Shenandoah University

What you'll study

Core learning combines advanced vocal pedagogy with scientific and clinical perspectives. Students take coursework and practical experiences in anatomy and physiology (including cadaver lab time), voice disorders, body awareness, teaching practicum, technology in the studio, research design and two years of private voice lessons. The curriculum integrates classical and contemporary commercial music techniques and includes required participation in the Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Vocal Pedagogy Institute. Students complete a traditional dissertation or a three-article dissertation on a chosen topic; past dissertations have addressed issues such as the menopausal voice, laryngopharyngeal reflux, performance anxiety, contemporary Christian music, formant tuning, vocal function exercises for musical theatre, gender bias in repertoire, temporomandibular joint disorders and therapeutic outcomes for patients with cystic fibrosis.

Entry requirements

Applicants audition for placement; the programme accepts singers from all styles and does not require a classical-only audition. Audition slots are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early; the stated application deadline is January 15 or when audition slots are filled. (For full admissions criteria and procedures contact the Conservatory.)

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for university-level teaching, research and programme leadership as well as alt-ac careers such as running private studios, managing non-profit arts organizations or joining multidisciplinary voice care teams alongside laryngologists and speech-language pathologists. The programme’s research and technology training supports roles in voice research centers and clinical collaboration.

Scholarships & funding angle

No specific scholarships are listed on the course text. Prospective students should consult Shenandoah Conservatory’s graduate funding office and departmental contacts about assistantships, fellowships or other financial support, and inquire early given limited audition slots.