Master of Music in Performance Voice Emphasis

Program Overview

The Master of Music in Voice Performance is intended for singers who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in voice and wish to prepare to enter the professional realm as performers and/or independent studio teachers, or to pursue a DMA and teach in higher education. This degree is a practice-oriented degree designed to focus on the development of professional competence for careers in music as artists and educators.

Objectives

To provide a system for professional preparation in vocal arts including:

Efficient and effective vocal technique (MUSC 6630, 6640, 6910)
Compelling artistry (MUSC 6630, 6650)
Essential Stage Skills (MUSC 6630)
Refinement of language and diction skills. (MUSC 6650, 6630, 6910)
Advanced study of style and performance practice (MUSC 6130, 6140, 6630, 6650)
Knowledge of current, science-informed pedagogical principles (MUSC 6640, 6630)
Opportunities for public performances. (MUSC 6910, 6630)

Program Specifics

For specific information regarding coursework required to earn this degree, please refer to the University Catalog.

Admissions

Master of Music (MM) Application

All applications are submitted online through the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants for the Master of Music degree must complete the following:

Official College Transcripts - To qualify for admission to the MM program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, with a GPA of at least 3.0. Official transcripts must be sent directly from previous institutions to USU.
(NOT REQUIRED) GRE or MAT Scores - The GRE or MAT is optional for applicants to the Master of Music degree programs. However, applicants should be advised that the GRE/MAT is a requirement for some tuition waivers and scholarships available through the School of Graduate Studies.
Letters of Recommendation – Three satisfactory letters of recommendation must be sent directly by the recommenders through the application server. Applicants are highly encouraged to seek a recommendation from a primary applied teacher and one academic music faculty (theory, history, etc.).
Writing Sample - Applicants must upload a 500–1000 word (1-2 pages, single-spaced) personal statement on one of the following topics:
- Topic 1: Describe a moment or experience in your musical education that convinced you to pursue higher education in music.
- Topic 2: How do you hope your music career will make an impact on today’s musical culture?
- Topic 3: Why does/should music matter to individuals or society today?
An academic research paper on a musical subject may also be accepted at the discretion of the Graduate Music Committee. The writing sample will be evaluated by the Music Department Graduate Committee and all full-time faculty in the applicant’s primary area of emphasis. Applicant essays will be evaluated in part on the quality of writing, including organization, concision, and clarity.
International Student Requirements - In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, International students must meet the language, degree, and funding requirements of the USU School of Graduate Studies.
Audition/Interview - Applicants must complete a successful live or recorded entrance audition/interview. To schedule an audition, submit an Audition Application. If travel distance or schedule conflicts prevent applicants from auditioning live, they may select the recorded audition option on their application and submit a video recording of their audition. Those who select the recorded audition option on their application will receive submission information via email.
Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 and no grades of C- or lower - Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.
Matriculation Start Semester - A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.

Applicants for the Master of Music - Performance (Voice Specialization) should prepare the following:

A combination of 5 art songs and arias (both categories should be represented) demonstrating proficiency in at least three languages, one of which should be English.
Two additional pieces are optional: one oratorio/concert work aria and/or one musical theatre selection.

An accompanist will be provided, but candidates may bring their own. Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks (minus tracks) are not allowed. All repertoire should be memorized for the audition, except for the optional oratorio/concert work aria. Auditions will also include a brief interview and may include an assessment of the auditioning student’s sight-reading and/or aural skills.

For additional information, or to schedule another date for a live audition, please contact Dr. Cindy Dewey at cindy.dewey@usu.edu.