VOCAL ARTS
ABOUT THE VOCAL ARTS AREA
Small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 ensure that all vocal arts students receive the individualized attention needed for success at the highest level. Every faculty member in the vocal arts area is an active performer and specialist in a particular performance medium. Because of that, students receive professional training across a variety of fields, including art song, oratorio, opera, musical theater, new music, diction, vocal pedagogy, and teaching methods.
Faculty members hold their own studio classes, while students perform repertoire for the entire vocal arts area in a weekly voice recital hour. Students perform degree-required recitals and non-degree recitals, and may audition for solos in choral ensembles or roles in MSU Opera Theatre Productions. Students may also develop their skills through MSU jazz ensembles, the new music ensemble Musique 21, and symphony and concert orchestras.
All successful applicants are automatically considered for competitive merit-based music scholarships. Graduate applicants are eligible for graduate assistantship positions in vocal arts as well as fellowships and scholarships, and no supplemental application is required to be considered.
Faculty
Upcoming Events
MSU vocalists Anne Nispel and Harlan Jennings, with pianist Elden Little, celebrate the Gay Nineties, vaudeville, musical theatre, and La belle époque.
Soprano Melanie Helton and pianist Derek Polischuk celebrate Broadway’s legendary leading ladies with selections from beloved classic musicals.
MSU’s Concert Orchestra and Vocal Arts present Night at the Opera, featuring beloved works by Mozart, Puccini, Rossini, Wagner, Strauss, and Bernstein.
MSU presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved operetta The Gondoliers, a lively tale of romance, mistaken identities, and comic royal intrigue.
MSU presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved operetta The Gondoliers, a lively tale of romance, mistaken identities, and comic royal intrigue.
Featured News
The soprano’s national honor reflects years of steady growth and a solid foundation built at MSU.
MSU Opera Theatre close out the season with Puccini and Rossini Double Bill.
MSU choirs and orchestra present Alegría Navideña at Wharton Center
Season opener presents a reimagined, powerful American masterpiece.
Incoming graduate student Makinsey Rosser brings passion, versatility, and gratitude to the College of Music thanks in part to a fellowship and scholarship that made her dream possible.