In the world of artistry, talent alone cannot guarantee success. Artists of all disciplines must hone their craft, forge connections, and strike a balance between excellence in their art and sustainability in their livelihood. This is where college education becomes crucial, even for those brimming with skill and ambition.
For aspiring singers, the journey of choosing the right college can be daunting. Alongside traditional higher education institutions, conservatories and specialized music schools beckon. The decision is pivotal as music school builds upon a singer’s natural talents, demanding utmost care in selection. An ideal school should possess the resources to propel performances and boast a faculty of seasoned professionals capable of molding voices with finesse. Nurturing and unwavering support are paramount.
Thankfully, numerous institutions embody these qualities, and here, we present a carefully curated list of ten such schools offering exceptional vocal performance and singing degrees for undergraduates. So if you yearn to find your voice and embrace the path of beautiful music-making, read on to discover the perfect place to flourish as an artist.
Berklee College of Music (Boston, Massachusetts)
At Berklee College of Music, vocal students pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance embark on a skill-building journey, honing their chosen principal instrument with expert guidance. The program offers a diverse range of genres, from R&B to jazz, allowing students to explore and experiment with various artistic styles.
Performance opportunities abound at Berklee, with over 350 ensembles meeting weekly to develop their performance skills. From blues to contemporary Indian music, concentrations cater to diverse interests. As part of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, students can engage in chamber choirs, opera scenes, studio recitals, and more, showcasing their talents in over 1,500 concerts and events each year, both on campus and across Boston.
Post-college preparation is at the core of Berklee’s mission for vocal majors. Throughout the four-year program, students receive private vocal lessons and intensive sight-reading training. The college offers spectrographic analysis and courses to prioritize vocal health, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the music industry. Berklee College of Music stands as a beacon of excellence, nurturing the talents of vocalists and empowering them to make their mark in the world of music.
Notable alumni:
- Quincy Jones – Music producer and composer;
- John Mayer – Singer-songwriter and guitarist;
- Esperanza Spalding – Jazz bassist and singer;
- Diana Krall – Jazz singer and pianist;
- Lalah Hathaway – Grammy-winning R&B and jazz singer.
Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, PA)
For artists, balancing artistry with financial sustainability poses challenges. To aid singers in their professional journey, Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music offers a head start by providing free tuition to all accepted students. With a selective admission process, Curtis enrolls only 40 musicians annually, resulting in a small student body of 150 at any given time. Consequently, only a few vocalists secure a spot in this esteemed institution.
Beyond the invaluable financial support, accepted students at Curtis benefit from working closely with world-renowned singers. The faculty boasts luminaries like Vinson Cole, celebrated for performances at prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera and Opéra national de Paris. Curtis’ intimate campus and exceptional teachers, including Cole, create an ideal environment for nurturing future opera stars and honing their craft to perfection.
Notable alumni:
- Leonard Bernstein – Composer and conductor;
- Samuel Barber – Composer;
- Lang Lang – Concert pianist;
- Jennifer Higdon – Pulitzer Prize-winning composer;
- Hilary Hahn – Grammy-winning violinist.
Mannes School of Music (New York, NY)
In 1916, David Mannes, New York Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, founded the Mannes School of Music, now an integral part of the city’s vibrant opera scene. As a constituent of the New School, Mannes offers a distinctive educational experience, supported by an expansive infrastructure and a wealth of talented individuals.
Among the esteemed faculty stands Amy Burton, a celebrated soprano renowned for her performances before esteemed audiences worldwide, including White House events. With such accomplished instructors, Mannes provides students with both technical expertise and invaluable insider insights essential for their success.
The achievements of Mannes’ alumni, exemplified by the soaring career of Nadine Sierra, further affirm its impact. Having earned her voice degree in 2010, Sierra now shines as one of opera’s brightest rising stars, gracing the stage as a performer at the esteemed Metropolitan Opera. Mannes’ commitment to excellence continues to produce remarkable talents and contribute to the ever-evolving world of music.
Notable alumni:
- Frederica von Stade – Opera mezzo-soprano;
- Murray Perahia – Concert pianist and conductor;
- Richard Goode – Concert pianist;
- Julius Rudel – Conductor and opera director;
- Lowell Liebermann – Composer and pianist.
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music (Evanston, IL)
Like its counterparts, the Bienen School of Music offers vocalists an exceptional platform to refine their skills. Here, esteemed mezzo-soprano Theresa Brancaccio, acclaimed for her solo performances with Chicago’s Grant Park Symphony, empowers students with her artistry praised by the world, including the Chicago Tribune.
Beyond such esteemed guidance, students at Bienen can engage in transformative programs like the Institute for New Music. Fostering collaboration across media, the Institute ignites innovation among Bienen’s talented community, encouraging them to trailblaze in their artistic pursuits.
What sets Bienen apart is its affiliation with Northwestern University, a renowned institution for top-notch education. Upholding the same standards, the music program equips students not only with refined artistic skills but also with a well-rounded education that empowers their musical endeavors profoundly. At Bienen, the harmony of exceptional talent and academic excellence creates a harmonious symphony of success.
Notable alumni:
- Renée Fleming – Opera soprano;
- Anthony McGill – Principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic;
- Patrice Michaels – Operatic soprano and composer;
- Chris Thile – Grammy-winning musician and composer;
- Jennifer Higdon – Pulitzer Prize-winning composer.
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, IN)
Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music boasts a vibrant student body of over 1600, making it one of the nation’s largest music schools. Amidst this rich community, students at Jacobs find endless opportunities for collaboration and artistic growth.
The school’s ensemble selections exemplify this abundance. Multiple operas are produced annually, providing students with ample chances to refine their performance skills. Through these productions, students gain invaluable experience with significant pieces in their field.
For those with a penchant for modern works, Jacobs offers NOTUS, the school’s contemporary vocal ensemble. Here, students perform captivating material by exciting contemporary composers while also collaborating with music from Jacobs’ own student composers and alumni, fostering a strong sense of communal bonds within the school. Jacobs School of Music provides a harmonious haven where artistic aspirations flourish amidst a wealth of opportunities.
Notable alumni:
- Joshua Bell – Grammy-winning violinist;
- Hoagy Carmichael – Composer and jazz pianist;
- Sylvia McNair – Opera soprano and two-time Grammy winner;
- Ned Rorem – Pulitzer Prize-winning composer;
- Angela Brown – Operatic soprano.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles, CA)
Venturing to the west coast, we encounter the esteemed Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. This top-tier music institution utilizes its prime location, nestled in the entertainment capital of the world, to blend the classical and the contemporary in its voice program.
The harmonious fusion is exemplified by faculty member Rod Gilfry, a double Grammy nominee renowned for originating eleven lead roles in new operas. Longtime instructor Elizabeth Hynes, a revered figure, has honed the skills of some of today’s finest singers through her highly sought-after masterclasses.
With such dynamic teachers and the invaluable connections facilitated by its host city, Thornton School of Music stands as a gateway to the music industry, poised to guide students toward fulfilling their artistic dreams. The west coast’s melodic allure awaits at Thornton’s doorstep.
Notable alumni:
- Marilyn Horne – Opera mezzo-soprano;
- James Newton Howard – Film composer and conductor;
- Diana Krall – Jazz singer and pianist;
- Morten Lauridsen – Composer and conductor;
- Grant Gershon – Choral conductor and music director.
New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA)
The New England Conservatory of Music (NECM) proudly holds the title of the oldest private music school in the United States, revered for its exceptional reputation. Since its founding in 1867, NECM has been a training ground for the finest American opera and vocal performers, boasting illustrious alumni like contralto Eunice Alberts and jazz vocalist Rachael Price.
Building on this rich heritage, NECM sustains its legacy by enlisting top-notch living singers to join its esteemed faculty. Among them is instructor and soprano Jane Eaglen, celebrated for her remarkable performances in prestigious opera houses worldwide, earning accolades for her interpretations of Richard Wagner’s works.
NECM’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond its name, as it continuously embraces innovation. The school pioneers cutting-edge initiatives like the Voice and Sound Analysis Laboratory (VSAL), employing state-of-the-art technology to provide musicians with visual and detailed representations of their performances. With this invaluable feedback, artists can refine and perfect their craft, ensuring a future generation of extraordinary talents.
Notable alumni:
- Gunther Schuller – Composer, conductor, and horn player;
- Sarah Caldwell – Opera conductor and impresario;
- Ran Blake – Jazz pianist and composer;
- Dominique Eade – Jazz vocalist and educator;
- Ran Dank – Concert pianist.
Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD)
With its roots dating back to 1857, the Peabody Institute stands as the oldest public conservatory in the United States, a testament to its enduring excellence. Renowned alumni like pop music icon Tori Amos and operatic soprano Jessye Norman have graced its halls, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
In 1977, a transformative alliance was formed when Peabody joined forces with Johns Hopkins University, further elevating its standing among the nation’s esteemed liberal arts institutions. This union has only bolstered Peabody’s reputation.
Within its faculty, opera luminaries like Denyce Graves adorn the roster. Graves, celebrated for her memorable performances in operas like Carmen and Samson et Dalila, imparts her unparalleled expertise to aspiring vocalists at Peabody.
Despite its illustrious history and prestigious instructors, Peabody remains committed to engaging the public at various levels. The Peabody Prep, an awe-inspiring initiative, offers technical training and enrichment courses to young students in and around Baltimore, cultivating an early appreciation for the arts and nurturing the talents of the future. Peabody Institute continues to create a timeless legacy in the world of music and beyond.
Notable alumni:
- Philip Glass – Composer;
- Tori Amos – Singer-songwriter and pianist;
- Marin Alsop – Conductor;
- Nico Muhly – Composer;
- Kevin Puts – Composer.
Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY)
While the opera industry can be challenging to enter due to financial barriers, Rochester’s Eastman School of Music takes a proactive stance to address this issue with its groundbreaking funding program. Nearly every student at Eastman is granted some form of funding, and in the previous year alone, the school provided a remarkable $16 million in financial aid, with a focus on merit scholarships.
Through this progressive approach, Eastman has successfully identified the next generation of opera luminaries. Among its accomplished alumni are soprano Julia Bullock, acclaimed by the New York Times as being “poised for a significant career,” and the distinguished National Medal of Arts recipient, Renée Fleming.
By providing robust financial support to its students, Eastman empowers a more diverse array of aspiring artists to cultivate their musical talents, fostering a vibrant and inclusive opera community for the future.
Notable alumni:
- Renee Fleming – Opera soprano
- Ron Carter – Jazz bassist
- Maria Schneider – Jazz composer and arranger
- Chuck Mangione – Jazz flugelhorn player and composer
- Jeff Tyzik – Conductor and trumpeter
Juilliard School (New York, NY)
Synonymous with unparalleled excellence in the performing arts, Julliard’s vocal performance program stands as a shining example of the school’s stellar reputation. Its legacy of training some of the world’s most exceptional singers is complemented by an extraordinary faculty.
Among Julliard’s esteemed instructors is the world-renowned vocal teacher, Robert White Jr. His students have graced esteemed opera companies like the Metropolitan Opera and the Chicago Lyric Opera. Beyond his impact on the stage, White’s scholarly contributions have been published in prestigious outlets like The Journal of Voice and The Music Educators Journal.
With unsurpassed standards, Julliard maintains a highly selective admission process, extending offers to just 8% of applicants. Those fortunate enough to be accepted embark on a transformative journey at one of the country’s most iconic music schools, leaving their mark on the legacy of excellence embodied by Julliard.
Notable alumni:
- Yo-Yo Ma – Cellist;
- Itzhak Perlman – Violinist;
- Audra McDonald – Actress and singer;
- John Williams – Film composer;
- Lang Lang – Concert pianist.
Rice University Shepherd School of Music (Houston, TX)
While the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University may not boast the same widespread fame as some of its counterparts, rest assured, it has rightfully earned its esteemed position near the top of our rankings.
With a mere 10% acceptance rate, Shepherd stands as one of the most exclusive music schools in the nation. Beyond pursuing reputation, the school leverages its intimate size to enrich the lives of its students. A remarkable student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1 ensures unparalleled individualized attention from its esteemed faculty.
And what a faculty it is! Robin Rice, one of Shepherd’s accomplished instructors, graces major opera stages worldwide, mesmerizing audiences with productions like The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute. Equally remarkable is Rice’s prowess as an award-winning teacher, adept at nurturing the talents of aspiring artists and bringing out their very best. The Shepherd School of Music cultivates an environment where excellence thrives, propelling students to extraordinary heights in their musical journeys.
Notable alumni:
- Lynn Harrell – Renowned cellist;
- Sarah Rothenberg – Pianist and artistic director;
- Richard Todd – Principal horn of the National Symphony Orchestra;
- Anthony McGill – Principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic;
- Alicia Hall Moran – Mezzo-soprano and performance artist.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a successful vocalist begins with selecting the right college for vocal performance. Each of the colleges on this list offers a unique and enriching experience, with top-notch faculty, outstanding facilities, and a strong focus on artistic development. From nurturing classical opera singers to empowering contemporary pop vocalists, these institutions have earned their place among the best in the world. As students embark on their musical pursuits, these colleges provide the perfect stage to cultivate their talents, hone their skills, and pave the way for a bright future in the world of vocal performance.