Shenandoah University

What you'll study

The programme curriculum covers anatomy and physiology of singing, biomechanics and acoustics, contemporary and historical vocal techniques, repertoire, and business skills for studio teaching. Specific course elements listed in the curriculum include:

• Anatomy and Function of the Singing Voice
• The Business of Studio Teaching
• Supervised Private Teaching
• Comparative Vocal Teaching Methods
• Repertoire for the Singing Teacher
• Technology in the Studio
• CCM Vocal Pedagogy Sessions (three CCM sessions; one classical)

Students also receive private lessons, participate in a vocal styles class, engage in supervised teaching, and present a culminating performance using repertoire drawn from CCM genres. Research-active students may collaborate with faculty and present at The Voice Foundation Annual Symposium or publish in journals such as the Journal of Voice.

Entry requirements

Applicants should prepare for an audition; audition slots are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply by December 1. The stated application deadline is January 15 or when all audition slots are full. The programme is offered online in FLEX format, allowing fully remote completion or campus attendance when possible.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to teach CCM styles across private studios, music schools, and higher-education settings, and to work as performer-educators in musical theatre, jazz, pop, rock and related fields. The degree also supports involvement in applied research on voice pedagogy and collaboration with medical and voice-science professionals, and students benefit from extensive conservatory performance and ensemble platforms that can support professional launch strategies.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should explore conservatory and university scholarships, teaching assistantships, and external arts funding; on-campus study may provide additional access to performance-related awards and assistant roles, while online students should check remote eligibility for departmental funding.