Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Voice

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Voice at the University of Kansas prepares students for careers in vocal performance, including art song, opera, and concert. The program emphasizes performance opportunities, with workshops and fully staged productions, and provides training in vocal technique, languages, diction, acting, and the theatrical arts. Students study with nationally recognized faculty and have access to numerous performance venues.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre and Voice is designed for singers interested in art song, opera, oratorio, concert, other classical pieces, or vocal teaching. It provides training in vocal technique, languages and diction, vocal repertoire, acting, and the theatrical arts. The program aims to develop students' talents at a beneficial pace through a range of performance opportunities, from workshops to fully staged productions.

Outline:

• Degree Requirements: The B.F.A.
in Theatre and Voice requires 121 credits, with 45 credits at the Junior/Senior level (300+).
• Music Core Required Courses:
• Music Theory Sequence (24 hours):
• MTHC 105: Theory I (fall only) - 3 hours
• MTHC 106: Aural Skills I (fall only) - 1 hour
• MTHC 115: Theory II (spring only) - 3 hours
• MTHC 116: Aural Skills II (spring only) - 1 hour
• MTHC 205: Theory III (fall only) - 3 hours
• MTHC 315: Theory IV (spring only) - 3 hours
• Music History Sequence (9 hours):
• MUSC 320: Music History I (fall only) - 3 hours
• MUSC 340: Music History II (spring only) - 3 hours
• MUSC 360: Music History III (fall only) - 3 hours
• Conducting (1 hour):
• COND 245: Conducting I - 1 hour
• Recital Attendance (0 hours):
• REC 100: Laboratory in Music Performance (2 semesters) - 0 hours
• Theatre and Voice Major Courses:
• Applied Lessons Sequence (3.0 GPA Required) - 20 hours:
• VOIC 121: Voice (two semesters) - 4 hours
• VOIC 221: Voice (two semesters) - 4 hours
• VOIC 622: Voice (four semesters, final semester taken with 623) - 12 hours
• Ensembles (4 hours):
• Four semesters of ensembles (e.g., CHOR) - 4 hours
• Piano Skills Sequence (3 hours):
• PIAN 144: Elementary Keyboard Skills I - 1 hour
• PIAN 148: Elementary Keyboard Skills II - 1 hour
• PIAN 284: Intermediate Keyboard Skills I - 2 hours
• Capstone (1 hour):
• VOIC 623: Senior Recital (Capstone) - 1 hour
• Other Course(s) in Major Field (19-22 hours):
• VOIC 120: Vocal Performance in English and Italian (and Italian Diction) - 1 hour
• One semester of either:
• VOIC 405: Vocal Literature I - 1 hour
• VOIC 406: Vocal Literature II - 1 hour
• Two semesters of either:
• VOIC 490: Opera Workshop - 2 hours
• VOIC 492: Opera Production - 2 hours
• One semester of either:
• DANC 101: Ballet I - 2 credits
• DANC 105: Jazz I - 2 credits
• DANC 260: Musical Theatre Dance - 3 credits
• DANC 319: Tap Fundamentals - 3 credits
• THR 106: Acting I - 3 hours
• THR 206: Acting II - 3 hours
• THR 210: Musical Performance for the Actor I - 3 hours
• THR 212: Beginning Voice and Speech for Actors - 3 hours
• THR 213: Movement I: The Acting Instrument - 3 hours
• One semester of either:
• MUS 300: Directed Studies: Alexander Techniques - 1 credit
• THR 306: Acting III - 3 credits
• THR 380: Popular Culture - 3 credits
• THR 406: Audition Techniques - 3 credits
• THR 508: Fundamentals of Directing - 3 credits
• THR 512: A Vocal Approach to the Classics - 3 credits
• Foreign Language (10 hours):
• 2 semesters of the same language - 10 hours
• Elective (Ensemble Recommended) (1 hour)
• Course Schedule: The program outlines a suggested course schedule across four semesters: Freshman Fall, Freshman Spring, Sophomore Fall, Sophomore Spring, Junior Fall, Junior Spring, Senior Fall, and Senior Spring.
This schedule provides a general guideline for course selection and completion.
• Individual Modules: The program's structure is based on a combination of core courses, major courses, and electives.
Students are required to complete a specific sequence of music theory and history courses. The program also includes a comprehensive selection of voice lessons, ensembles, piano skills, and theatre courses.

Assessment:

The program does not explicitly mention specific assessment methods or criteria in the provided text.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Students will study with faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized.
• Teaching Methods: The text focuses on the performance-based nature of the program, highlighting workshops and fully staged productions.
While it doesn't delve into specific teaching methods, the program likely incorporates a combination of individual instruction (voice lessons), group rehearsals (ensembles), and theoretical coursework.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Upon graduation, students can pursue graduate studies in music, establish private studios, audition for theatre/musical productions, or create their own path in music or music-related endeavors.

Other:

• School of Music: The School of Music at the University of Kansas is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
It offers comprehensive programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The school is known for its strong commitment to music creation, performance, scholarly inquiry, entrepreneurship, and artistic development.
• Performance Opportunities: The school provides numerous performance opportunities for students, faculty, and professionals, including venues such as Swarthout Recital Hall, Bales Organ Recital Hall, the Robert Baustian Theatre, and the Lied Center of Kansas.