What is a vocal performance major?

A major in vocal performance is designed for students who wish to become professional performers, pursue a graduate study, 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.

How long does it take to complete GCU’s vocal performance major?

This BA in music with an emphasis in vocal performance requires a total of 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.

Is it difficult to find a job with a degree in singing?

Earning a college-level education puts you ahead of other candidates by preparing you for what it means to be working in the world of music in the 21st century. 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 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.

Bachelor’s in Music: Voice Performance Emphasis

Start your GCU
journey today.

Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Campus

Area of Study

Fine Arts

Program

BA in Music: Voice Performance

Current Education Level

Make a selection

High School Graduation Year

Make a selection

High School Name

Country

United States

Find Your Purpose

Start your GCU journey today.

Request Info

Overview

Explore the Art of Composition With a Bachelor’s in Music

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Voice Performance

Offered By

College of Arts and Media

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

[]

Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

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).

Why GCU

Shape Your Voice and Your Future in Music

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:

Instrumental Performance

Piano Performance

Coursework

Hone Your Vocal and Chorus Performance Skills

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

Recitals and Performance

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.

Careers

Career Paths in Voice Performance

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.

Work Environments

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

Touring companies
Regional theatre companies
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. Some individuals may decide to launch their own private voice studio.²

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

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.

172,800

Estimated employment projections for musicians and singers by 2033³

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major80 credits

Open Elective Credits0-6 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

Required General Education Courses

MUS-355

4 Total Credits

MUS-365

4 Total Credits

Core Courses

MUS-125

4 Total Credits

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.

MUS-102

1 Total Credits

MUS-145

1 Total Credits

MAP-115

2 Total Credits

MEN-306

0 Total Credits

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

MEN-308

0 Total Credits

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

MUS-155

4 Total Credits

MUS-103

1 Total Credits

MUS-146

1 Total Credits

MAP-125

2 Total Credits

MUS-260

4 Total Credits

MUS-202

1 Total Credits

MUS-245

1 Total Credits

MAP-215

2 Total Credits

TRE-155

4 Total Credits

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.

MUS-203

1 Total Credits

MUS-246

1 Total Credits

MAP-225

2 Total Credits

MUS-383

4 Total Credits

MUS-227

4 Total Credits

MAP-315

2 Total Credits

BUS-302

4 Total Credits

MUS-368

4 Total Credits

MUS-347

4 Total Credits

MAP-395

0 Total Credits

MAP-325

2 Total Credits

WSA-123

4 Total Credits

TRE-380

4 Total Credits

MAP-415

2 Total Credits

MUS-465

4 Total Credits

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.

MUS-463

4 Total Credits

MUS-495

4 Total Credits

MAP-495

0 Total Credits

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.

MAP-425

2 Total Credits

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

More Resources

Learning Goals

Financial

Calculate My Costs

Tuition & Financing

Scholarships & Grants

Information

Admission

Unlock Your Musical Potential

Nurture your God-given musical talents and share your joy through voice performance.

Apply Now

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.