School of Music, Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan
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Specialist in Music in Performance, Voice

The application deadline for most 2023-24 programs was December 1. See the Graduate Admissions page for specific degree application deadlines.

Designed for students seeking intensive and specialized professional training focusing on performance and ensemble participation. Applicants must possess a master’s degree in music or its equivalent. Each specialist student in voice performance may audition for a role in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance opera production. If cast, the student is required to perform the role, subject to the approval of their studio teacher. The degree requires at least three terms of full-time enrollment or two terms and two half-terms.

Curriculum

The Specialist in Music: Voice Performance requires a minimum of 30 credits. Coursework to include: Private voice lessons Opera Production and/or Opera Workshop Voice Literature Non-Performance SMTD Electives Applicants should have taken one semester in French, German, and Italian language prior to enrollment; however, any language deficiencies can be made up prior to or during enrollment at SMTD.

Courses

SMTD offers a wide variety of courses across all disciplines.

Silent Advisor

Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.

Faculty


Scott Piper

Chair of Voice and Associate Professor of Music; Norma L Heyde Faculty Development Professorship

George I. Shirley

Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Emeritus Professor of Voice

Mo Zhou

Assistant Professor of Music

Performance Opportunities

From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Whether your focus is on early, classical, or contemporary music, whether your passion is for jazz, electronic, or world music, there is an ensemble—or in many cases, multiple ensembles—to suit your interests, including specific opportunities for percussion, piano, and organ & carillon. For students in theatre & drama, musical theatre, dance, and opera, opportunities abound in both professionally produced and student-run presentations.

Choir

Choirs

Students can explore opportunities across a wide array of SMTD and U-M choirs that perform a range of choral works in world-class venues in Ann Arbor and beyond.

Opera

Opera

Both undergraduate and graduate students have opportunities to perform in fully produced operas and opera workshops as part of this renowned program.

early music

Early Music Ensembles

Students interested in historically oriented performance have opportunities to explore music from across the centuries, performed on authentic period instruments and high-quality replicas.

solo

Solo & Studio Recitals

Across all disciplines, students perform and study with their peers in studio classes and perform for the public in solo student recitals and studio recitals

Questions?