VOICE
The University of Tennessee College of Music offers world-class instruction in vocal technique and artistry. Our voice faculty has a wide breadth of experience in teaching and international performance experience. We are dedicated to fostering opportunity, success, and achievement for our students. So whether your passion is for art songs, opera, oratorio, choral conducting or general vocal instruction, the mission of the voice faculty is to encourage and guide your growth in whichever direction you choose.
Undergraduate Program
An active, energetic undergraduate program includes a Bachelor of Music Degree with a concentration in Voice Performance or Music Education, and a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Voice Performance. Undergraduate voice majors have every opportunity to participate in various choral organizations as well as receive training and performing experience in the University’s opera productions. Seminars designed for the specific needs of the undergraduate voice major are a popular feature of this unique, performance-filled undergraduate program.
Graduate Program
The University of Tennessee graduate program in voice offers a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in performance. At the heart of the graduate program in vocal performance is the Knoxville Opera Studio. The Knoxville Opera Studio defines the graduate program’s focus on professional training that guides all aspects of the graduate experience, both through the curriculum and a relationship with the Knoxville Opera. Studio members may prepare and perform secondary and supporting roles and educational outreach with the Knoxville Opera as available, sing principle roles in UT Opera Theatre productions, and sing in the Knoxville Opera professional chorus. As a member of the vocal graduate program at UT students become a part of the KOS, which offers a challenge to excellence, as they work toward a Master of Music degree, while moving back and forth between the academic and professional settings.
Artist Certificate
The Graduate Artist Certificate in Voice allows singers to polish their technical and artistic ability on a flexible schedule of either 1 or 2 years. Coursework will focus primarily on performance mastery and personal goals. Completion of this program will provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in major vocal competitions and auditions, and ultimately, a professional performing career. Students of this program will be eligible to audition for the Knoxville Opera Studio, which provides further professional experience in secondary, supporting, and cover roles, as well as outreach, chorus, and masterclass opportunities. To learn more about this program, contact Andrew Skoog at sskoog@utk.edu. A list of courses in the program can be found here.
Vocal Pedagogy Certificate
The Graduate Vocal Pedagogy Certificate in Voice offers singers an immersive, flexible opportunity to refine and elevate their teaching expertise while deepening their understanding of vocal pedagogy. Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on training, completion of this program will provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in the vocal studio or classroom as future teachers and choral directors to empower the next generation of vocalists. This certificate can be completed entirely in person or online from UT and be completed either as an add-on to an MM or a standalone certificate. To learn more about this program, contact Kim Roberts at krober92@utk.edu.
Voice Faculty
Kevin Class
Director of Collaborative Piano, Music Director of Opera Theatre
Eileen Downey
Distinguished Lecturer of Collaborative Piano and Vocal Coach
