Each program in the Music Department has its own set of courses. Because each Music emphasis is specialized, there are unique trainings, lessons, and experiences for each instrument, including the voice.
Vocal Performance Courses
While these are not all of the courses in the Vocal Performance major, here are a few course types offered to students in this program:
- Voice Lessons I-VII: Each Vocal Performance student starts with MUSIC 155: Introduction to Vocal Methods and continues with seven to eight semesters of private voice lessons.
- Basic Conducting and Piano Skills: These courses (MUSIC 256: Piano Skills and Music 308: Basic Conducting) ensure a well-rounded understanding of music and prepare for future education or performance careers.
- Language Courses (French, Italian, and German): Each student in the Vocal Performance major is required to take at least two language courses. Students must take FR 101: Beginning French I and can choose between MUSIC 409: Italian for Singers or MUSIC 410: German for Singers.
- Ensemble Courses: BYU-Idaho has five ensemble courses to choose from (aside from the non-audition University Choir). Students can audition for Concert Choir, Women’s/Men’s Chorus, Bella Voce, Vocal Union, and Collegiate Singers.
- Opera Workshop: The Opera Workshop course allows students to collaborate in musicals, full operas, or opera scenes. It teaches operatic literature and how to best present opera onstage.
- Theatre Courses: Because performance in music benefits from stage training, Vocal Performance students take at least one acting class (TA 123: Acting I), but they can continue theatre training in their elective courses (TA 121: Voice Diction, TA 126 Stage Makeup, TA 223: Acting II, and TA 233 Unarmed Stage Combat). They may also receive credit for participating in university theatrical productions (TA 360R).
Conclusion
Do these courses interest you? Look into majoring in Music: Vocal Performance (B.M.) and join the Department of Music.
Sources:
Academic Catalog | BYU-Idaho
Music: Vocal Performance (B.A.) | Majors | BYU-Idaho