Vocal Performance

The Vocal Performance emphasis, Bachelor of Music is geared toward a serious vocalist who is interested in pursuing a career in vocal performance, whether in opera or musical theater, professional choirs, as an oratorio specialist or session singer, or as a voice teacher. Many students in this degree program go on to pursue graduate work in their field. This degree meets all requirements for course offerings and standards of performance as necessitated by the NASM accrediting agency.

This degree combines the academic rigor and practical experience required of anyone pursuing vocal studies at the college level with a clear understanding of God’s Word and how to utilize one’s singing talents for the glory of God in a myriad of different occupations. Students are provided high-level instruction, varied musical experiences, and numerous opportunities for performance on and off campus. At TMU, the whole person is trained; we desire our graduates to be well-rounded individuals who love the Lord and their craft more after their time here.

• • Alumni with this degree are singing with opera programs, off-Broadway and regional theater, for Disney, have succeeded in session and oratorio work, created businesses around their craft such as caroling groups or traveling ministry groups, own private studios or theater companies, teach at the high school level, are college professors in the vocal area, sing in professional choirs and direct choral groups of varying degrees.
• • According to PayScale, Vocal Performance graduates average salaries of $52,000 and have a high level of job satisfaction.
• • Los Angeles is one of the top music producing cities in the country, including a myriad of concerts and recitals of varying styles, session singing, and recording opportunities, semi-professional and professional opera companies, community and professional theaters, community and professional choirs with solo opportunities, church jobs, and ministry opportunities and many programs nearby for students pursuing graduate studies in voice.

The School of Music provides performance opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities, as well as granting individual attention and a variety of experiences. Students benefit from an acoustically mastered recital hall that is flexible for rehearsals, concerts, and recording sessions, in addition to 15 Wenger sound-proof practice rooms, including some V-rooms with built-in emulation of larger environments. Students have access to 33 pianos, two organs, and two harpsichords. The Master’s University music facilities include the most recent music notation and sequencing software programs. The state-of-the-art recording facility is integrated into the recital hall. This all-digital room is anchored by a 32-fader ICON D-Control work surface and features an industry-standard Avid Pro Tools HDX2 system with a variety of plugins and outboard processing. The studio is used for classes as well as school ensemble projects, allowing audio technology students to put their knowledge to the test in a real-world studio recording context.

Ensembles:

• • The Master’s Chorale
• • Wind Ensemble
• • Handbells
• • Chamber Strings
• • University Singers
• • The Master’s University Orchestra
• • Opera Workshop

Other Ensembles include Piano Ensembles, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles including a String Quartet, Brass Quartet and Woodwind Quintet, Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, Vocal Jazz Quartet, and Barbershop Quartet.

Students interested in the Vocal Performance degree would be expected to have moderate to strong musicianship skills (ear training, sight-singing, some piano background) along with some level of vocal training and performance experience, whether individually or in a high-level choral setting. Applicants will need to audition (live) with two classical songs, one being from the 27 Italian Songs & Arias book, and must pass a musicianship exam including practical and written elements. Elements of voice technique, tone, breath support, expression, diction, and accuracy to music and style are taken into account.