Offered in: Chicago

The goal of the Master of Music in Voice is to prepare skilled performers who demonstrate a technically healthy and musically informed approach to singing. The program emphasizes collegiality, the importance of a balanced educational portfolio, and the cultivation of knowledge across a wide range of vocal styles and repertories.

The graduate program’s objectives are to:

• Refine technical and musical abilities through the study and performance of challenging works drawn from diverse vocal repertories.

• Provide sustained solo and ensemble performance opportunities, including OperaFest, CCPA Opera, and a public recital.

• Cultivate strong collaborative skills in a variety of performance settings.

• Foster intellectual curiosity and the skills necessary to investigate musical topics through advanced academic coursework.

All jury and recital repertoire requirements are listed on the Requirements tab within the academic catalog.

Admission requirements

Please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for audition requirements for singers. 

program requirements

Grade Requirements

• Applied Lessons: B- is the minimum passing grade for VOI 411 VOICE (MAJOR)
• Recitals: B- is the minimum passing grade for each PERF 428 GRADUATE RECITAL

GPA Requirements

Course Requirements

¹

Ensemble participation is a defining element of conservatory training and reflects the collaborative practices of professional musicians. Students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are expected to participate each semester in any ensembles to which they are assigned by the relevant instructor-of-record, in consultation with the Program Director and Academic Advisor. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Students enrolled in ensembles as zero-credit participants (by assignment or with special permission) receive a grade and are expected to complete the same requirements as students enrolled for credit. Ensemble assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

Language Requirements

Students in the graduate program must demonstrate completion of two semesters (the equivalent of 101, or higher) of world language (Italian, Spanish, French, German, etc.) at the college level. This may be two semesters of the same language, or one semester each of two different languages. World language experience at the high school level may also be used toward fulfilling this requirement, in which one year of study at the high school level is equivalent to one semester of study at the college level.

If the student has not successfully completed two consecutive semesters of world language in their previous study, the requirement may be fulfilled in one of the following ways: 

• Enroll for the course at RU.
• Enroll for the course at another two- or four-year college or university in the U.S. and submit the transcript upon completion.
• Take the equivalent of 101 and/or 102 at an approved non-credit language training institution and submit either all grades for the course receiving a B or higher, or a certificate of completion (French, at the Alliance Française; German, at the Goethe-Institut; Italian, at Italidea). This option is not open to undergraduate students except with the written permission of the Program Director and the Associate Dean of the Music Conservatory.
• Other substantial foreign language experience may be considered to fulfill this requirement with approval from the program director.

This requirement must be completed before graduation.

Recital Repertoire

PERF 428 GRADUATE RECITAL

The MM Recital is no more than 50 minutes of music, with a 10-minute intermission. Students are expected to give a public performance of a program in at least 3 languages that reflects a diversity of styles and eras, demonstrates an understanding of their program’s pedagogical aims and curriculum, highlights individual abilities and interests, and is responsive to professional standards. Students should emphasize repertoire from the classical tradition, but vernacular styles may be included. In keeping with Roosevelt University’s social justice mission, students are expected to include the work of historically marginalized or underrepresented creators. No more than 2 arias outside of the Baroque era may be included in the program for master’s recitals unless permission is requested and granted by the Program Director. 

Jury Repertoire

VOI 411 Six pieces memorized; three performed. 

VOI 412 Six pieces memorized; three performed.

VOI 413 Recital permission jury. Six pieces memorized; three performed. 

VOI 414 Recital performed in lieu of a jury.

This degree map outlines a suggested pathway through the required coursework for the program. Students are responsible for understanding all curricular requirements and course schedules. While alternative pathways may be possible, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when planning any variation in order to ensure a degree plan that meets program requirements and aligns with their individual goals.