The Catholic University of America

This text is exerpted from the CUA Announcements. Please refer to the Announcements for further information on academic policies and programs.

Master of Music Degree

VOCAL PERFORMANCE
 

Entrance Requirements

After completing the general admission requirements to the music school, a student who wishes to major in vocal performance must successfully complete an entrance recital of approximately 60 minutes duration for a faculty committee. This should include, recital lieder, art songs, and contemporary works displaying vocal proficiency in at least three languages. Graduate credits in private music instruction apply toward degree requirements beginning with the semester during which the entrance recital is passed.

The student’s undergraduate degree should be in voice, although advanced standing will be considered as a result of private work.

Prerequisites also include the successful completion of language examinations in French, German and Italian or, with the approval of the adviser, two years of undergraduate study of each language with a grade of B or better. Language study must be completed at an accredited college or university.

Coaching is available for graduate vocal performance majors by request, for one semester hour only and only in the semester in which a recital is scheduled. For this coaching, students pay the elective study (higher) private instruction fee.

Program of Study

The recommended length of study for this program is two years, although it can be completed in one year and two summers. 

Course Semester Hours
Voice 6
Analytical Techniques II 3
Music History Elective 3
Introduction to Vocal Pedagogy and Physiology 2
Survey in Solo Vocal Literature 2
Electives (appropriate to curriculum) 13
CUA Chorus (1, 1)  
Lyric Diction and Repertoire (3)  
Opera Practicum, Minor Role (1)  
Opera Practicum, Minor Role (MUS 526A) (2)  
Opera Practicum, Major Role (3)  
Opera Workshop (2,2)  
Seminar in Vocal Performance (3,3)  
Survey of German Lied (2,2)  
History of Opera (3)  
Stage Movement for Singers I, II (1,1)  
Vocal Pedagogy Practicum (2)  
Any graduate language courses in German, French, or Italian (maximum 6)  
Any graduate-level courses in speech and drama** (maximum 6)  
Recital 3
Total 32

Graduation Requirement

A memorized solo public recital of 70 minutes duration is required, to be presented following successful completion of a private hearing before a committee of the music school faculty.

Minor in Latin American Music

Requirements listed above apply, with the following exceptions:

1. Six semester hours of Latin American music electives replace Analytical Techniques I (three semester hours) and three semester hours of electives.

2. A significant portion of the student’s performance repertoire for juries and recitals must consist of music by Latin American composers.