Master of Music in Voice with Concentration in Opera, Artist Diploma in Opera

The program of study leading to the master of music (M.M.) and artistic diploma (A.D.) in opera is open to students with a bachelor of music (B.M.), bachelor of arts (B.A.), or equivalent in music. To gain admittance to the program, applicants must demonstrate the level of performance skill and musicality necessary to start a professional career.

Required Course of Study

Completion of the programs normally takes two years, but the time limit for the M.M. degree is four years from the time of matriculation. Exceptions to extend the time limit may be made with the approval of both the graduate adviser and the dean.

A total of 37 credits for the M.M. is required, distribution as follows:

1. Four semesters of performance study (12 credits) culminating in two role performances or roles study (1 credit each). These performances are evaluated by a faculty committee consisting of the student's major teacher and two additional faculty members approved by the graduate adviser. The student must receive a passing evaluation from a majority of the committee members.

2. Four semesters of ensemble (Opera Workshop - 4 credits).

3. One course (3 credits) in graduate-level music theory, to be selected with the graduate adviser's approval.

4. Two courses (6 credits) in graduate-level music history (one must be Studies in Opera), to be selected with the graduate adviser's approval.

5. Four courses (4 credits) in Graduate Diction, one semester each of English, French, German, and Italian.

6. One course (2 credits) Acting for Singers

7. One course (2 credits) Movement for Singers

8. One course (1 credit) Seminar in Vocal Health

9. One course (1 credit) Business of Opera

In addition, all students must pass a comprehensive examination based on the coursework included in the degree program. A student who fails this examination is provided with a written explanation as part of this notification. He or she will then have the chance to take a reexamination. Reexaminations occur at the next regularly scheduled test period. Unless a procedural flaw occurs in the reexamination process, a student is permitted to take only one reexamination.

Candidates must also demonstrate translation abilities in two languages, and proficiency in diction/International Phonetic Alphabet (I.P.A.) in French, German, Italian, and English.