Vocal Performance (MM)

Department Website

Program Description

The Master of Music in Vocal Performance offers two concentrations:

Classical Voice

Classical Voice studies includes a comprehensive sequence of courses in vocal technique and repertoire for recitals, chamber music, opera, and music theatre. Courses in opera studies are supported by Opera Workshop, studio performance opportunities, and one mainstage opera production each year. Students have the opportunity to study with prominent artists/teachers from the professional music community, including New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.

All Classical Voice majors perform both a junior and senior recital. Elective courses further prepare students for employment opportunities in the world of professional music performance.

Music Theatre

Music Theatre studies offers a comprehensive sequence of courses that provides training in voice, acting, dance, repertoire, and analysis. Multiple mainstage and studio productions are mounted each year in addition to operas, workshops, and new work development projects. Music theatre workshop classes focus on both preparation of material and its presentation in audition and performance settings. Students are taught and directed by working professionals from the Broadway community who provide practical insight and guidance for the student who is about to enter the professional arena.

Other Opportunities

The department offers dual degrees with the Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. See Vocal Performance for more information.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to each concentration:

• Classical Voice
• Music Theatre

Program Requirements

Classical Voice

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Requirements
Vocal Performance Core
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	10
MPAVP-GE 2112	Vocal Coaching: Advanced	3
MPAVP-GE 2141	Graduate Acting for Singers I	2
MPAVP-GE 2142	Graduate Acting for Singers II	2
MPAVP-GE 2151	Script Analysis and Dramaturgical Process	2
Classical Voice Specialization
MPAVP-GE 2222	Opera Studies I: European Opera; Origins through the 18th Century	2
MPAVP-GE 2223	Opera Studies II: European Opera; The 19th Century	2
MPAVP-GE 22xx	Opera Workshop (1 unit, taken 3x)	3
Graduate Diction
Select two of the following:		2
MPAVP-GE 2131	Intensive Lyric Diction for Singers: Italian
MPAVP-GE 2132	Intensive Lyric Diction for Singers: English
MPAVP-GE 2133	Intensive Lyric Diction for Singers: German
MPAVP-GE 2134	Intensive Lyric Diction for Singers: French
Terminal Experience
MPAVP-GE 2121	Colloquium in Music and Music Education	2
Recital
Electives
Guided Electives by Advisement
Dance Electives
Students choose two dance courses from the list below or other dance courses by advisement:		2
MPAVP-GE 2123	Beginning Ballet
MPAVP-GE 2124	Beginning Modern Dance Techniques
MPAVP-GE 2125	Jazz Dance Technique
MPAVP-GE 2126	Tap Dance
MPAVP-GE 2127	Music Theatre Dance
MPAVP-GE 2128
Other Electives by Advisement
Select four units of other electives		4
Total Credits		36

Music Theatre

The MM in Vocal Performance: Music Theatre studies offers a comprehensive sequence of courses that provides training in voice, acting, dance, repertoire, and analysis. Five fully staged musicals — two mainstage and three studio — are produced each year in addition to operas, workshops, and new work development projects. Music theatre workshop classes focus on both preparation of material and its presentation in audition and performance settings. Students are taught and directed by working professionals from the Broadway community who provide practical insight and guidance for the student who is about to enter the professional arena.

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Requirements
Vocal Performance Core
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	10
MPAVP-GE 2112	Vocal Coaching: Advanced	3
MPAVP-GE 2141	Graduate Acting for Singers I	2
MPAVP-GE 2142	Graduate Acting for Singers II	2
MPAVP-GE 2151	Script Analysis and Dramaturgical Process	2
Musical Theatre Specialization
MPAVP-GE 2351	Music Theatre History I	2
MPAVP-GE 2352	Music Theatre History II	2
MPAVP-GE 2xx	Music Theatre Workshop (1 unit, taken 4x)	4
MPx-xxxx	Ensemble	1
Terminal Experience
MPAVP-GE 2121	Colloquium in Music and Music Education	2
Recital
Electives
Guided Electives by Advisement
Dance Electives
Students choose two dance courses from the list below or other dance courses by advisement:		2
MPAVP-GE 2123	Beginning Ballet
MPAVP-GE 2124	Beginning Modern Dance Techniques
MPAVP-GE 2125	Jazz Dance Technique
MPAVP-GE 2126	Tap Dance
MPAVP-GE 2127	Music Theatre Dance
MPAVP-GE 2128
Other Electives by Advisement
Select four units of other electives		4
Total Credits		36

The MM in Vocal Performance: Contemporary Voice studies offers a comprehensive sequence of courses that provides training in voice, acting, movement, auditioning, and business, while achieving a level of performance excellence necessary for a career as a professional vocalist.

Sample Plan of Study

Classical Voice

Plan of Study Grid

1st Semester/Term		Credits
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	3
MPAVP-GE 2151	Script Analysis and Dramaturgical Process	2
MPAVP-GE 2221	Opera Workshop	1
MPAVP-GE 2141	Graduate Acting for Singers I	2
Dance Elective		1
	Credits	9
2nd Semester/Term
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	3
MPAVP-GE 2221	Opera Workshop	2
MPAVP-GE 2221	Opera Workshop	1
MPAVP-GE 2142	Graduate Acting for Singers II	2
Dance Elective		1
	Credits	9
3rd Semester/Term
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	2
MPAVP-GE 2221	Opera Workshop	1
MPAVP-GE 2223	Opera Studies II: European Opera; The 19th Century	2
Diction Course		1
Elective		2
	Credits	8
4th Semester/Term
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	2
MPAVP-GE 2112	Vocal Coaching: Advanced	3
MPAVP-GE 2121	Colloquium in Music and Music Education	2
Diction		1
Elective		2
	Credits	10
	Total Credits	36

Music Theatre

Plan of Study Grid

1st Semester/Term		Credits
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	3
MPAVP-GE 2151	Script Analysis and Dramaturgical Process	2
MPAVP-GE 2311		1
MPAVP-GE 2141	Graduate Acting for Singers I	2
Dance Elective		1
	Credits	9
2nd Semester/Term
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	3
MPAVP-GE 2312		1
MPAVP-GE 2142	Graduate Acting for Singers II	2
MPAVP-GE 2351	Music Theatre History I	2
Dance Elective		1
	Credits	9
3rd Semester/Term
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	2
MPAVP-GE 2121	Colloquium in Music and Music Education	2
MPAVP-GE 2313		1
MPAVP-GE 2352	Music Theatre History II	2
Elective		2
	Credits	9
4th Semester/Term
MPAVP-GE 2111	Vocal Training (Private Lessons)	2
MPAVP-GE 2112	Vocal Coaching: Advanced	3
MPAVP-GE 2314		1
Elective		2
Ensemble or Production		1
Recital		0
	Credits	9
	Total Credits	36

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Employ a solid foundation of healthy vocal technique that will promote efficiency and sustainability in the years that follow their study at NYU.
2. Utilize performance tools that allow them to communicate through song in a truthful and effective manner.
3. Obtain historical knowledge and understanding of the industry.
4. Demonstrate a level of performance excellence and professionalism in vocal technique and acting abilities including the following items that makes it possible for the student to succeed in the field of professional vocal performance upon graduation: vocal efficiency, vocal style, given circumstance, stakes and sense of urgency, delivery of the text.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.