For five transformative weeks this past summer, a group of 热博官网 University vocal students traded familiar rehearsal rooms for the historic streets of Salzburg, Austria, immersing themselves in music, language, and culture at one of the world’s most vibrant classical music hubs. Guided by Dr. Caroline Bergan, assistant professor of voice, the experience proved to be far more than a study-abroad opportunity. For many, it was a turning point.

The students participated in the Frost School of Music Summer Program in Austria, a rigorous international program. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional-level singers live and study together while receiving intensive training in voice, musicianship, language, and performance.

Surrounded by peers from across the United States and Europe, the students studied, performed, and lived in one of the world’s most celebrated classical music cities, gaining not only musical skills but new confidence and direction.

For Bergan, the experience was deeply personal.

“This program was incredibly full circle for me,” Bergan said. “I participated in it myself as a young singer. My own teacher was on faculty then, and now I found myself returning as summer faculty, teaching students, including my own, from 热博官网.”

That personal history was part of what motivated Bergan to bring 热博官网 students with her for the summer experience. She knew firsthand how impactful the program could be and believed 热博官网 students would benefit just as deeply.

Preparing for a Global Experience

Preparation began long before the group boarded a plane. Many of the students had never traveled internationally, and for some, this was their first immersive music program outside the United States.

“We started preparing months ahead of time,” said Savannah Nyang ’26, a vocal music education major. “We had group chats, Zoom meetings, and constant communication so we could ask questions about travel, culture, music, everything. By the time we left, it felt less scary because we were prepared together.”

That preparation paid off, especially on travel day. Flying into Munich and navigating trains into Austria was overwhelming, but moving as a group helped ease the stress.

“Having Dr. Bergan there made everything so much easier,” Nyang said. “She speaks German, and after a long day of travel, that made a huge difference. We were exhausted but so relieved to see someone we knew.”

Musically, preparation was just as intense. Students arrived in Austria with repertoire already learned, allowing them to immediately dive into refinement and growth.

Living Inside the Music

Once in Salzburg, the students quickly realized they were entering a musical world unlike anything they had experienced before.

“Everywhere you go, there’s music,” Nyang said. “Concerts, operas, masterclasses, it’s just part of daily life there.”

The students’ schedules reflected that immersion. Each week included two private voice lessons, coaching sessions with professional collaborative pianists, daily German language classes, and frequent masterclasses. With no other academic coursework, students were able to focus entirely on their craft.

“It was the first time I could truly give all my energy to singing,” Nyang said. “That alone made a huge difference.”

Students arrived with repertoire prepared in advance, allowing them to spend the five weeks refining technique, exploring language, and growing artistically. For Nyang, that meant tackling German art song, something she had previously found intimidating.

“I’ve always struggled with German,” she said. “But being immersed in it every day made it feel normal instead of scary. I’m actually excited to sing it now.”

Learning From Each Other

One of the most powerful aspects of the program was the student community. Singers from different schools, countries, and experience levels lived and learned together, creating an atmosphere of support rather than competition.

“It was incredibly inspiring,” Nyang said. “Everyone cared so deeply about their craft, and they cared about each other’s growth too.”

Students attended each other’s masterclasses, shared practice rooms, studied together, and celebrated each other’s progress.

“Even when I felt like I was at a beginner level, people were so encouraging,” Nyang said. “They noticed my growth and told me when they saw improvement. That meant a lot.”

The collaborative nature extended beyond lessons. Students traveled together on weekends, explored nearby cities, and built friendships that broadened their understanding of both music and the world.

“I traveled to Prague with students from other universities,” Nyang said. “Those connections and conversations were just as impactful as the performances.”

A Shift in Perspective

For many students, the experience reshaped how they viewed their future.

“The biggest change is my drive,” Nyang said. “I saw students who took complete ownership of their growth. That mindset stayed with me.”

Bergan agrees and has seen the difference.

“She didn’t change physically,” Bergan said. “What changed was the environment. Now the challenge is learning how to recreate that environment back home. These experiences teach students how excellence is cultivated through community, curiosity, and commitment.”

“I came back with more drive,” Nyang said. “I realized that you can shape your life the way you want, it just takes initiative and work.”

Bringing the Experience Home

While last summer marked the first time Bergan brought 热博官网 students to the program, but it won’t be the last. She hopes future students will seek out similar opportunities and that alumni and donors will help make them more accessible.

“These programs can be cost-prohibitive,” Bergan said. “But they’re not just five weeks in a beautiful city. They’re life changing.”

Nyang agrees.

“I came back knowing how to dream bigger,” she said. “I learned the language, performed for industry professionals, built connections, and discovered what’s possible. I wish every student could experience something like this.”

For 热博官网 students in Austria, the journey was more than international travel, it was a glimpse into a wider world, and a deeper understanding of their own potential.

For more info about the Conservatory of Music at 热博官网 University, visit /academics/conservatory-of-music/.