Overview

The Vocal Performance programme at Carnegie Mellon University provides a rigorous professional training ground for singers aiming for careers in opera and concert performance. By combining elite vocal instruction with comprehensive stagecraft, the university ensures graduates are prepared for the demands of the global music industry.

Students in this major focus on the classical bel canto technique with a strong emphasis on maintaining long-term vocal health. The curriculum is uniquely interdisciplinary, requiring four semesters of both acting and dance to ensure performers are as physically and dramatically capable as they are vocally proficient. This holistic approach to performance art distinguishes the training provided by the School of Music.

Performance opportunities are a cornerstone of the student experience.

Why Vocal Performance at Carnegie Mellon University?

The institution is renowned for its "artistry and innovation" approach, where music students collaborate closely with the prestigious School of Drama. This partnership allows vocalists to perform in high-calibre productions designed by emerging professional designers. The university also provides extensive facilities, including the Purnell Centre for the Arts, specifically equipped for large-scale theatrical staging.

The programme also emphasises linguistic mastery, which is essential for the international stage. Students undergo intensive study in Italian, French, and German, alongside English diction. This training culminates in junior and senior year recitals where students must perform repertoire in all four languages, demonstrating their versatility and readiness for global professional engagements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 67020 per year
National fee: USD 67020 per year
Local fee: USD 67020 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The undergraduate curriculum is built upon five core elements including studio instruction, theory, and ensemble work. Modules may include:

Studio
Theory
History
Ensemble Work
Academics
Acting
Dance
Italian
French
German
English Language Diction
Western Music
Non-western Styles and Structures

Careers with Vocal Performance

Graduates of the programme are highly successful in securing roles within the global arts sector. Alumni are currently performing with major orchestras and opera companies across the world. Additionally, many graduates find success on Broadway, showcasing the versatility of the vocal training provided at the university.

The professional preparation focuses on preparing singers for the rigours of the concert stage and operatic careers. By the end of the programme, students have built a professional portfolio through recitals and fully-staged productions, making them competitive candidates for international casting directors and prestigious graduate programmes.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Convocation

Major Studio (Voice)

Major Vocal Performance Ensemble

Production: Crew

Keyboard Studies

Harmony

Eurhythmics

Solfege

Elementary Italian

Computing

Acting

Movement and Dance

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Carnegie Mellon courses are measured in units rather than credits or credit hours

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Pittsburgh, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 721 other Bachelors in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application

$75 application fee*

Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**

All required standardized testing official score reports, which includes the TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Secondary School Counselor Evaluation

Teacher Recommendation

Common Application essay

Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement, which includes three short answer questions

All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Drama and Music are required to arrange required pre-screen, audition or portfolio review.

All fine art applications to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design are required to submit required portfolio and creative materials.

Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Out-of-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year

Living costs

Pittsburgh

United States

1148 - 1944 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Vocal Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Pittsburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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