Performance (Voice, Music Theatre, Opera), MM
Advance your artistry through focused professional training that emphasizes excellence, individuality and artistic discipline. You'll receive mentorship from world-class faculty and enjoy significant performance opportunities. Prepare for the stage with purpose and creativity.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
The National Association of Schools of Music accredits Arizona State U...
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Performance (Voice, Music Theatre, Opera), MM degree description
You refine your craft and prepare for a meaningful career in music in the Master of Music in performance with tracks in opera, music theatre and voice performance. This program provides you with hands-on training and performance experience to help you excel as an artist and professional.
You tailor your studies to fit your interests. After choosing one of three tracks, you have the opportunity to focus on one area or explore other disciplines, including those from other tracks. You can also choose to explore pedagogy, stage technology or entrepreneurship.
The program provides specialized training in voice, acting, dance, movement, audition techniques, career skills and vocal coaching. The courses bring all these skills together, giving you the tools and confidence needed to succeed as a professional musical artist.
The concentration in voice, music theatre and opera provides diverse training in performance styles. Each season features musicals and operas, along with student-led productions and new works. Collaborations with Arizona Opera and The Phoenix Theatre Company, plus annual music theatre showcases in New York City and Phoenix, give you exciting performance opportunities and professional experience.
Why specialize in voice, music theatre, opera at ASU?
Unlike most institutions with vocal programs, ASU keeps classical, music theatre and opera together, so you can train across the full range of your voice. You'll collaborate creatively with musicians, media artists and others across disciplines, and tap into professional connections through a network of alumni, internships, residencies and partnerships spanning the arts.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
32 credit hours and a written comprehensive exam
Required Core (4 credit hours) Concentration (8 credit hours) Area of Emphasis (8-9 credit hours) Other Studies in Music (11-12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Requirements Students select an area of emphasis from the following: music theatre performance, opera performance or voice performance. Students should see the academic unit for specific requirements for the selected area of emphasis. The Other Studies in Music requirement consists of six credit hours of MHL coursework and five to six credit hours of MTC coursework. Students should see the academic unit for specific requirements. Area of Emphasis credit hours may include electives depending on course selections. Additional information on requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum checksheet located on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page.
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
MUP 570 Topic: Music Theatre and Opera Seminar (1), taken twice
MUP 596 Solo Performance (1)
MUP 597 Solo Performance (1)
Music history (6)
Music theory (5-6)
Written comprehensive exam (0)
All new graduate music students must complete diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory before enrolling in courses for these programs through the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. This is tracked internally within the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply vocal performance practices and techniques in the context of diverse musical settings and genres, demonstrating familiarity with the literature and with different singing styles.
- Evaluate vocal repertoire and pedagogy to develop a unique musical style.
- Produce a research study focusing on musical elements, social uses of music, and interplay among performers, composers, and institutions.
Apply vocal performance practices and techniques in the context of diverse musical settings and genres, demonstrating familiarity with the literature and with different singing styles. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants must have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances. A bachelor's degree in music is not required for admission to a master's program. However, all applicants without a bachelor's degree in music should contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for information on potential courses to complete. Additional courses may be taken at ASU, another accredited university or a community college before or after admission to this program, but they must be completed before starting graduate-level required courses in music history and music theory. Students should see the program website for application deadlines. After the complete application has been received, including recommendation letters, transcripts and proof of English proficiency, and review has been conducted of prescreening materials, the applicant may be invited for a live audition.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this voice, music theatre, opera concentration prepares you for
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music.
Musicians are in high demand in many industries because of their creativity, innovation and collaboration skills. Graduates are prepared to work in various professional and entrepreneurial capacities, performing as freelance soloists, stage performers or choral singers in numerous settings, including opera companies, Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, concert halls, regional theatre companies, touring productions, dinner theatres, cruise ships, resorts and theme parks, restaurants, concert halls and churches.
Graduates also find work in music-related fields, presenting school and community programs, recording in studios, and teaching privately or as part of a college or university program. Areas of employment include:
- arts administration
- media production
- music business
- music marketing
- music publishing
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
