College Catalog
Voice and Opera Studies
Description and requirements Faculty Courses
Description:
Vocal performance at Purchase College is a small, highly selective program designed to train and mentor serious students in their pursuit of a career in professional classical singing and opera.
This is achieved through a highly disciplined and completely integrated curriculum taught by a talented, committed, and caring faculty, all of whom were or are active, first-class performing artists.
Our working mantra is “learning to perform requires performing to learn.” To that end, every class has a performing component whenever possible. In particular, the program is noted for its excellent instruction of vocal technique, stage technique, movement, language studies, and musical styles.
The program’s operas, which are performed primarily by undergraduates, are routinely praised for their inventiveness and professionalism and have won several annual National Opera Association awards.
Bachelor of Music Requirements:
In addition to meeting General Education requirements and other degree requirements, undergraduate vocal performance majors must complete the following conservatory requirements (116 credits).
Of the 116 credits, up to 8 credits of music history may be counted toward the liberal arts requirement (30 credits minimum) for the degree. Language courses (FRE, GER, ITA) may also be applied toward this requirement.
Freshman Year: 29 credits
Sophomore Year: 40 credits
Junior Year: 29 credits
Senior Year: 18 credits
Master of Music requirements:
Graduate music majors who concentrate in voice and opera studies must meet the following conservatory requirements (45 credits) and earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at Purchase College.
First Year: 22 credits
Second Year: 23 credits
Music Artist Diploma Requirements:
This diploma is intended for graduate students in music who have completed the master’s degree requirements for their areas of study.
To earn the Artist Diploma in opera studies, students must meet the following conservatory requirements (18 credits for the one-year program; 36 credits for the two-year program):
First Year: 18 credits
Second Year: 18 credits
Music Performers Certificate Requirements:
This is a postbaccalaureate program for students who have completed the undergraduate requirements for their areas of study and are entering into careers as performers in solo, ensemble, or studio settings.
To earn the Performers Certificate in opera studies, students must meet the following conservatory requirements (18 credits for the one-year program; 36 credits for the two-year program):
First Year: 18 credits
Second Year: 18 credits
Official Catalog: Published September 27, 2024
Course Frequencies
Since actual course offerings vary from semester to semester, students should consult the myHeliotrope course schedule to determine whether a particular course is offered in a given semester.
Information Changes
In preparing the College Catalog, every effort is made to provide pertinent and accurate information. However, information contained in the catalog is subject to change, and Purchase College assumes no liability for catalog errors or omissions. Updates and new academic policies or programs will appear in the college’s information notices and will be noted in the online catalog.
It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information (particularly degree and major requirements) through frequent reference to current materials and consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, chair or director, and related offices (e.g., enrollment services, advising center).
Notwithstanding anything contained in the catalog, Purchase College expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and to change or modify any academic or other policy.