Master of Music
Vocal Performance
Refine your artistry. Elevate your performance. Establish your voice.
Is This Program for Me?
The Master of Music in Vocal Performance is designed for singers who want to pursue advanced vocal training through intensive study and performance. This degree prepares students for careers on stage and beyond through personalized instruction, extensive performance opportunities and professional preparation.
This program may be a good fit if you:
- Want to develop your performance through focused, high-level training
- Aspire to perform professionally in opera, musical theatre, concert or sacred music settings
- Enjoy both solo and ensemble performance opportunities
- Desire individualized mentorship from accomplished artist-teachers
- Are motivated to grow technically, artistically and professionally
- Are considering doctoral study in vocal performance or related fields
What Will I Learn?
Students develop vocal technique, musical artistry and stage presence through comprehensive performance training and academic study.
You Will Learn
- Perform advanced vocal repertoire with technical excellence and artistic maturity
- Interpret and communicate musical and textual meaning across diverse styles, languages and historical periods
- Develop advanced skills in diction, vocal pedagogy and stylistic performance practices
- Apply music theory, music history and scholarly research to performance
- Collaborate effectively with pianists, conductors, ensembles and fellow performers
- Prepare and present recitals, auditions and professional performances
- Demonstrate confidence and professionalism in a variety of performance settings
What Makes Us Different?
Samford's vocal performance program combines rigorous vocal training with diverse performance opportunities and a highly supportive faculty environment.
Performance‑Driven Training
Students receive individualized voice instruction while engaging in regular performances that foster artistic growth, technical mastery and professional confidence.
Opera and Musical Theatre Opportunities
Students perform in opera productions, musical theatre productions, choral ensembles, chamber performances and recitals, developing versatility across a broad range of musical genres and performance settings. Additional professional performance opportunities are available through joint productions co-presented with Opera Birmingham.
Ensemble and Collaborative Experience
Voice majors participate in choirs, ensembles and collaborative performances, building versatility and musical awareness across a range of styles and settings.
Mentorship from Distinguished Faculty
Students study with experienced faculty who guide vocal development, artistic decision-making and career preparation through close, individualized mentorship.
Professional Development and Guest Artist Experiences
Masterclasses, workshops, competitions and guest artist residencies provide students with valuable exposure to current professional practices while helping them build meaningful artistic and professional connections.
Career Preparation
The Master of Music in Vocal Performance equips students with the technical skill, artistic experience and professional preparation needed for success in a variety of musical careers.
Prepare to Succeed
Students who complete the vocal performance degree are prepared to:
- Perform professionally as soloists and ensemble singers
- Present polished recitals, auditions and public performances
- Continue to doctoral study in vocal performance or related disciplines
- Teach private voice lessons and studio instruction
- Build a professional portfolio of performance and artistic experiences
- Pursue opportunities in opera, musical theatre, church music and concert performance
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the vocal performance program pursue careers such as:
- Professional singer
- Opera or musical theatre performer
- Concert or recital artist
- Church musician or worship soloist
- Private voice instructor
- Collaborative and ensemble performer
- Doctoral student in vocal performance
Performance & Professional Experiences
Opera Birmingham and Samford University partnered to create the Opera Birmingham Studio at Samford University. This two-year program allows singers to enroll in Samford University’s graduate vocal performance program while simultaneously receiving professional performance opportunities throughout Opera Birmingham’s season.
Studio artists are assigned comprimario or cover roles in Opera Birmingham’s staged productions, appear as guest artists at Opera Birmingham concerts and events and participate in joint Opera Birmingham/Samford Opera educational programs. Studio artists will have numerous performance opportunities at Samford, including opera scenes programs and mainstage productions. Weekly voice lessons, masterclasses from visiting guest artists, seminars and classes in performance, literature and history are included as part of the master’s degree program. For over a century, Samford has been a leading voice program in the Southeast. Alumni perform on the world’s most acclaimed opera, music theatre and concert stages. Faculty are distinguished scholars and performers.
“Performing a named role in a fully professional production as a student is an honor and a significant responsibility. It challenges me to rise to professional standards while still in training, helping bridge the gap between student and emerging artist.”
Willian de Silva, ’26, Vocal Performance first year graduate student
