Music and Vocal Arts
NDNU’s Music & Vocal Arts Department provides integrated, comprehensive training for the complete performer on the opera, musical theatre, and concert stage. The individualized curriculum culminates in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Performance, Master of Fine Arts in Musical Performance, or Performance Certificate, encompassing emphases in Vocal, Instrumental, or Musical Theatre performance, and, specific to the graduate level, Collaborative Piano or Pedagogy. For specific information on courses of study for each area of emphasis, please consult the NDNU Catalog or contact the Music/Vocal Arts Office (650-508-3429) to begin a discussion with an advisor. For information regarding music lesson fees, please consult the tuition and fees page of the NDNU Catalog.
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The Performance Experience at NDNU
The BFA in Musical Performance is enhanced by a busy season of opera, musical theatre, cabarets, recitals, concerts, and special events.
Partnerships with professional opera and musical theatre companies
San Francisco's Pocket Opera and Broadway By the Bay offer outstanding apprenticeship and performing opportunities for qualified students. Students work alongside professional performers through the Ralston Performers Series, Pocket Opera at Notre Dame, and OnStage productions. Performance vehicles are chosen specifically for resident student resources, and tailored to the students’ collective skills.
Unique Environment of Individual Attention
The Music & Vocal Arts program is unique in its intimate environment, unified structure of classes and workshops, and extensive performance offerings. An integrated approach to the multiple skills required of the performer prepares students for the competitive demands of a professional career in his/her chosen field. Each student works closely with an individual advisor to identify and develop the specific program of study best suited to his/her abilities, experience, and career aspirations. For program specifics relevant to emphases in Vocal, Instrumental, Musical Theater, Collaborative Piano, or Pedagogy, please consult the NDNU Catalog.
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Professional Faculty
The Music & Vocal Arts Faculty are also active professional performers, with credits around the world, across the country and throughout the Bay Area. This offers students the advantage of direct professional experience, instructors with a thorough understanding of professional expectations and realities, and contacts with professional performing organizations.
Scholarships
Music & Vocal Arts offers several Emerging Artist Scholarships (EAS) of $7500-$9500 per year to qualified undergraduates annually. Potential students should contact the Music Vocal Office (650-508-3429) for an audition application. Auditions take place in January of each year for entry the following fall. In cases where it is not possible forstudents to audition in person, a video audition is acceptable. Additional endowed scholarships are available to students qualifying by audition. All scholarship recipients are required to participate in Music & Vocal Arts productions and ensembles as assigned, and are expected to meet academic requirements throughout their University experience.
Contact: Debra Lambert, Chair and Program Director for Musical Theatre, at dlambert@ndnu.edu.
Applying
Each area of study requires an audition before acceptance into the major, in addition to the University’s standard application and acceptance process. Prospective students should contact the Music & Vocal Arts Department (650-508-3429) for audition and interview requirements and schedules.
Contact:
Debra Lambert, Chair and Program Director for Musical Theatre
Department of Music and Vocal Arts
BFA, Carnegie-Mellon University; MM, Hartt School of Music
(650) 508-3597
dlambert@ndnu.edu
Undergraduate Admissions
Ralston Hall
Tel: (800) 263-0545 or (650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: admiss@ndnu.edu
M - Th 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekend – By appointment
