Vocal Arts at California State University, Los Angeles is dedicated to providing a program of study that will bring each student to his or her highest individual potential through a positive, diverse and collegial environment. The vocal arts faculty have a record of producing graduates who are successful in a variety of musical disciplines, including vocal performance, pedagogy, music education and other musical arts. At each level of study, students in vocal arts pursue the highest standards in their development of technique, repertoire, languages, and musicianship. Students have the opportunity to learn from outstanding artist performers in an exciting program, located in the dynamic Southern California professional music environment.
Students in vocal arts have the option of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree or one of two options in the Bachelor of Music degree. The Bachelor of Arts degree in music provides singers with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge in theory, history, literature and the performance of music while also pursuing a liberal education or another area of interest. The Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance concentrates on the practical application of knowledge and skills to develop a well-rounded musician who is prepared to start a career as a professional singer. The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education: Choral/Vocal emphasis produces music educators with the highest competency in teaching techniques, knowledge of subject matter, and, most importantly, the understanding to foster emotional growth of individuals, creating a society that is sensitive to the arts.
The Graduate program in voice currently offers the Masters of Arts in Music and the Master of Music degrees. Students in the Master of Arts program may emphasize vocal pedagogy within their studies. Specific areas include vocal technique, repertoire, history, theory, performance practice, applied and pedagogical vocal studies. The Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance is designed to meet the goals for three types of musicians: 1) performers who wish to augment and refine their skills; 2) music teachers wishing to update and increase their knowledge, especially in content areas of performance; and 3) those wishing to teach music at the community college or university level.
Performance opportunities on campus are numerous and include solo recitals, small ensembles, larger choral ensembles, opera scenes and musical productions, master classes featuring prominent guest artists, and weekly studio master classes. Our students often find performance opportunities with the many professional and community opera companies, choral ensembles, and theatre companies in the area.