Samford’s Division of Music offers degrees in specialized performance areas. Vocal Performance provides opportunities to participate in multiple ensembles, perform with the Samford Opera, workshops, annual musicals and educational touring programs.

Visit Samford and Learn More About our Program

Samford's Division of Music hosts events for prospective students  in the spring and fall. We invite students to come to campus, engage with our faculty, attend classes or an ensemble rehearsal and learn more about studying music at Samford.    

I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to study Vocal Performance at Samford. From my studies with the uniquely distinguished faculty to singing in award-winning ensembles, I know that my time and energy was well spent. I had countless performance opportunities as a solo performer in recitals, concerts, and in opera and musical theatre productions. The Vocal Performance degree was a true fulfillment of everything I needed as a student and performer, and, even more importantly, the relationships that were established with the faculty have transformed my art as well as my whole self.Evan Woods Gunter, '17, Vocal Performance Major

Curriculum

View Curriculum

Is This Program for Me?

This major is right for you if

  • your passion is solo or collaborative performance.
  • you enjoy singing on stage with a full orchestra.
  • you imagine yourself competing at the highest level at state and national competitions.
  • you hope to become a teacher of singing.
  • you wish to serve as a professional singer at a church.
  • your goal is to become a professional opera, oratorio, or classical music theatre performer.
  • you are considering a master’s degree in vocal performance in the future.

Career Preparation

Many of our students go on to careers performing in concert, opera, oratorio, musical theatre, and church settings. A number of our students become instructors of voice in addition to their work as performers. Some of our students choose to continue their studies in vocal performance in graduate programs across the country.

Faculty & Ensembles

Faculty

Ensembles

  • A Cappella Choir
  • University Chorale
  • Samford Opera

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there prerequisite courses to apply?
No, there are no prerequisite courses to apply for the program.
Can I customize the program or choose concentrations?
Yes. The BA in Commercial Music, BA in Music, BA in Worship Leadership, BME and BS in Music all offer concentrations. Students may also pursue minors or double majors, depending on their degree plan and interests.
Can I study abroad as part of this major?
s, Music majors can study abroad. Options exist for May term, summer, and semester long study abroad programs. Several music ensembles tour locally, nationally and internationally.
Is this program accredited?
Yes. Samford University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The teacher education program is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
What careers do graduates of this program pursue?

Music graduates pursue a wide range of careers based on concentration and degree track. Career paths include but are not limited to:

  • Band director
  • Choral director
  • Orchestra conductor
  • Performing artist
  • Professional orchestra member 
  • Contemporary artist 
  • Music historian
  • Music theorist
  • Organist
  • Professional or military band member
  • Collaborative pianist
  • Concert pianist
  • Recording artist
  • Touring artist
  • Opera singer 
  • Professional chorister
  • Worship leader
  • Professional choral singer
  • Private teacher
  • Music therapist

Graduates of the BS in Music often pursue advanced study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy and other health fields while also working as musicians or educators. Graduates of the BA in Music often pursue second majors or minors and are prepared for careers as musicians, teachers, counselors, doctors, entrepreneurs and more.

Do I need a minimum GPA to enter the major?

No, a minimum GPA is not required to enter the program. Those who receive scholarships from the School of the Arts must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above.

Is there a secondary application process for this program?

Yes. To declare a major in the Division of Music, you must apply to both Samford University and the School of the Arts. Every music applicant is required to submit an artistic résumé and headshot and also complete an audition and interview.