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Dive into the nuances of lyric diction and voice science by becoming a music major at Grand Canyon University. During this Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Voice Performance degree, you will receive personalized attention from music instructors, providing opportunities to improve your range and strengthen your vocal skills. Prepare to take command of the stage and share your vocal talents with those around you while you work toward pursuing a career in music.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
1 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, July 2). What Is A Singing Career? 11 Careers In The Singing Industry. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 27, 2024.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug, 29). Musicians and Singers: Work Environment. Retrieved Nov. 27, 2024.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Musicians and Singers, retrieved Nov. 27, 2024.
As an institutionally accredited school, GCU upholds high standards of academic excellence, striving to nurture each student to reach their full potential. We have been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Arts and Media shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Estimated employment projections for musicians and singers by 20333
This bachelor’s in music: voice performance emphasis program offers many opportunities for you to develop a strong foundation in vocal techniques and performance. This program’s curriculum teaches both voice performance and musicianship, as well as diction, movement and music business.
Competencies taught in this emphasis include:
Science and Health
Voice science and pedagogy for voice instruction, with an emphasis on pedagogical application and vocal health
Literature and Music
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
Global Performance
German, Italian and French song transliteration using the International Phonetic Alphabet, including the correct performance of sounds
Performance Experience
Vocal skill exploration through regular performance opportunities
Upon graduation, music majors may choose to pursue careers as musicians and singers. There is a diverse range of work settings that may hire vocal performers, including:1,2
Other potential work settings may include churches, schools, arts organizations and performance groups. Some individuals may decide to launch their own private voice studio.2
Offered by the College of Arts and Media, the emphasis in vocal performance delivers a well-rounded liberal arts education integrated with a Christian worldview. Within this faith-based setting, you will be given all the support you need to strive toward reaching your full potential by cultivating your God-given talents. There is a focus on vocal technique, vocal health, literature and performance techniques. The comprehensive curriculum blends music theory with its practical application on stage.
You can enjoy multiple performance opportunities (solo and collaborative) to showcase your talents and demonstrate your progress. All applicants to the vocal performance emphasis program are required to undergo an audition and to complete a music theory assessment prior to acceptance into the program.
All BA in Music Emphases
GCU offers multiple emphases to musically passionate students, enabling you to select the focus that best suits your talents and aspirations.
In addition to the voice performance emphasis, you can choose from the following options:
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 emphasis to help you make a decision for your career path.
A bachelor’s in music: voice performance emphasis is designed for aspiring professional performers. Whether you prefer to be on stage or behind the scenes, this emphasis can prepare you to pursue your passion for music and entertainment.
Earning a college-level music education may prepare you to navigate the modern music industry and to identify various opportunities in a range of settings. In addition to teaching performance and voice proficiency, our bachelor’s in music with an emphasis in voice performance also teaches entrepreneurial skills, public speaking and basic business skills, which is intended to empower you to approach ever-changing opportunities in the industry with greater confidence.
The bachelor’s in music with a voice performance emphasis is aligned with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) as a professional performance degree. The emphasis in vocal performance is a versatile choice that can allow students to examine career-centric competencies in the field.
In addition to the varied curriculum, 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 the skills you’ve been taught as a participant in the Canyon Choral Society and the Canyon Chorale.
Before graduating, vocal performance majors often complete a course that helps them explore professional paths within the fine arts. This course is designed to prepare you for life after graduation, with a close look at the music industry and its business practices.
We strive to cultivate a vibrant campus culture in which the arts are celebrated and creativity is nurtured. Immerse yourself in the enthralling Critical Mass concert, showcasing the remarkable talents of our College of Arts and Media music students as they express their creativity through music and artistry.
Nurture your God-given musical talents and share your joy through voice performance.
