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Voice & Opera

Developing students for a multitude of performing opportunities.

The Florida State University College of Music is a world-wide leader in the field of voice study.

The Florida State University College of Music is a world-wide leader in the field of voice study.  Our undergraduate and graduate voice performance degrees offer comprehensive study in all areas necessary to prepare for careers as performers and educators including language and diction study; classes in vocal literature, vocal pedagogy, opera performance, music history and theory.  Our program offers numerous performance opportunities for our diverse population of students in opera productions, choral ensembles, and vocal chamber music.  Upon graduation, our students are well prepared for admission into young artist programs, more advanced degree programs in the best schools and conservatories, and/or careers in academia

Our graduates perform throughout the world at major opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Paris Opéra, as well as regional opera companies throughout the United States and Europe.  Former students are also performing with major symphony orchestras and in concert throughout the world.

The voice program at the Florida State University College of Music will prepare you for success, whatever your goals as a classical performer may be.

Bridges to your career

On campus experience with guest artists who are leading performers in the music world, develops our students to go on to perform as a soloist in recitals, opera houses, Broadway shows or join a professional choral ensemble. They also teach in leading colleges and universities in America and abroad, while also winning prestigious awards and competitions as a polished performer. Additional opportunities allow our musicians to engage in the profession as a stage director or a pianist-coach.

Find Your Voice

While studying in our program, students have opportunities to sing in all styles and genres including classical, theatre, jazz, and commercial music. In addition, we offer several choral and vocal groups that perform on campus and in tour performances. Our opera program produces three productions per year, fully staged with live orchestra. Collaborative pianists, along with other instrumentalists offer a rich variety of amazing musical settings.

Our large selection of degree programs allows you to explore your vocal abilities and focus on the music you love. We will provide you with the skill and artistry to be successful in today’s professional area.

For more information about the Voice & Opera program, contact Marcía Porter.

Voice & Opera Faculty

Marcía Porter

  • Professor of Voice
  • Coordinator of Voice and Opera

Caroline Bankey

  • Opera Program Manager

Wanda Brister

  • Professor of Voice

Alisa Hauser

  • Assistant Professor Music Theatre

Evan T. Jones

  • Associate Professor of Voice

Matthew Lata

  • Professor
  • Stage Director of the Florida State Opera

Bernard McDonald

  • Director of Opera and Associate Professor of Opera

David Okerlund

  • Associate Professor of Voice

Eric Rieger

  • Associate Professor of Voice

Natalie Sherer

  • Assistant Professor of Vocal Coaching and Collaborative Artist

Sudarat Songsiridej

  • Music Specialist, Music Theatre

Jeffrey Springer

  • Associate Professor of Voice

Marcy Stonikas

  • Associate Professor of Voice

Sahoko Sato Timpone

  • Associate Professor of Voice

Valerie M. Trujillo

  • Professor of Vocal Coaching and Accompanying
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Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance
  • Prepare for a singing career in this comprehensive program that includes:
    • Weekly applied lessons and vocal studio classes in repertoire
    • Large and small ensembles of all genres
    • Vocal diction, pedagogy, and foreign language
  • Graduates can be found through the fields of performance, teaching, and research, recognized nationally and internationally for their high level of excellence and professionalism
  • Graduates have been accepted for graduate study at major music schools of music in the United States and Europe.

Program of Study

Graduate Programs

Master of Music in Voice Performance
  • Students who wish to continue their professional development as performers
  • Competitive admission for high-level performers
  • Prepares students to excel in a performance career
  • Abundant performance opportunities in a variety of settings:
    • Solo voice recitals
    • Opera and Musical roles
    • Choral and vocal ensemble performance
    • Chamber music in collaboration with a wide range of vocalists and instrumentalists

Program of Study

Master of Music in Opera Production

Focus your career in the opera world with coursework that prepares for a future in Opera Coaching or Opera Directing.

Program of Study – Opera Coaching

Program of Study – Opera Directing

Master of Music in Performance - Opera Coaching
Doctor of Music in Voice Performance
  • Offers students rigorous training as performer, teacher, and researcher
  • Prepares students for teaching at the university level through multiple and varied recital opportunities, pedagogy training and mentorship, and research
  • Flexible degree plan to support each student’s goals and interests

Program of Study

Specialized Studies Programs

Specialized Studies - Performance

Enhance your musical study by adding one of our Specialized Studies Programs that focus on Performance, Entrepreneurship, Sacred Music, Early Music, Jazz and other areas.

Program of Study – Performance