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About The Program

Vocal students at the University of Northern Colorado have the opportunity to study with highly recognized and dedicated faculty, all of whom are extensive performers on the international scene and throughout the United States. UNC vocalists are part of a friendly, supportive atmosphere where they can acquire the skills and knowledge they need to become outstanding performers and effective music educators.

  • Degree Overview

    Undergraduate Studies

    The Vocal Performance Concentration degree emphasizes performance with opportunities for applied private lessons, exposure to both music business and technology and a strong academic musical foundation. Performing in both large and small ensembles will enable students to thrive as modern musicians.

    Graduate Studies

    The Master of Music and Doctor of Arts degrees in Vocal Performance Concentration provide innovative, 21st-century training for doctoral studies and careers in music. Research with the distinguished School of Music faculty, studies in music pedagogy and numerous ensemble performances will enable students to explore academic interests and promote creative strengths.

    Meet the Faculty

  • Beyond the Classroom

     Opera Theatre

    Through the production of professional-quality productions and complementary curricular content UNC Opera Theatre trains singers and directors, prepares educators and brings the most collaborative of art forms to public and educational audiences.

    Learn more about UNC Opera Theatre

    Summer Opera

    Each summer students travel to Germany to perform in a Summer European Opera Theatre in collaboration with Opera Classica Europa, a professional touring opera company. 

    Learn More About Summer European Opera Theatre

    Southard Music Competition

    The UNC Southard Music Competition has traditionally been one of the school’s premier showcase events, highlighting the breadth and depth of the musical talent of students as soloists and chamber players.

    Learn More About the Southard Music Competition

  • Curriculum

    Bachelor of Music

    The Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance requires 120 credit hours. It includes foundational music coursework such as music theory, aural skills, class piano, history of music, vocal pedagogy, diction in French, German, Italian and English, individual applied lessons and the opportunity to attend recitals and concerts by other students and faculty.

    Learn more about the Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance

    Master of Music

    The Master of Music in Instrumental Performance requires 30-31 credit hours of coursework. It includes an introduction to music scholarship and research, individualized applied lessons, seminars in music history and music theory, pedagogy studies with faculty-mentors, and a culminating recital performance.

    Learn more about the Master of Music in vocal Performance

    Doctor of Arts

    The Doctor of Arts in Instrumental Performance requires 67-71 credit hours of coursework. Through creating a plan of study, students will be able to pursue academic interests in preparation for comprehensive exams, continue individualized applied lessons, participate in a supervised practicum in college teaching, and give recitals and complete dissertation research credits. Doctoral students will also choose a secondary concentration and complete appropriate graduate-level coursework.

    Learn More about the Doctor of Arts

    Music Performance Certificate

    The Graduate Certificate in Performance is a two-semester post-baccalaureate course of study designed for advanced, non-degree seeking students wishing to pursue intense and concentrated musical study in voice or opera performance at the graduate level. 

    Learn More about the Music Performance Certificate

    Performance Opportunities

    Voice students can participate in a variety of auditioned and non-auditioned ensembles, including choirs, chamber music, opera theatre, and early music ensembles. Through these ensembles, students will be able to perform in interdisciplinary collaborations and experience artistry outside of their own areas. Smaller chamber music groups will be available for more individualized and concentrated music-making experiences.

  • Auditions and Scholarships

    Auditions

    In addition to completing the UNC Undergraduate  or Graduate Application, students will be asked to submit more information and audition on a primary instrument in the complete application process. To learn more about the process, visit the voice auditions page to find audition requirements.

    Voice Audition Requirements

    Scholarships

    The College of Performing and Visual Arts awards over $1.8 million in scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students in the arts. There are multiple scholarship types offered to students, including talent scholarships and foundation scholarships. To learn more, visit the PVA Scholarship page.

    PVA Scholarships

Questions? Get In Touch!

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Application Dates
  • Fall semesterAugust 1*
  • Spring semesterJanuary 1*
  • Summer semesterMay 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.

Herstory - Spring 2023

HERSTORY CHOIRS CONCERT, SPRING 2023

Herstory Concert | Spring 2023

HERSTORY CHOIRS CONCERT, SPRING 2023

HERSTORY CHOIRS CONCERT, SPRING 2023

HERSTORY CHOIRS CONCERT, SPRING 2023