Singing Colleges and Courses
College courses for singers can allow you to be part of a vocal group, compete in competitions and receive individualized instruction at a variety of levels. If you are interested in studying the art of vocal performance and recording, there are several educational options for you to consider at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Continue reading for more information about singing training.
What You Need to Know
There are many college programs available for singers and those pursuing vocal education. Course topics vary and performance is key.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td> Colleges and universities offer various degrees in vocal education</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degree programs are available in music</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Music theory, music history, style, voice classes, music reading, arrangement, harmony, tonality, ear training, vocal techniques, etc.</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesCanITake">What Courses Can I Take?</h3><p>A performance will typically be a key component to your vocal training. You may study the relationship between text and vocal performance. In many vocal programs, you will practice toward a recital performance, receiving instruction and feedback from faculty and peers during extensive preparation. The following courses might also be explored:
</p><ul><li>Music theory
</li><li>Voice lessons
</li><li>Arrangement
</li><li>Harmony
</li><li>Tonality
</li><li>Ear training
</li><li>Global music traditions
</li><li>Operatic vocals
</li><li>Contemporary vocal techniques
</li><li>Theatrical styles
</li><li>Musicianship
</li><li>Instrumental accompaniment
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WillISingInAGroupOrReceiveIndividualAttention">Will I Sing in a Group or Receive Individual Attention?</h3><p>A wide variety of choral groups can help you learn the art of vocal collaboration. You can join large ensemble choirs, smaller vocal collegiums, small vocal choirs or quartets. You can learn to work with chamber instrumentation and have the opportunity to study musicianship in the process of your vocal training. As a member of a vocal group or as an individual performer, you may have the opportunity to compete in regional or national competitions. Advanced vocal courses can also provide you with one-on-one mentorship from experienced vocal instructors.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreCampusFacilitiesLike">What Are Campus Facilities Like?</h3><p>Many college music programs provide state of the art audio and video equipment to assist in your studies. Amphitheaters and performance studios allow your faculty and peers to evaluate performances in an optimal acoustic setting. Campuses may provide you with computer recording equipment and the opportunity for you to thoroughly analyze your vocal recordings with faculty made up of experienced professional vocalists. The following colleges will offer you the chance to study courses in singing:
</p><ul><li>University of Kansas (Lawrence)
</li><li>New York University (Manhattan)
</li><li>Florida State University (Tallahassee)
</li><li>Boston University (MA)
</li><li>Bard College Conservatory of Music (New York, NY)
</li><li>University of North Texas (Denton)
</li><li>Oberlin College and Conservatory (OH)
</li><li>Columbia College Chicago (IL)
</li><li>Gettysburg College (PA)
</li><li>Shoreline Community College (WA)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfSingingDegreesCanIEarn">What Kind of Singing Degrees Can I Earn?</h3><p>Certain colleges and universities offer pre-college seminars and workshops for high school students who wish to pursue vocal education. At the undergraduate level, you may earn an associate degree in music or a bachelor's degree in vocal performance.
</p><p>If you seek an advanced degree, certain universities offer a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in vocal performance. Doctor of Philosophy programs in vocal performance and doctoral programs that emphasize vocal education and advanced vocal performance techniques are also available.</p>