Serious about spending your career in the spotlight? A world of opportunities awaits vocalists at the PSU School of Music & Theater. A Bachelor of Music with a vocal emphasis will help you unlock your potential to become a well-rounded classically trained vocalist and seasoned performer.
The Bachelor of Music in Performance with a vocal emphasis will provide you with a thorough music foundation, with specialized coursework in classical vocal performance, diction and language study, and pedagogy. You’ll participate in ensemble performance experiences in choir, and solo performance opportunities in our critically lauded opera program and recitals.
Our alumni are accepted into top vocal graduate programs and go on to have illustrious careers. Join them in this fulfilling field.
Prospective music majors must apply to PSU, submit a secondary application to the School of Music & Theater, and pass the entrance audition. Learn more about our application process.
As a voice major, you can gain real-world experience performing on campus. With five choirs and two opera productions each year, there is a place for every singer at PSU. Our community of students and faculty foster self-respect and relentlessly support one another in their goals, without making it feel too competitive.
We are proud to be a national College of Distinction for our commitment to helping students to succeed. At PSU, you will gain the experience and knowledge you need to make a difference in your career and community.
PSU's Music programs are fully accredited National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and holds the All-Steinway School designation.
Most of our alumni go on to grad school or a career as a professional vocalist. Related careers include:
- choral conductor or director
- teaching artist
- musical theater instructor
Recent graduates have been accepted to top graduate programs including Indiana University, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, New England Conservatory, Cleveland Institute, San Francisco Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and other top programs across the country.
The Portland State Chamber Choir has won international competitions on three continents and has been called "one of the world's finest choral ensembles." Our opera program, which produces a fully-staged opera with the orchestra each spring and a smaller fall production featuring modern works and operettas, has won awards from the National Opera Association.