Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance

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Take Your Talent to Pitch-Perfect Heights

Whether you want to star in a Broadway show, become an opera singer, or work as a voice teacher, a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance will help you grow into the artist you aspire to be. Our dynamic program offers a mix of performance, vocal technique, pedagogy, diction, repertoire, opera, and choral activities to hone your skills and artistry. 

The curriculum also covers key areas such as music theory, sight singing, vocal literature, and music history. Throughout your studies, you’ll get many opportunities to work closely with experienced faculty, learn from guest artists in special masterclasses, participate in applied music lessons, and perform in music ensembles.

The program culminates in a senior recital and capstone project, allowing you to show off your growth as a vocalist. Graduates are fully prepared for careers in solo and choral performance, vocal teaching, and other music-related fields, with the technical expertise and musical knowledge needed to thrive in the industry.

Curriculum & Requirements

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Vocal Performance Major, Bachelor of Music (BM)

Required Non-Credit Music Components
CONVOCATION AND RECITAL ATTENDANCE (must be repeated each term)
Junior Recital
Piano Proficiency
Required Vocal Performance Courses
MUSC 101
& MUSC 102
& MUSC 103		MUSIC THEORY I
and MUSIC THEORY II
and MUSIC THEORY III		9
MUSC 104
& MUSC 105
& MUSC 106		SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS II
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS III		3
MUSC 121
& MUSC 122		PIANO CLASS II FOR MAJORS
and PIANO CLASS III FOR MAJORS		2
MUSC 201
& MUSC 202
& MUSC 203		MUSIC THEORY IV
and MUSIC THEORY V
and MUSIC THEORY VI		9
MUSC 204
& MUSC 205		SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS IV
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS V		2
MUSC 244MUSIC TECHNOLOGY2
MUSC 250
& MUSC 251
& MUSC 252		MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE II
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE III		12
MUSC 310BASIC CONDUCTING2
MUSC 312ADVANCED CONDUCTING2
MUSC 320
& MUSC 321
& MUSC 322		DICTION FOR SINGERS I
and DICTION FOR SINGERS II
and DICTION FOR SINGERS III		3
MUSC 323FOREIGN LANGUAGE READING AND COMPREHENSION1
MUSC 324
& MUSC 325		VOCAL LITERATURE I
and VOCAL LITERATURE II		4
MUSC 388PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC4
MUSC 461VOCAL PEDAGOGY3
MUSC 470SENIOR RECITAL2
Applied Music Requirements–must be repeated24
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
Major Music Ensemble Requirement Options–must be repeated12
MARCHING BAND
WIND ENSEMBLE
SYMPHONIC BAND
ORCHESTRA
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
CONCERT CHOIR
Minor Music Ensemble Requirements –Choose from the following (may be repeated)2
COLLEGIANS
VOCAL JAZZ LAB
CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES
OPERA & THEATRE VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE
POP COMBO
Required Senior Capstone/Thesis
MUSC 490MUSIC SENIOR CAPSTONE4
Total Credits102

Sample Courses

MUSC 320. DICTION FOR SINGERS I. 1 Credit.

Introduction to diction for singers, choral conductors and collaborative pianists. The class introduces International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and its practical application to English, Ecclesiastical Latin, Italian, German and French through both in-class practice and dictionary reference. This course is designed to provide introductory information and develop knowledge of basic IPA symbols, their pronunciation and the implementation of this learning into vocal/choral repertoire.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 324. VOCAL LITERATURE I. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 322 or permission of instructor.
This course is designed to familiarize students with canonic composers, poets, songs, and chamber works in the English and German languages. By the end of this course, students will be able to discuss hallmarks of each composer’s style and poetic trends depicted in vocal literature. Students will be able to identify major works from each composer’s catalogue, and recognize composers through score identification exercises.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 461. VOCAL PEDAGOGY. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: senior standing.
Preparation for teaching individual and class voice in the studio.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 323. FOREIGN LANGUAGE READING AND COMPREHENSION. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 322 or permission of instructor.
This course is designed to familiarize students with canonic texts that have inspired vocal literature. The course will focus on best practices for building reading and comprehension techniques in Italian, French, and German. By the end of this course, students will be able to roughly translate large portions of canonic text in Italian, French, and German with just a dictionary.

Catalog Listing

Career Possibilities

  • Professional Musician (Orchestral, Jazz, Classical, Commercial)
  • Concert Pianist, Violinist, Guitarist, etc.
  • Opera Singer
  • Musical Theater Performer
  • Studio Musician
  • Music Director (Church, Theater, Live Events)

  • Private Music Instructor
  • K-12 Music Teacher
  • University Music Professor
  • Music Therapy Specialist
  • Music Educator for Special Needs Students
  • Music Camp/Festival Director
  • Music Pedagogy Specialist

  • Composer (Film, TV, Video Games)
  • Songwriter & Arranger
  • Music Producer & Technologist
  • Sound Designer & Music Editor
  • Film Score Composer

A Performance major prepares students for professional careers in the music industry, emphasizing the development of advanced technical skills, artistry, and performance delivery. Students specialize in an instrument or voice, honing their craft through individual lessons, ensemble work, and live performances. In addition to mastering their chosen instrument or voice, performance students learn about music theory, history, and the business of music. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as studio teachers, commercial music performers, solo artists, performers in professional ensembles, music educators, or composers/arrangers. They may also work in music production, management, international diplomacy, arts administration, and other music-related fields.

Explore your career possibilities in the following areas:

EWU Music Session

As a child, Kimberly Regis was captivated by her father’s piano playing. Later, she found inspiration in the great Mexican vocalist Vicente Fernández. Today, as a music major, she is making a name for herself, thanks in large part to her experience at EWU.

“Eastern was a really good choice,” Regis shares. “The people and faculty here are amazing. I don’t think I’d be where I am now without their support.”

Why EWU?

Vibrant Music Community

Vibrant Music Community

Join clubs like Mariachi Las Águilas, ACDA Choir, and the EWU Marching Band.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Learn from musicians who actively perform at top regional venues.

Affordable Education

Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition and financial aid options to help you graduate debt-free.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Graduate prepared to take control of your career and thrive financially.

Passion-Driven Careers

Passion-Driven Careers

Follow your calling and compose your future in the music industry.

Program Highlights

  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with artists, actors, writers, and poets to broaden your creative horizons.
  • Accredited Excellence: Earn a degree from a nationally accredited program known for its exceptional music education.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: Keep pace with the changing industry using advanced music technology and state-of-the-art tools.
“I chose the EWU music program because of the world-class musicians who teach there. I knew I could trust them to become both a better musician and a more well-rounded person.” — Christian Skok '22

Faculty

For more information about Vocal Performance, contact our faculty.

Nicole Sonbert

Lecturer - Director of Voice Studies
Photo of Nicole Sonbert
Music Building Room 231

Dawn Wolski

Instructor
Photo of Dawn Wolski
Music Building Room 230
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Take the Next Step

The EWU Music Department awards an average of $150,000 in scholarships each year to help students pursue their dream of working in the music industry.

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Location:
Music Building
20 W Seventh St
Cheney, WA 99004

Contact:
E: jgraves@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2241

Collaborate and excel with exceptional musicians and artist-teachers in an inclusive academic environment. Our programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by faculty from the region’s dynamic arts community.

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