMA Competition:
Ben Fraughier
Jenny Kincaid
Max Newman
Helen Russick
Natalie Van Biskirk
Jennifer Williams
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
(North Central H.S.)
Contact Me
steven@stevenrickards.com
(317)252-4311