Program requirements
Students in the M.M.V.P. program must complete 36 semester hours. This curriculum represents a two-year program assuming that all requirements have been met before beginning it. Deficiencies which need to be made up might require extra time.
Program Description
In a student-centered learning environment led by a professional faculty and enhanced by our location in a major metropolitan area, we nurture a high degree of competence in order to prepare our students for the rigorous and multi-faceted career demands of a professional singer.
The design of the curriculum provides an advanced educational experience in both the theory and practice of vocal performance and pedagogy. The course of study includes intensive studies in vocal technique, music history, analysis, performance practice, pedagogy, and ensemble performance including choral and opera. The curriculum also provides coursework and experiences to bridge the gap between the school environment and the professional world.
Objectives
To elicit significant and positive outcomes that are required for success in professional singing careers, the curriculum offers a two- fold approach that merges academics and performance. In breadth and depth it is designed to elicit the knowledge and skills that are relevant to the specific demands of singing careers, including work in solo, opera, choral and teaching settings. Ongoing assessment of student development and programmatic impact will ensure successful outcomes. Through this program, the student will be equipped to develop the following:
- Demonstrated understanding of the history, styles, and performance practices of vocal literature, enlightened by lecture, research, and score analysis, and modeled with guided listening and in-class coaching of the genre under study
- Skillful vocal techniques enhanced with supportive academic studies resulting in authoritative and artistic interpretation and performance of vocal music from varying periods and styles
- Demonstrated understanding of the anatomy and physiology of singing leading to pedagogical methods that can successfully address the wide variety of vocal problems encountered in the teaching studio
- Applied competence in ensemble work including part-song, opera and oratorio
Course requirements:
Major Area: 12 sh
Applied Music:
Opera requirement: One year minimum requirement (2 sh + 2 sh), more per scholarship requirements
Choral requirement: One year minimum requirement (0 sh), more per scholarship requirements
Additional Opera/Choral Requirement:
- Either MUS 5450 Opera Workshop and/or MUS 5455 Opera Production (MUS 5455) (0 sh), one year (2 semesters) beyond the 4 sh requirement.
- OR MUS 5800 University Choir (0 sh) or MUS 5890 Chamber Singers (0 sh), one year (2 semesters) beyond the requirement.
Other Studies in Music: 22 sh
Performer’s Survey:
| MUS 5001 | Performer's Survey I: Art Song | 3 |
| MUS 5002 | Performer's Survey II: Opera | 3 |
| MUS 5003 | Performer's Survey III: Oratorio/ Cantata/Mass | 3 |
Music Analysis:
| MUS 5300 | Applications in Musical Analysis | 2 |
Vocal Pedagogy:
Diction:
Other Required Classes:
AMUS 5600: Taken the semester prior to the semester of the final recital.
Electives: 2 sh
AMUS 5600: In addition to the requirement.
MUS/AMUS: Any course excluding those fulfilling entrance and program requirements.