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Vocal Performance

A student who elects to major in voice at the undergraduate level will be guided by an experienced, highly trained and dedicated faculty member. The voice faculty are active performers and/or researchers in the fields of vocal literature and/or vocal pedagogy. Members of the voice faculty belong to the National Association of Teachers of singing: their students enter competitions sponsored by various professional organizations, the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and the San Francisco Opera Auditions.

The voice student will study the fundamentals of vocal production (breathing, vowel formation, intonation, resonance, and diction) and repertoire including the art song, opera, and oratorio in various languages during the four years of study. Contact with the voice teacher includes a private lesson and a performance class each week. Language study plays an important role for the voice student.

In addition to recitals required in the junior and senior years of study for the Bachelor of Music degree, other types of performance opportunities are available for the vocalist - such as choirs, opera theater, productions of musicals, operettas, and opera, as well as master classes given by distinguished visiting faculty.

Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Masters of Arts in Music
Minor in Music

Entering freshmen are requested to prepare two solos for a voice placement audition. Transfer students are requested to prepare three selections from the literature as listed above, and graduate students are requested to prepare five selections. Repertoire should be selected from standard vocal literature; e.g., Italian, German or French Art songs, and/or operatic arias, and all should be memorized.

 

Are scholarships available?

Yes, scholarships are available. Scholarship awards are competitive and based upon performance level and the needs of the School. Audition dates for scholarships are usually held three times a year; please consult the website for specific dates.

For scholarship information, please contact Scott Pierson, (408) 924-4643, pierson@email.sjsu.edu.

I want to become a music major, what should I do?

Speak to either Dr. Harris, Director of the School of Music and Dance in room M-179 or with Professor Joseph Frank, Undergraduate Advisor, in room M-246.

What Vocal Ensembles are available?

The major ensemble for all vocal music majors is Concert Choir, and auditions for this choir and the smaller Chamber Choir are held during the two advising days prior to the first day of class.

Are there other Performance Opportunities?

Voice majors are expected to sing at least once per year on the Listening Hour, a concert series organized by the School of Music and Dance and open to the public. Voice majors also have the opportunity to audition for Opera San José. For audition information contact Matt Siek, Artistic Administrator, Opera San José, 2149 Paragon Drive, San José, CA 95131-1312, (408) 437-4456, siek@operasj.org.