Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina

On this page, we explore the details of Best Vocal Performance Colleges, colleges for singers and songwriters, best grad schools for vocal pedagogy, vocal performance major and top opera graduate programs.

The vocal performance major takes students through a ton of miscellaneous technique classes, but their focus is primarily on performance. The most basic way you can think of a vocal performance major is just like a solid vocal teachers in every kind of singing: operatics, canto, musical theater and church choirs, so if this is what you’re interested in exploring, then look into musical theater programs! Choosing to go the path of a professional singer requires more than just talent. It requires dedication to constant training, which most singers are willing to do. Read on to know more about Best Vocal Performance Colleges, colleges for singers and songwriters, best grad schools for vocal pedagogy, vocal performance major and top opera graduate programs.

In general, we aim to always give a friendly tone to our work. This can be done through the personal experience we share in posts like this one and through our writing itself. While some of the information on these pages is unexpected, it should not come as a surprise that vocational teachers have unique interests. Some people might take offense to these recommendations or the tone itself considering that we are talking about singers, but the advice given on whatever subject is meant to be friendly and helpful rather than negative or offensive.

For instance, if you don’t make it into an operatic training program right away, you can still advance your education in this area by exploring things such as singing lessons and if vocal performance schools would be helpful. Once your life settles down enough that you can focus on training full time, then it will be time to consider further studies in vocal performance school.

Best Vocal Performance Colleges

We begin with Best Vocal Performance Colleges, then colleges for singers and songwriters, best grad schools for vocal pedagogy, vocal performance major and top opera graduate programs.

#1

Yale University

Yale University is a great option for students interested in a degree in voice performance. Located in the midsize city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Schools rank of #8 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

#2

Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a great choice for students interested in a degree in voice performance. Northwestern is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Evanston. A Best Schools rank of #14 out of 2,576 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 26 voice performance students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

#3

Vanderbilt University

Every student who is interested in voice performance has to look into Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. A Best Schools rank of #37 out of 2,576 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 7 voice performance students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available.

#4

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a good option for students pursuing a degree in voice performance. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Schools rank of #20 out of 2,576 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 11 voice performance students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year.

#5

Rice University

Rice is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Houston. A Best Schools rank of #25 out of 2,576 schools nationwide means Rice is a great university overall.

There were about 11 voice performance students who graduated with this degree at Rice in the most recent data year.

#6

University of Southern California

USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Los Angeles. A Best Schools rank of #33 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 18 voice performance students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

#7

University of Delaware

UD is a very large public university located in the suburb of Newark. A Best Schools rank of #119 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide means UD is a great university overall.

There were approximately 2 voice performance students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent year we have data available.

colleges for singers and songwriters

Now we consider colleges for singers and songwriters, best grad schools for vocal pedagogy, vocal performance major and top opera graduate programs.

5 Fantastic Singing Schools for Aspiring Vocalists

In today’s world of American Idol and The Voice, it’s easy to think that all you need to succeed is a little bit of natural talent and charisma. The truth is, many of these amazing singers have been studying and practicing for most of their lives. Pursuing a career in music requires more than waiting for your “big break”: it takes dedication, focus, intense practice, and a strong education.

If you’re entertaining the thought of pursuing a career as a vocalist, you’ve probably been studying with a qualified teacher for several years. As you approach college age, there are many amazing singing colleges out there where you’ll have the ability to study with and learn from some of the best vocalists in the world. Let’s look at a few of the top singing schools, what musical styles they offer, and how to get into them as you prepare to continue your studies:

1. Berklee College of Music – Boston, MA

Berklee is one of the oldest music colleges in the U.S. They offer a special Performance program where class size averages 11 students, and also encourage students to take part in one (or several) of the 700 performances each year. Along with various concerts and performances, the school also offers student-run programs that focus on the business side of the industry. Berklee has a long history of producing cutting-edge vocalists in popular music and jazz scene. Past alumni include Grammy winners John Mayer, Melissa Etheridge, Paula Cole, and Esperanza Spalding, to name just a few! Admission to Berklee requires students to submit an audition tape, or arrange an audition in person.

2. University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music – Cincinnati, Ohio

If opera is more your style, this school is a great option. You’ll take weekly lessons to prepare for performances in one of six full-length operas they produce each year. They also offer an opera project designed for undergraduate students so they can receive the same opportunities without having to compete with the graduate students. CCM also offers an artist diploma in opera coaching. Alumni have starred in many Broadway shows including “Rent”, “Wicked” and “In The Heights”. Admission is by audition.

3. Manhattan School of Music – New York, NY

Located on the Upper West Side of New York, MSM is one of the top all-around schools for vocalists in the U.S. Its Center for Music Entrepreneurship offers a variety of programs, projects, and internships designed to help students promote their talent and build their careers. They work to prepare students for life as a musician through events and career workshop, while offering hundreds of opportunities for performances, ranging from jazz concerts to fully-staged operas.

4. Temple University – Philadelphia, PA

Even with a student body of 27,000, most classes at Temple have no more than 20 students. Vocal performance students working on their BA at Boyer School of Music and Dance attend weekly studio voice classes and participate in ensembles. Temple’s Concert Choir and Chorale performs a wide range of chamber music. Alumni include singer-songwriter Susan Werner and Aaron Weiss of the band mewithoutYou.

5. The Juilliard School – New York, NY

Juilliard is the most notable performing arts school in the country, and the vocal program is staffed by one of the most prestigious faculties in the world. With a heavy focus on opera studies, each student has the opportunity to perform in at least one opera per year. But be warned: Juilliard has one of the most challenging audition processes in the world. You must be intellectually curious, physically adept, and emotionally fearless, not to mention a superb vocalist and highly competent musician. Juilliard produces performers who go on to become industry leaders; Renée Fleming, Leontyne Price, and Tony-winning performer Audra McDonald are just a few notable alumni.

There are many singing schools across the country, but these are a few of the best! Many colleges and universities also offer music programs for their students to participate in as non-major study, or extracurricular programs for students interesting in continuing their vocal studies. The best approach is to talk with your voice teacher and do some research online. There are singing colleges that offer study in all genres of music, from chamber music and opera, to pop, blues, jazz, and show tunes. Whether it’s recording, performing, or writing music, there’s a school out there for you!

best grad schools for vocal pedagogy

More details coming up on best grad schools for vocal pedagogy, vocal performance major and top opera graduate programs.

Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy

Program Overview

Combining the pedagogical practices of classical, musical theater, and contemporary voice with scientific analysis of vocal anatomy, Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s vocal pedagogy graduate program is the only comprehensive voice pedagogy program in the world for singers who wish to become teachers of singing with advanced diagnostic skills and knowledge of healthy practice and performance solutions for a variety of singing opportunities.

The program features and the same rigorous training as the Conservatory’s Master of Music in voice performance program, with the addition of pedagogy-specific coursework in anatomy, physiology, history, comparative pedagogy, and applied teaching. In addition, the Conservatory’s unique relationship with the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Voice Center gives vocal pedagogy students direct access to the latest advances in vocal research, rehabilitation, and technology, as well as the opportunity to interact with the doctors and speech-language pathologists who are leading the field of vocology.

Throughout the program, students explore a range of vocal teaching techniques, gain a deeper understanding of appropriate studio repertoire, learn about voice rehabilitation, and explore the relationship between voice teachers and voice therapists.

Our Students

Vocal pedagogy students are singers who are committed to helping their students develop their vocal talents and abilities with healthy vocal practices and techniques. They are inquisitive thinkers who are eager to understand the anatomical functions of the human voice in various musical styles and genres. They desire to develop a language to communicate vocal and pedagogical ideas effectively with their voice students, colleagues, and the professional voice community.

Curriculum Overview

This program features a four-semester sequence of courses in vocal pedagogy topics, such as Structure and Function for Singing, History of Vocal Pedagogy, Comparative Pedagogy, Repertoire for the Teaching Studio, and electives specific to students’ pedagogical goals and individual vocal development.

Throughout the program, students receive weekly private lessons with a member of the Conservatory’s esteemed voice faculty. Because stylistic versatility is a key component of the training, pedagogy students are exposed to both classical and musical theater repertoire through repertoire and diction courses, as well as through required attendance at the many vocal studio and solo recitals presented at the Conservatory.

In the final year of the program, students enroll in Applied Teaching Practicum, which includes mentored teaching and developing a personal teaching philosophy and curriculum vitae. These courses culminate in the final project, a lecture recital on a topic determined by the student with assistance from their applied instructor, and the director of vocal pedagogy.

Program Requirements

The M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy requires students to complete 35 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below. View the Sample Curriculum by Semester for additional details.

Proficiency Requirements

Upon matriculation to the Master of Music degree programs, candidates take proficiency exams in music theory and music history. These exams are designed to identify minimum competencies in both areas reflecting a typical undergraduate preparation in music. Any deficiencies revealed by these exams must be corrected within the first year in residence through successful completion of prescribed review courses in ear training, harmony, or music history.

Major Requirements

• M-AP 0009(Opens in a new window) Applied Lessons (12 credits)
• M-AP 0701(Opens in a new window) Vocal Coaching (2 credits)
• M-EX 6001(Opens in a new window) Oral Comprehensive Exam (0 credit)
• M-PD 5741(Opens in a new window) History of Vocal Pedagogy (2 credits)
• M-PD 5742(Opens in a new window) Structure and Function of the Singing Mechanism (2 credits)
• M-PD 5743(Opens in a new window) Repertoire for the Teaching Studio (1 credit)
• M-PD 6741(Opens in a new window) Comparative Pedagogy (1 credit)
• M-PD 6743(Opens in a new window) Voice Instruction Practicum (1 credit)
• M-SK 0009(Opens in a new window) Recital (0 credit)
• M-SK 0703(Opens in a new window) Speech to Singing (1 credit)
• M-SK 5701(Opens in a new window) Graduate Diction 1 (1 credit)
• M-SK 5702(Opens in a new window) Graduate Diction 2 (1 credit)
• M-ST 5711(Opens in a new window) Graduate Performance Seminar: Voice (1 credit)

Academics and Electives

• M-LT 5103(Opens in a new window) Writing About Music (1 credit)
• M-LT 5104(Opens in a new window) Communicating About Music (1 credit)
• M-LT 712xx(Opens in a new window) Graduate Seminar in Theory & Analysis or M-LT 713xx(Opens in a new window) Graduate Seminar Music History (6 credits)
• Xxxxx(Opens in a new window) General electives (2 credits)

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of the M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy, students will:

• recognize and accurately diagnose vocal faults in their students and effectively address them employing the tools and skills discovered through the study of structure and function of the vocal mechanism as well as historical and current pedagogical approaches;
• select and assign age- and level-appropriate repertoire to address specific technical challenges in their students;
• produce a range of vocal sounds appropriate to classical music and musical theater, both in their own singing and as demonstration tools in teaching;
• tell stories through song in all sung languages easily and fluently, demonstrating translation skills and the ability to analyze poetry, and to deliver text in ways that are expressive and meaningful using skills gained in Performance Seminar, graduate-level diction courses, and repertoire coaching;
• express physical artistry in any performance setting through an easy use of the body drawing on work in performance skills courses, elective acting and movement classes, and Alexander Technique;
• research, perform, and appreciate the music of living and underrepresented composers;
• market and establish themselves whether in a private studio or an institutional teaching position, where they will instruct students in a wide range of styles; and
• envision and create a musical life that is best suited to their skills, interests and personal mission.

Your Future

Graduates of our vocal pedagogy program have brought their teaching and performance expertise to numerous music programs through a wide range of performance opportunities, fellowships, and faculty appointments.

Ensembles

• Boston City Singers
• Children’s Opera, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
• United States Army Field Band

Faculty Appointments

• Boston Conservatory at Berklee
• Brown University
• Clark University
• Dean College
• Franco-American Vocal Academy
• Franklin School of the Performing Arts
• Metropolitan Opera Guild
• Newark Boys Chorus School
• Northeastern University
• Phillips Academy
• Riverside Theater Works
• South Shore Conservatory
• Trinity International University
• Wellesley School District

Professional Singing

• Des Moines Metro Opera
• Handel and Haydn Society
• Boston Baroque
• Boston Opera Collaborative
• Odyssey Opera
• Charlotte Bach Akademie
• Oregon Bach Festival
• Britten Pears Festival
• Carmel Bach Festival
• Blue Heron
• Metrowest Opera
• Lyric Stage Company of Boston

vocal performance major

The vocal performance degree prepares you for two main career paths: Classical Music Vocal Performance and Professional Voice Teacher. Classical Music Vocal Performance: Most singers who major in vocal performance are interested in careers in opera, oratorio, or as a professional recitalist.

WHAT IS A DEGREE IN VOCAL PERFORMANCE?

There are so many majors out there it can be really hard to figure out what’s best for you.  Many singers are interested in performing and thus are drawn towards the Vocal Performance degree programs.  Here is what you should know and what to expect.

What does vocal performance prepare you for?

The vocal performance degree prepares you for two main career paths: Classical Music Vocal Performance and Professional Voice Teacher.

Classical Music Vocal Performance:  Most singers who major in vocal performance are interested in careers in opera, oratorio, or as a professional recitalist.  Although its not widely known, there are many singers who make all or a portion of their living singing classical music.  There are numerous opera companies throughout the country that produce 2-4 opera per year.  Each of these companies hire singers from around the world to fill the roles in each show.  They usually rehearse for 3-4 weeks before performing and then present 3-4 performances.  In bigger cities the opera companies often present more productions with more performances.  The average singer probably performs in 3-5 opera productions a year with oratorio and recital appearances in between.  Because opera singers perform so sporadically, they are paid very well per performance.  Singer fees usually range from $1000 per night for the small roles to $15,000 per night for the leading roles at the leading houses.  Although the high end of the scale seems very appealing, I would say less than 100 singers a year earn a fee of that size in the United States.  There are no solid statistics of what the average singer makes per year, but from personal experience I can tell you that even singers who perform at the Metropolitan Opera or New York City Opera still have office jobs or teach voice lessons on the side.

Professional Singing Teacher:  The popularity of American Idol, Taylor Swift, High School Musical, iCarly, Hannah Montana, and others have increased the demand for performing arts activities and singing lessons amongst tweens and teens.  Many singers make a decent living teaching voice lessons and classes to these aspiring singers.  Rates for lessons vary across the country from around $30-80 per hours with the best teachers in major cities commanding rates as high as $200 per hour (although most of those teachers have famous students or were famous themselves).  Most teachers teach somewhere between 20 and 30 hours a week and can count on a fairly steady income for 42 weeks a year (summers are slow as are holidays) bringing yearly earnings somewhere between $25,200 and $100,800 per year.  Most start out on the bottom end and work towards the upper end throughout their career.  Teachers can also complete a masters degree in voice and teach adjunct at a university or complete a doctorate degree and teach full time at a university where the starting salaries can range from $29,500 – $52,000 per year.

Graduate School

Graduate School encompasses Masters and Doctorate degrees.  Much like majors such as English and Psychology, a bachelors degree in vocal performance opens up very few career opportunities.  Most students need to pursue a masters and or doctorate whether pursuing work as a performer or teacher.  The good news is that there are often scholarships available for graduate school called assistantships which will often pay the entire amount of tuition AND pay a salary of somewhere between $6000 and 12,000 per year.  In return you will work an office job, teach private lessons, teach group classes, or assist your professors in their work.

Non-Music options beyond undergrad

The good news is regardless of what you get your undergraduate degree in, there are several graduate programs that you can easily pursue in fields other than music.  Business, Law, and Med School are all options for students with ANY undergraduate background.  In fact, music students can hold a slight advantage since admissions counselors often respect the discipline that it takes to be a musician while also appreciating the fact that artistic people tend to think outside the box and can contribute new ideas to discussions and debates in class.  There are also programs available for transitioning into nursing, education, and massage therapy.

Where to start

Start by looking at the top schools in the field: Juilliard, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, and Curtis Institute.  Look at the classes they offer, the performance opportunities for students, and their alumni lists which will give you an idea of how various students’ careers have progressed.  Where you do your undergraduate is not nearly as important as where you do your graduate work.  What is most important is to find a teacher who will help you reach your full vocal potential.  Starting with the top schools may help give you an really clear understanding of what the top, most competitive schools demand, and help you find where you fit in to the overall picture.

top opera graduate programs

A masters is earned after students complete an undergraduate degree program. To obtain a masters, you usually need to complete 12 to 18 college courses that often involve completing comprehensive tests and/or a thesis.

A master in opera is an advanced music degree ideal for students who wish to expand their vocal techniques, improve their audition skills and build their knowledge of operatic repertoire through academic study and performance.

Master in Chamber Opera

Västerås, Sweden

The Chamber Opera education at Mälardalen University comprises two separate years of full-time study at an advanced level. As a student, you need to apply for both study periods. It is intended for you who have a passion to perform on stage, conveying opera through your singing. If you wish to develop yourself as a singer in this multifaceted art form, this is the perfect course for you! 

Master of Music in Classical Music Performance: Opera

Helsinki, Finland

The program, conducted in English, allows you to become a part of a unique community and develop your skills in opera singing under the guidance of the best possible teachers. The degree will give you the artistic competence to perform on stage and understand music from broad and complex perspectives. We give you the chance to cooperate with international partners and build global networks already during your studies.

Master of Music in opera

Philadelphia, USA

The Master of Music degree in opera requires a minimum of thirty-two graduate credits (g.c.). The program typically takes two years to complete, but a student may stay an optional third year at the discretion of the dean of vocal studies and the Curtis president. 

Vocals are essential in any band or musical ensemble, and it’s no wonder that they attract so much interest from music students, singers and songwriters alike. While the ability to sing is certainly the most important skill of all those that apply to a career as a vocalist, other qualities are also important, including must-have skills such as performing onstage and possessing certain technical abilities. Here, we will explore some of these necessary skills, offer advice on how to develop these skills and offer examples of vocalists in degrees from the best vocal performance schools.

In the world of vocal pedagogy, there are many different considerations that must be taken into account before pursuing vocal performance as a career. However, one aspect is key to any opinion regarding the value of vocal pedagogy in higher education: money. There are many ways to earn money in the world of singing, and performing on stage is just one of them. And it is widely regarded by those who have performed on a university stage as one of the most lucrative for both students and lecturers alike.

We hope that these resources provide some helpful insights and ideas for those who are interested in this area of the performing arts. We’ve scoured the web and collected the most interesting posts and links we could find, all of which can help you explore your options. We hope this page helps keep you in touch with the latest developments in vocal performance graduate programs and colleges, as well as updates to what’s going on in this particular niche.