Vocal Performance Major - Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Voice Performance

Offered By: College of Arts and Media

Explore the Foundation of Music with a Major in Vocal Performance

Learn the nuances of lyric diction and voice science by becoming a vocal performance major at Grand Canyon University (GCU). The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Voice Performance degree program provides rigorous training in vocal performance. You will receive the personalized attention necessary to improve your range and strengthen your vocal skills, enabling you to take command of the stage. Share your vocal talents with those around you while you prepare for a meaningful career pursuing your passion. 

Offered by the College of Arts and Media, the emphasis degree in vocal performance major delivers a well-rounded liberal arts education integrated with the Christian worldview. There is an emphasis on vocal technique, vocal health, literature and performance techniques. The rigorous curriculum blends music theory with its practical application on stage. You will benefit from multiple performance opportunities that enable you to showcase your talents and demonstrate your progress.

All applicants to the music BA degree in vocal performance emphasis program are required to undergo an audition and to complete a music theory assessment prior to acceptance into the program. 

Strengthen Your Vocal and Chorus Performance Skills With a BA in Music - Singing Degree Emphasis

GCU’s diverse learning community welcomes all students of many religions, while maintaining a Christian worldview. Within this faith-based setting, you will be given all the support you need to reach your full potential by cultivating your God-given talents. Vocal performance majors develop a strong foundation in solo and collaborative performance, along with vocal techniques, literature and pedagogy.

Common courses you will take in this music degree with a vocal emphasis, such as vocal pedagogy and song literature, will allow you to demonstrate your mastery of the following topic areas:

  • Voice science and pedagogy for voice instruction, with an emphasis on pedagogical application and vocal health
  • Style and literature by great composers, from the beginning of solo song through the romantic period to the contemporary period, including art song, popular styles, opera, Broadway and pop music
  • German, Italian and French song transliteration using the International Phonetic Alphabet, including the correct performance of sounds
  • Vocal skill development through regular performance opportunities

In addition, the required junior and senior solo recitals can provide you with the opportunity to present solos in a formal, public setting. You will receive intensive instruction in performance skills and techniques. There are regular opportunities to perform as part of an ensemble, and you are encouraged to practice your skills as participants in the Canyon Choral Society and the Canyon Chorale.

Before graduating, vocal performance majors often complete our Professional Success course within the fine arts. This course prepares you for life after graduation, with an insider’s look at the music industry and its business practices.

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All BA in Music Emphases

 

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
TUITION RATE:
Campus: $8,250 per semester
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance
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Immerse yourself in the enthralling "Critical Mass" concert, showcasing the remarkable talents of GCU's College of Arts and Media music students as they express their creativity through music and artistry.

Career Opportunities for a Vocal Performance Major

The BA degree in music with a singing degree emphasis is aligned with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) as a professional performance degree. The emphasis degree in vocal performance is a versatile choice that can pave the way toward many rewarding career paths.

Upon graduation, GCU majors in vocal performance emphasis may choose to pursue careers as musicians, singers and secondary education school teachers who help others find their love for music. There is a diverse range of work settings that may hire vocal performers, including:

  • Touring companies
  • Regional theatre companies
  • Music therapist
  • Cruise ships
  • Music production agencies
  • Private clubs and professional performance organizations, such as professional choruses, opera companies and private studios

Other potential work settings may include churches, schools, arts organizations and performance groups including the creation of your own private voice studio.

FAQs for Aspiring Vocal Performance Majors

With a variety of career options and work settings available to majors in vocal performance, we compiled a list of frequently asked questions about this vocal performance college degree to help you make the right decision for your career path.

A major in vocal performance is designed for students who wish to become professional performers, pursue graduate studies, or wish to have a career teaching in academia or private studios. Whether you prefer to be on stage or behind the scenes, a degree in vocal performance prepares you to pursue your passion for music and entertainment.

This BA in music with an emphasis in vocal performance requires 120 credits for completion. Most of the singing degree emphasis courses are 15 weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to an admissions counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your voice performance college degree.

Earning a college-level education puts you ahead of other candidates by preparing you for what it means to be working in today’s world of music. In addition to performance and voice proficiency, our BA in singing degree emphasis also prepares you with the entrepreneurial skills, public speaking and basic business skills to help prepare you for the ever-changing opportunities within music. This voice performance college degree prepares you to be a well-rounded candidate ready for employment.

 

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
80 credits
Open Elective Credits:
0-6 credits
Degree Requirements:
120 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Study is devoted to the structure of music which includes harmony, melody, form, and rhythm. Skill development in analysis and composition is emphasized. The music of the “common practice period” will be studied. Prerequisite: Theory Placement Examination.

Course Description

This course is designed as class instruction for students with limited or no previous piano training. Instruction includes the study of piano technique and literature designed to pass Part I of the Piano Proficiency Examination.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and enunciation for lyric diction in Italian, German, French, and Latin through the lens of the IPA. IPA transcription for Italian lyric diction is introduced.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

Course Description

This large choral non-auditioned campus community ensemble performs masterworks of the choral-symphonic literature, with major presentations in the Fall and Spring. The Canyon Choral Society is open to the students, faculty, and staff of Grand Canyon University and to the Phoenix community at large. Members of the Canyon Chorale, Critical Mass, and Canyon Singers are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society. This course must be repeated each semester of residency This course must be repeated each semester of residency

Course Description

The Canyon Chorale is an auditioned ensemble presenting the best in choral literature from historic masterworks of all stylistic periods and different cultures. Members are selected through an annual audition open to both music and non-music majors at Grand Canyon University. The chorale performs on campus, in the metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson areas, and in churches and schools throughout the region. All members of the Canyon Chorale are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society. Prerequisite: Admission into this ensemble by audition only or instructor's permission. This Course must be repeated each semester of residency

Course Description

This course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Prerequisite: MUS-125.

Course Description

This course is a continuation of MUS-102. It includes passing Part II of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-102 or Music Department approval.

Course Description

This course focuses on enunciation and transcription of the English and Italian languages as applied to lyric diction. Familiarity with the appropriate choice of speech sounds is gained though listening, singing, and transcription assignments. Prerequisite: MUS-145.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

Course Description

This course emphasizes advanced rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Music examples are selected from Bach through Wagner. This course also includes an advanced study in analysis and part writing utilizing modulation and chromatic harmony. Prerequisite: MUS-155.

Course Description

This course is a continuation of MUS-103. It includes passing Part III of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-103 or Music Department approval.

Course Description

This course focuses on enunciation and transcription of the German language as applied to lyric diction. Familiarity with the appropriate choice of speech sounds is gained though listening, singing, and transcription assignments. Prerequisite: MUS-145.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

Course Description

This is an introductory course for vocal production and body manipulation. Students learn techniques for the healthy production, manipulation, and utilization of sound and movement. The student’s voice and body are developed through conditioning exercises. Vocal production and movement are linked to a character's intention and given circumstances in order to facilitate a compelling, understandable performance.

Course Description

This course is a continuation of MUS-202. It includes passing Part IV of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-202 or Music Department approval.

Course Description

This course focuses on enunciation and transcription of the French language as applied to lyric diction. Familiarity with the appropriate choice of speech sounds is gained though listening, singing, and transcription assignments. Prerequisite: MUS-145.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

Course Description

This course is a study of the fundamentals and techniques of conducting. Emphasis is placed on basic conducting skills, fundamentals of baton technique, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, conducting terminology, transpositions, and score reading. Techniques of score study, artistic interpretation, and programming will be explored. Prerequisite: MUS-155.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the music of the world as a means to express different elements of culture, civilization, and worldview.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

Course Description

This course will prepare students for success as creative professionals. Students will research their industry, develop their personal brand, and establish business and entrepreneurial practices.

Course Description

This course is a study on the nature and construct of (art) song as a genre.

Course Description

This course is an exploration of voice science and voice pedagogy. Students will be required to demonstrate pedagogical application.

Course Description

A formal, public recital, sponsored by the music department, in which the student presents a solo recital of a length appropriate to the major. The recital is to be given in the student's junior year. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

Course Description

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in sound theory, acoustic principles, microphone types and techniques, sound equipment, signal flow, cable management, stage arrangement, and documentation through lecture and hands-on activities.

Course Description

This course is study of the historical development of American Musical Theatre and analysis of its unique dramatic forms.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

Course Description

This course is a study of the business and professional skills needed for musicians to turn their artistic passion into a profitable career. Topics include the mindset of entrepreneurs, networking and marketing, financial skills, and developing the independent teaching studio. The course culminates in the development of a professional portfolio and/or business plan that is true to the student’s artistic voice.

Course Description

This course is a study and application of techniques of scoring and arranging music for various instrumental and vocal ensembles. Programmatic technology requirements apply, as outlined in the University Policy Handbook. Prerequisite: MUS-260 or WSA-301.

Course Description

This capstone course provides students an opportunity to develop their skills in an area of interest. Students will complete an independent project under faculty supervision.

Course Description

A formal, public recital, sponsored by the music department, in which the student presents a solo recital of a length and format appropriate to the major. The recital may consist solely of performance or may be in the form of a lecture-recital. The recital is to be given in the student's final semester of residency. Students must pass a formal hearing prior to final approval of the recital presentation. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.

Course Description

This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

 

Locations

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