Vocal Performance Major - Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree
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.
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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 performance 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 provide you 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.
Career Opportunities for a Vocal Performance Major
The BA degree in music with a singing degree emphasis is aligned to 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 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.
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.
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.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
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. Co-requisite: MUS-130.
Course Description
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. Co-requisite: MUS-130L.
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 the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
A study of Italian song transliteration, utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet and emphasizing the broad skills of correct choice, correct performance of sounds, and performance practice of sung Italian. (Preferred default course)
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.
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.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-130, this course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Prerequisites: MUS-130 and MUS-130L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-160L.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-130L, this course emphasizes aural skill development through practical study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Prerequisites: MUS-130 and MUS-130L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-160.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MPC-109. It includes passing Part II of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MPC-109 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-120 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
A study of German song transliteration, utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet and emphasizing the broad skills of correct choice, correct performance of sounds, and performance practice of sung German. Prerequisite: MUS-111 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of music from primitive times to the mid-18th century. It presents the growth of music in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the contrapuntal schools, culminating in the work of J. S. Bach and the development of opera and oratorio during the baroque period.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-160, this course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Music examples are selected from Bach through Wagner. It also includes an advanced study in analysis and part writing utilizing modulation and chromatic harmony. Prerequisites: MUS-160 and MUS-160L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-262L.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-160L, this course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training will be utilized. Prerequisites: MUS-160 and MUS-160L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-262.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MPC- 259. It includes passing Part III of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MPC-259 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
A study of French song transliteration, utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet and emphasizing the broad skills of correct choice, correct performance of sounds, and performance practice of sung French. Prerequisite: MUS-111 or Music Department approval. (Preferred default course)
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-130 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of music from the mid-18th century to modern times. Study is devoted to the rise of homophonic music, the art song, the nationalistic schools, and the principal composers of the classical, romantic, and contemporary periods. Prerequisite: MUS-360 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-262, this course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. This course includes analysis and composition methods of music of the late 19th through the 20th century. Prerequisites: MUS-262 and MUS-262L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-351L.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-262L, this course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training will be utilized. Prerequisites: MUS-262 and MUS-262L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-351.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MPC-359. It includes passing Part IV of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MPC-359 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.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-220 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
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 a study of the various organizational structures in music, from motive, phrase, and period, through binary and ternary forms to the most complex, such as the variation, rondo, and sonata. Works of the masters are analyzed from the standpoint of form. Prerequisites: MUS-351 and MUS-351L, or MUS-275 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is a survey study of the composers, their styles, and literature from the beginning of solo song through the early romantic period. Practicum/field experience hours: None. This course is a survey study of the solo vocal song: representative composers, compositional style, and literature from the Baroque through the mid-twentieth century. The focus is on early Italian song, German Lieder, French mélodie and Russian song.
Course Description
This course is an exploration of voice science and pedagogy for voice instruction. Students will be required to demonstrate pedagogical application.
Course Description
Coached instruction in chamber and small ensemble settings. Members are selected through an annual audition open to both music and non-music majors at Grand Canyon University. Prerequisite: Admission into this ensemble by audition only or instructor's permission. Co-Requisite: Enrollment in Private Studio instruction.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-230 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This course will survey the history of American popular music genres. Through understanding styles and forms within the context of their origins, popular music is understood in the relationship of its functions in society.
Course Description
This course is a survey of contrapuntal practice from the 18th century. Background reference is made to early polyphonic music. Emphasis is given to 16th century species counterpoint and to analyzing and writing inventions and fugues in the 18th century style of J. S. Bach. An introduction is provided for the use of counterpoint in 20th century composition. Prerequisites: MUS-351 and MUS-351L, or MUS-275.
Course Description
This course is a survey study of the composers, their styles, and literature from the middle romantic period of solo song through the contemporary period. It is a continuation of MUS-375. Practicum/field experience hours: None. This course is a survey study of the solo vocal song: representative composers, compositional style, and literature from the mid-nineteenth century through the present, The focus is on English language song, late Italian song, song written outside Western Europe and the United States, and includes a brief introduction to American popular song. MUS-376 is a continuation of MUS-375: Song Literature I.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-320 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
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. The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.
Course Description
This course will prepare the College of Fine Arts and Production student for professional success in their chosen field. Students will research their industry, gaining critical knowledge and learning the business practices needed for post-graduation success.
Course Description
This course will survey the development of jazz music from its genesis, transformation, and growth to current postmodern practices. The styles are explored through the social identity of the music and musicians.
Course Description
This course is a study of major jazz techniques and styles, including repertoire, instrumentation, improvisation, innovations, and major jazz ensembles.
Course Description
This course is a study and application in techniques of scoring and arranging music for various combinations of musical mediums. Includes scoring for strings, woodwinds, brasses, percussion, and voices.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-330 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
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
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-420 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
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 senior year. The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* 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.