Master of Music in

Vocal Performance

The Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance is a practice-oriented degree designed to focus on the development of professional competence for students who intend to pursue a career in music as artists and educators.

The degree, including its curricular structure, requirements for admission, continuation and graduation, is guided by the mission statement and purposes/objectives of the Los Angeles of Music graduate degree program.

Mission Statement
The Los Angeles College of Music master’s program provides a rich environment where students develop a competitive career path through artistic endeavor, rigorous training, scholarship and unparalleled exposure to the music industry to become influential creative artists, educators, and entrepreneurs.

Purposes/Objectives
Directed by the guiding principle to develop students as successful artistic entrepreneurs, the purposes and objectives, structure and content of the Master of Music and Master of Arts programs focus on in-depth knowledge and competence in a major field of specialization and a breadth of competence through practice and scholarship.

The institution maintains a rigorous admissions policy that aligns with the objectives and goals of the Master of Music programs. The Graduate Studies Committee evaluates applicants for academic accomplishment, musicianship, talent, artistry, and level of commitment.

  • All Master of Music and Master of Arts applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from an accredited institution. Bachelor’s degrees in other fields of study are accepted if applicants have the musical training and musicianship necessary to pursue graduate work by successfully passing our entrance exams. Degrees from international institutions are considered with a US equivalency evaluation report from a certified credential evaluator.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 from the applicant’s baccalaureate degree is required for admission.
  • Applicants must submit and essay on their goals in pursuing a career in music and what they expect to gain and contribute to the master’s program.
  • Applicants must pass an entrance audition and demonstrate advanced proficiency in their major field of specialization.
  • Applicants must pass entrance exams that demonstrate competency at the baccalaureate level in Musicianship, Music History, Music Technology and Music Business.

Entrance Exam Overview

The audition recording (in video format- audio only will not be accepted) may be solo, self-accompanied, accompanied by other musician(s), or by a band as long as the applicant is prominently featured. The use of pre-recorded accompaniment tracks is acceptable. The audition recording should be performed in one take and not edited, and best demonstrate the applicant’s performance, artistic, and creative abilities. The use corrective studio effects such as pitch or timing correction is not allowed.

Twenty minutes of solo and/or ensemble pieces, which includes a minimum of one jazz standard and one published song in any genre, and a minimum of one original composition.

Course Highlights

Repertoire Development (1 credit)

To better prepare vocalists for more performance opportunities, this class focuses on building repertoire: great versions of cover songs & originals. Students will create arrangements of songs appropriate to their artistic bent, and will perform weekly. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture/lab.

Master's Forum with Industry Leaders (1 credit)

This seminar series covers the practical, technical, and creative elements of the contemporary music industry. Meeting five times per quarter, each two-hour symposium features leaders in the field of music performance, recording, composition, production and business and provides a learning, networking and mentoring environment for students. Students prepare for the seminars by researching the guest and topics of discussion and formulating questions. Following each seminar, students submit detailed reports on the speaker, the topic, what they learned and how it applies to their artistic and career goals.

Performing Beyond Your Limits (1.5 credits)

Building on what was learned in “Performing at Your Limits”, students will focus on cultivating greater authenticity in performance; with more work with camera & staging. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and one-hour lab. Prerequisite: Performing At Your Limits

Entrepreneurship and Marketing for the Professional Musician (1.5 credits)

Entrepreneurial and business strategies will be presented, along with advanced marketing and promotion strategies. Culminates in initial individualized business plan with marketing assets developed. This class consists of a weekly 90-minute lecture.

Conducting/Music Leadership (1 credit)

Effective music directing and leadership combines a variety of skills including arranging, conducting, management, communication and musicianship. This course brings them together in examining what makes a good music director and in practical application as students lead undergraduate ensembles as part of the Performance Ensemble requirement. This class consists of a weekly one hour lecture.

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