Music Schools Worldwide
Compare0

Subject · 275 verified programs

Opera and Vocal Studies: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs that develop the classical singing voice and often add acting, languages and staged opera training.

Also called: Voice Performance, Vocal Performance, Singing, Opera Studies, Lyric Singing, Gesang, Canto lirico, Chant lyrique.

70 BM / BMus · 49 MM / MMus · 40 Other master’s award · 39 Other bachelor’s award · 19 MA · 14 BA / BA (Hons) · 11 Other diploma · 10 DMA · 8 Artist Diploma · 7 Certificate · 2 MFA · 2 BFA · 2 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 1 Graduate Diploma · 1 BS / BSc · 178 dedicated degree, 61 named major, 29 official concentration, 7 documented pathway

275 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About opera and vocal studies study

Opera and vocal studies cover the training of singers, mainly in classical traditions. The voice develops slowly and is physically sensitive, so programs emphasize technique built over several years, careful repertoire choices and attention to vocal health. Individual voice lessons are central, together with coaching sessions in which a pianist helps with musical detail, style and language.

Singers also need skills that instrumentalists do not. Programs commonly include diction in Italian, German, French and English, language study, and acting or movement classes. Opera workshops and staged productions give experience in character work and stagecraft, while recital and art song classes focus on song repertoire where text and music are closely joined.

This subject is specific to voice-centered classical and operatic training. Contemporary and popular singing is organized differently and is covered through other subjects, though some programs offer both. Voice type, such as soprano, mezzo-soprano, countertenor, tenor, baritone or bass, shapes repertoire and is often named in audition requirements.

What study typically involves

  • Individual voice lessons and technique development
  • Vocal coaching with a pianist on style and language
  • Lyric diction in Italian, German, French, English and other languages
  • Art song, oratorio and operatic repertoire
  • Acting, movement and staged scenes or full productions
  • Music reading, aural skills and theory
  • Vocal health, anatomy and performance preparation
  • Languages and music history relevant to vocal literature

Award titles. Vocal study is commonly recognized through awards such as the BM or BMus in voice at undergraduate level and the MM or MMus in voice or opera at master's level. Conservatories may also offer postgraduate diplomas, professional studies certificates or artist diplomas, which are not degrees. Practice doctorates such as the DMA exist in some countries, and research doctorates are PhDs. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program appears under Opera and Vocal Studies only when it is a dedicated vocal or opera degree, a named voice or opera major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. A single voice elective does not count. Voice types are tracked through the Classical Voice and Contemporary Voice instrument listings.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Voice auditions generally ask for several contrasting pieces sung from memory, which may include an art song, an aria and a piece in a language other than English. Programs sometimes specify languages or periods. Panels listen for vocal potential, musicality, language handling and stage presence, recognizing that young voices are still developing.

Applicants may also take a theory and aural assessment, sight-singing, and an interview. Some programs ask for an accompanist to be arranged by the applicant, while others provide one. Graduate applicants are expected to present a more mature and varied program and may be asked about language preparation and performance history.

Audition rules, age expectations and repertoire lists differ by institution and country, so check the official admissions page rather than relying on a general list. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include scholarships awarded on audition, studio or opera program awards, tuition waivers and assistantships such as choir or coaching roles at some institutions. External trusts, foundations and competitions also support singers in some countries, and some public grants are open to eligible nationals or residents only.

Availability and terms vary by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Contact each program and funding body for current details.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible additional costs include accompanist fees for lessons, auditions and recitals, language courses, travel to auditions, scores and audition outfits, headshots and recordings, and costumes or materials for staged productions.