The Division of Voice offers 2 programs (Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Fine Arts) for singers interested in art song, opera, oratorio, concert, other classical pieces or vocal teaching. Students receive training in vocal technique, languages and diction, vocal repertoire, acting and the theatrical arts. Performance opportunities range from workshops to fully staged productions, allowing students to develop their talents at the most beneficial pace.
A total of 125 credit hours is required and is designed to further the student's knowledge, practice, and experience in voice. To graduate, a student must earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in all major courses and a minimum average of 2.0 in all course work.
Students will be studying with faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized. Courses in music theory and musicology are part of the exploration of music as are private instruction, ensemble and chamber music opportunities. All students pursuing the B.M. degree will perform a senior recital on their primary instrument/voice. In addition, performance majors will also complete a junior recital and music composition majors will also give a music composition recital.
With this degree, students can go on to pursue graduate studies in music, establish private studios, audition for music ensembles, or create their own paths in music or music-related endeavors.
Undergraduate Admission to the School of Music
First-year students should enter the school directly. Students may transfer to the school from other institutions or from other KU schools if they have at least a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and are eligible to return to the college or university last attended in addition to completing a successful audition. Other students can be admitted only with the permission of the dean. Send applications to the Office of Admissions. Visit the Office of International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions for information about international admissions.
Students who wish to major in music must audition. All music students academically approved for admission to the School of Music are admitted contingent upon demonstration by audition of satisfactory level proficiency in their areas of applied music. Music audition information and application forms are available online. There is a limit of two times a prospective student may request an audition for entrance into one of the School's undergraduate degree programs. The second request must be within 12 months of the first and may be as early as 1 month following the first audition. The limitation also applies to students within the School auditioning from one program into another.
Transfer Students
Students may transfer to the school from other institutions or from other KU schools if they have at least a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), are eligible to return to the college or university last attended, and complete a successful audition. Only grades of C or higher are accepted in transfer credit toward degrees offered by the School of Music. Students who wish to transfer performance credit from another institution toward any music degree at KU must validate this credit by audition. Music audition information and application forms are available online. There is a limit of two times a prospective student may request an audition for entrance into one of the School's undergraduate degree programs. The second request must be within 12 months of the first and may be as early as 1 month following the first audition. The limitation also applies to students within the School auditioning from one program into another.
Music Theory Placement
The music theory placement examination is required of all undergraduate transfer students who have not completed a 4-semester theory sequence with an accredited NASM school. It is administered as announced on the School of Music website each semester.
B.M. Degree Requirements for the Voice Major
A total of 124 hours is required, distributed as follows:
