Voice M.A., D.M.A.
Vocal students at the University of Iowa experience a rich and varied curriculum that develops the highest levels of artistry and musicianship. World-class faculty guide each singer's development and prepare them for professional life.
In addition to one-on-one lessons with voice faculty, students perform in weekly and monthly classes and seminars, and have the opportunity to perform in a range of vocal ensembles, as well as large opera productions several times each year. For admission information, please visit Graduate Admission. See the Voice & Opera menu on the left for vocal audition requirements.
Master of Arts in Voice/Opera (M.A.)
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts degree in performance is minimally a 35 semester-hour course of study in which the thesis is a full-length recital. MA Students must earn at least 24 credit hours from the University of Iowa.
Admission
Acceptance into the program requires the following:
- A US bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Graduate Admissions, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or international equivalent.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vita sent to the School of Music
- Audition and Interview
Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice/Opera (D.M.A.)
The D.M.A. degree in performance requires a minimum of 72 post-baccalaureate semester hours. Candidates must meet all the general requirements for the D.M.A. in music with respect to residence, and written comprehensive examinations. It is expected the D.M.A. applicant in the solo voice area will have overcome major technical vocal problems and be able to offer quality public performances, successfully manage professional engagements, and utilize a variety of appropriate teaching skills. A minimum of 39 semester hours must be earned at the University of Iowa.
Admission
Acceptance into the program requires the following:
- A US bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or international equivalent.
- Three letters of recommendation
- A curriculum vita sent to the School of Music
- Audition and Interview
Research Paper
The student is required to submit to the voice faculty a qualifying research paper that can be considered representative of the level of writing competence appropriate to his/her candidacy for the D.M.A. degree. This paper must demonstrate the student's ability to (1) write clear, concise English; (2) organize ideas into a coherent and extended discourse; and (3) express thoughts which are manifestly their own.
Performance Opportunities
- Weekly studio class
- Monthly vocal seminars
- Opera Workshop
- Inter-departmental collaborations with dance and theatre departments
- Martha-Ellen Tye Opera Theatre
- Camerata
- Kantorei
- University Choir
- Women's Chorale
- Conductor's Chorus
Performing in the Community
- Iowa City Chamber Singers
- Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre
- Opera Quad Cities
- Local theatres including the Riverside Theatre, Iowa City Community Theatre, City Circle Acting Company,Theatre Cedar Rapids
Questions?
For further information or to schedule an audition, contact the voice area head Professor Elise DesChamps.