Music, Vocal Performance
The Music, Vocal Performance Bachelor of Music program at the University of North Carolina offers an intensive and artistically rich education for students pursuing a professional career in singing. This four-year program is structured to develop not only technical vocal ability but also interpretive skill, stage presence, and musical versatility across a range of classical and contemporary repertoires. With core training in vocal technique, music theory, sight-singing, and foreign language diction, students gain a comprehensive foundation that supports both artistic development and academic excellence. Private lessons, ensemble work, and studio classes form the heart of this conservatory-style curriculum, ensuring personalized attention and progressive growth.
Beyond technical mastery, students explore a wide array of performance experiences that simulate the demands of professional life. These include solo recitals, opera workshops, choral performances, and collaborations with instrumentalists and composers. Courses in music history, stagecraft, and pedagogy deepen understanding of the voice as an instrument and cultural expression. The program encourages students to cultivate their unique artistry while also preparing them for auditions, graduate studies, or teaching opportunities. Supported by expert faculty and performance facilities, learners emerge with the confidence, discipline, and resilience needed to succeed on and off the stage.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Music, Vocal Performance
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Music
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
- Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Voice and Musicianship
• Applied Voice Lessons I
• Music Theory I & II
• Aural Skills I
• Diction for Singers (Italian & English)
• University Choir Participation
Year 2 – Intermediate Technique and Style
• Applied Voice Lessons II
• Music Theory III & IV
• Aural Skills II
• Diction for Singers (German & French)
• Vocal Repertoire and Literature
Year 3 – Performance Development and Expression
• Applied Voice Lessons III
• Vocal Pedagogy
• Opera Workshop or Musical Theatre Ensemble
• Song Interpretation Seminar
• Junior Recital Preparation
Year 4 – Advanced Performance and Integration
• Applied Voice Lessons IV
• Senior Recital
• Music in Contemporary Context
• Collaborative Performance Lab
• Career Skills for Musicians
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Vocal Performance program enter a wide array of professional arenas that require artistic excellence, performance discipline, communication skills, and musical interpretation. Alumni frequently pursue careers as concert soloists, choral singers, opera performers, music educators, vocal coaches, and theatre actors. Many also choose to further their education in graduate-level vocal performance or music education programs to refine their craft or gain certification for teaching at higher levels. Opportunities extend to working with performing arts organizations, recording studios, film scoring, liturgical music settings, and community arts outreach. The strong foundation in musicianship, combined with stage experience and professional training, enables graduates to thrive in the competitive landscape of the performing arts while adapting to diverse musical roles and environments.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers more than just a degree—it provides a transformative journey into the art of voice and the life of performance. Students at the University of North Carolina benefit from a curriculum that blends technical instruction, artistic exploration, academic rigor, and real-world preparation. Small studio sizes allow for individualized mentorship from distinguished faculty with professional stage experience. The program’s access to performance spaces, interdisciplinary collaborations, and masterclasses with visiting artists enhances both skill and inspiration. Whether students aim for the opera stage, concert hall, or classroom, they are equipped to express themselves fully and confidently through the power of voice. Choosing this program means choosing to study in an environment that values not only musical excellence but also personal growth, creativity, and the ability to connect with audiences through sound and story.
Contact Information
Phone: +1 (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Address: Jackson Hall, 174 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
