Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance

Establish your vocal technique and gain a thorough understanding of the singing voice, literature and pedagogy in Westminster’s vocal performance program. You’ll train with esteemed faculty to increase your understanding of musical structure and form, expand your vocal and performance skills and prepare to meet the demands of solo and ensemble singing.

The voice performance program seeks to develop the musician by establishing a sound vocal technique and a thorough understanding of the singing voice, its literature, and pedagogy. These tools are essential for the study and performance of vocal and choral literature and for training students as solo performers, professional teachers or choral conductors.

Students will build and demonstrate a healthy vocal technique, become acquainted with voice literature, and develop an understanding of the complex relationships between music and poetry. They will also learn how to sing with correct diction in English, Italian, French, and German, as well as to understand both the general meaning and specific nuances of their sung texts.

As they progress in the program, students will integrate musicianship skills and use their increasing understanding of musical structure and form to communicate musically, with stylistic and textual understanding. Students will also build vocal and performance skills that equip them for the demands of solo and ensemble singing.

Program highlights

Expand your knowledge and expertise with private vocal training, weekly studio and performance classes, master classes, skill-based performance classes, and the Presser Voice Laboratory.

Opportunities:

• Private vocal training - All voice performance students have weekly private lessons and receive individual coaching and study diction
• Weekly studio and performance classes - Gain new perspectives, artistic growth, and frequent performance opportunities through participation in our weekly studio and performance classes.
• Presser Voice Laboratory - Benefit from Westminster’s Presser Voice Laboratory and Resource Center which utilizes state-of-the-art technology to support artist development by enabling students to explore, understand and research the human voice.
• MasterClasses - Gain new perspectives and artistic growth through participation in masterclasses with leading artists
• Skills-Based Performance Classes - Performance skill-building courses are available for both Undergraduates and Graduates including Movement for the Performer, Singing Actor, Performing in Lyric Theater, Opera Workshop, and private vocal and dramatic coaching.

Develop your authentic voice

Westminster’s vibrant arts community is brimming with opportunities to hone and showcase your talents. Perform with leading orchestras and gain valuable professional training at the highest level as a member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir.

Broaden your experience through participation in the Westminster Opera Workshop, or by performing in one of Westminster’s auditioned ensembles, student-managed productions or our annual Art Song Festival.

Westminster students also have the opportunity to take part annually in competitions sponsored by organizations such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing where our students frequently receive top awards.

Rider University is an ideal destination for international students seeking a transformative educational experience in a welcoming community. Located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, just 60 minutes away from New York City and Philadelphia, Rider offers a vibrant campus life with a diverse student body from around the world.

At Rider, students can choose from over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields including business, education, the arts, sciences, and more. Our world-class faculty are dedicated to providing students with a personalized education that combines rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.

Rider University is known for its commitment to helping students succeed both academically and personally. Our supportive community includes academic advisors, peer mentors, and career counselors who are here to assist students every step of the way. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, Rider equips students with the skills they need to become successful and ethical leaders in their chosen fields.

Beyond the classroom, Rider offers a lively campus community with over 150 student-run organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and a robust arts and culture scene.

At Rider University, we believe that education should be more than just a degree - it should be a life-changing experience. With our strong commitment to academic excellence, personalized attention, and dynamic campus life, we invite students from around the world to join our community and discover their true potential.