Vocal Studies

Whether your passion is for art songs, operatic arias or sacred music, it will be kindled during your tenure under the guidance of the voice faculty at the University of Tennessee School of Music. Drawing from a wide-ranging breadth of teaching and professional performing experience, 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.