Many of our students are enrolled in degree programs, both bachelor's and master's levels, while others have finished their academic preparation and are pursuing professional careers. Recent students have enrolled from many schools, including the University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, New England Conservatory, the University of Maryland, and the Eastman School.

The day starts with breakfast, followed by four hours of German language instruction and diction, as well as poetry interpretation classes. Then we all eat lunch. In the afternoon, students in the program have private lessons with our vocal coach, work on musical and dramatic interpretation with artistic director Christoph Hagel, and have time for rehearsal, practice, or even a nap! Before and after dinner, students study, work in the computer labs, play soccer or volleyball, rehearse and practice some more, or enjoy one of the many lectures, performances, or social activities offered through the German School. In the evenings and on weekends, there are plays, films, dance parties, concerts, and outings—all designed to reinforce the use of German in daily life.

Students make tremendous gains in German through immersion. Classes are small and all students have pledged to speak, listen, read, and write German at all times. Students receive personal attention from their language instructors and music teachers, both in and out of the classroom. Students exiting the program show an increase in their vocal, musical, and presentational skills; a better understanding of how to sing German expressively; and a dramatically improved ability to comprehend and speak German. The production from start to finish of an entire opera in German will further prepare students for work in a German-speaking country.

Our core teachers for this program are all native speakers and accomplished professionals in their fields. They are experienced in working with younger musicians, well connected in the musical scene, and in addition to being available for every student to work on musical performance and expression, regardless of their particular interest, they will also provide insights about the realities of pursuing careers in the German-speaking countries. Needless to say, contact with professionals currently performing in Germany and Austria can be of significant benefit to our students' future.

The seven-week session costs $7,495, but if you qualify for need-based financial aid, Middlebury has an outstanding grant program. In addition, Max Kade Fellowships are available for qualified students.