B.M. in Vocal Performance

Program Overview

The Department of Vocal Performance offers a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance, a minor in dance, and a performers certificate in vocal performance for non-voice majors.

Successful completion of a junior and a senior recital are required for this degree plan.

Advanced Writing and Communication Courses (AWC)

All students are required to successfully complete 3 Advanced Writing and Communication Skills (AWC) courses. Student degree requirements will include courses that meet the desired communication outcomes in evaluated and revised writing, speaking, stage presence, and audience engagement.

All Vocal Performance students will successfully complete:

1. MCY 341 Music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Periods which will include substantial evaluated and revised writing components.
2. MVP VO4 Voice with Recital (Level 4) which will include evaluated communication skills in attracting an audience, engaging an audience during performance, and preparing program notes or similar media as appropriate to the medium/venue.
3. MVP 538 Vocal Pedagogy, which will include discipline specific communication skills.

Curriculum Requirements

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EMC core courses require a grade of “C” or higher.  Lessons require a grade of "B-" or higher.

Suggested Plan of Study

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This degree requires the completion of a junior and senior recital.

Mission

The Frost School of Music Department of Vocal Performance at the University of Miami is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of exceptional vocal artists through a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum emphasizing technical and musical excellence and artistic expression. We strive to create a culture of belonging and a supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore their unique voices and develop critical performance skills, honoring historical vocal music's rich traditions while celebrating contemporary works' innovation and creativity. Our mission is to inspire and empower each student to become a confident, versatile, and imaginative performer equipped to make meaningful contributions to the art of singing and the cultural landscape.

Goals

• Teach students how to sing healthily.

• Train students how to build and successfully portray a character on stage.

• Teach students how to be solid musicians through lessons, coachings, ensembles, rehearsals, master classes, and performances.

• Teach students the fundamentals of IPA and diction, emphasizing English, Italian, German, and French.

• Equip students with the tools to be more body-aware and move organically on stage.

• Instill students with the importance of being good colleagues to fellow singers, pianists, orchestra members, and production staff.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to sing solo, classical, vocal repertoire in at least four languages in their senior solo recital.
• Student will demonstrate breath management and tension release skills in singing for one jury performance at the end of each semester.
• Students will demonstrate proper alignment for singing classical repertoire.