Program Overview

Master of Music in Pedagogy – Voice

The Voice Pedagogy Program Curriculum is a thriving community of singers, both faculty and students, who are committed to merging scientific research with intuitive knowledge to support singers of all styles. In the pedagogy program, you will learn a functional approach to singing and teaching that meets the needs of your clients. You will study voice physiology, acoustics, motor learning theory, and cognitive science, using repertoire and methods that are both traditional and contemporary, which will empower you to elevate the craft of the singers you teach.

Specialize In One Of These Focus Areas:

• M.M. Pedagogy – Voice: Classical Voice
• M.M. Pedagogy – Voice: Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM)

Admission Requirements

1. Complete the Graduate Application

All applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements. International applicants must comply with all federal regulations governing documentation of financial eligibility in order to obtain an I-20 and visa. Applicants should plan to submit official evaluations and transcripts for initial admission.

2. Application Requirements

Submit the following using the Application Portal by January 15:

• Unofficial transcripts from all baccalaureate and master's degree studies, documenting successful (or pending successful) degree completions and a minimum bachelor's GPA of 2.5.
• Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
• Admission Prerequisite Courses (Classical Voice Specialization Only): Two semesters of two different foreign languages from the following: French, German, Spanish, or Italian.

3. Prescreening Requirements

Firm deadline to submit prescreening materials is January 15.

Classical Voice Specialization

• Video recordings (mp4 or wmv) of two selections in contrasting styles performed from memory with live accompaniment.
• Essay of 500–750 words addressing your interest in this field/program, previous experiences that contributed to your preparation for further study in this field, area(s) of interest for possible research and how they relate to your future goals.
• Recommended: Video recording (10 minutes minimum, 15 minutes maximum) of the applicant teaching a student technical exercises and coaching a song.

Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Specialization

• Video recordings (mp4 or wmv) of two contrasting pieces in the style or genre of your choice.
• Essay of 500–750 words addressing your interest in this field/program, previous experiences that contributed to your preparation for further study in this field, area(s) of interest for possible research and how they relate to your future goals.
• Recommended: Video recording (10 minutes minimum, 15 minutes maximum) of the applicant teaching a student technical exercises and coaching a song.

4. Audition & Interview Requirements

Firm deadline to register for an Audition is February 1.

Classical Voice Specialization

• Invited applicants must present a 15-minute (minimum) recital of stylistically and historically balanced content.
• A minimum of three languages must be represented.
• Memorization is required.
• Invited singers auditioning on campus must audition with live accompaniment.

Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Specialization

• Invited applicants must prepare 15 minutes (minimum) of genre and style appropriate selections.
• Repertoire choices should represent the style/genre of music that best reflects the applicant's interests and abilities.
• Memorization is required.
• Invited singers auditioning on campus or during a virtual audition day must audition with backing tracks.

Audition Dates

• In-Person: Friday, February 6, 2026, and Monday, February 16, 2026, at Shenandoah Main Campus, Winchester, VA.
• Virtual: Saturday, February 7, 2026, recorded audition videos and a live, virtual interview.