It's a big decision: where to study voice, where to find the right guidance to realize your potential. At The Hayes School of Music of Appalachian State University, we know you're much more than your voice and your talents; you're an individual looking for a place where you can grow as an artist, a teacher and as a person. Our Voice Faculty includes experienced performers with proven excellence in teaching and mentoring. If you're looking for teachers that will foster your progress as a musician and your knowledge of singing, for a program that offers many opportunities for musical growth and confidence-building, for a school that intends to transform the human experience through music, then come up to the mountains and let us help you prepare for the future!

Overview of Degree Programs for Voice

Music Industry

A conservative estimate of the total net worth of the music industry is $25 billion. The industry encompasses a variety of professional areas including recording arts, music technology, arts management, promotions, music merchandising and manufacturing. Music Industry Studies addresses each of these areas, encourages exploration and embraces the entrepreneurial spirit. The program in Music Industry Studies requires students to develop musical skills as well as business knowledge and technical skills.

Therefore, all students wishing to enter the program in Music Industry Studies with a concentration in Voice must successfully complete an audition for the Voice Faculty in order to be considered for acceptance.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is the scientific application of the art of music within a therapeutic relationship to meet the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals. Music experiences provided by the music therapist may involve the client's active participation in creating music through singing, playing instruments, songwriting, or improvisation or receptive engagement in music through imaging, listening, or moving to music.

Consequently, all students wishing to enter the program in Music Therapy with a concentration in Voice must successfully complete an audition for the Voice Faculty in order to be considered for acceptance.

Music Education

Music Education curricula lead to certification to teach music in the State of North Carolina: kindergarten through 12th grade, instrumental, choral and general music. This degree program is divided into two tracks allowing students to specialize in either instrumental music (band, orchestra and class instrument instruction) or vocal/choral music. Both tracks include instruction in approaches to teaching general music. Students enrolled in the Music Education degree program receive private applied instruction each semester and are expected to reach a high level of performance before graduation. The program includes a great variety of ensemble experiences and culminates with a semester of student teaching. Appalachian proudly sponsors one of the most active student chapters of the Music Educators National Conference, the professional organization for music educators. This award-winning chapter provides clinics and seminars which supplement and support instruction provided in the classroom.

All students wishing to enter the program in Music Education with a concentration in Voice must successfully complete an audition for the Voice Faculty in order to be considered for acceptance.

Sacred Music

Appalachian’s Sacred Music program is designed for students who want to serve tradition-rooted churches that are also open to fine contemporary music in a variety of styles. The program welcomes students from all denominational backgrounds. The Sacred Music Degree prepares students for full-time or part-time positions in church music. Some of our graduates go directly into church work. Some go into graduate school or seminary, where they might pursue graduate degrees in church music, music ministry, performance, or conducting. Because most church music positions are for choral directors, organists, pianists or some combination of the above, the Sacred Music program will be most helpful to vocalists or keyboardists. However, the program is open to and suitable for other instrumental principals.

Entrance into the Sacred Music program in Voice requires a successful audition for the Voice Faculty.

Performance

The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree program features private applied instruction provided by a specialist in voice. Many performance opportunities are included in the four-year curriculum, ranging from large and small ensemble participation to solo recitals. Only the most proficient undergraduate musicians are accepted into the Performance degree program and graduation from this program indicates significant musical and technical accomplishment. Performance majors will most likely continue on to graduate school and begin looking at apprentice programs with professional opera companies while auditioning for solo oratorio opportunities with choral societies, schools, churches, etc.

To be admitted into the Vocal Performance degree program, applicants must complete a successful audition for the Voice Faculty.