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Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theater: Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy is a one-of-a-kind program that draws on Boston Conservatory’s expertise in musical theater and vocal pedagogy. While obtaining a terminal degree in theater, students focus on the power of the human voice by integrating knowledge of pedagogies for singing, voice and speech, movement, and acting. The Conservatory’s world-class theater faculty, who have deep expertise in successful theories of teaching, combined with the school’s unique and personal learning atmosphere, create a pioneering and comprehensive education for musical theater performers and teachers for the 21st century.
Throughout the program, students explore a range of vocal teaching pedagogies from classical to pop to learn about vocal health and longevity of the singing actor, as well as appropriate singing and acting repertoire for their teaching libraries and the audition setting.
Our Students
This program is designed for theater actors, singers, and teachers who are committed to helping others develop their voices and performance abilities with healthy practices and techniques. Students who will thrive in this program are inquisitive thinkers, eager to understand the anatomical functions of the human voice and body in various musical styles and genres. This program is especially beneficial for those who wish to develop a language to effectively communicate pedagogical ideas and concepts with their students, colleagues, and creative collaborators.
Curriculum Overview
This program features a five-semester (60 or more credits) sequence of courses in vocal pedagogy, voice and speech, and acting. Courses include:
Vocal Pedagogy Seminars
Acting
Voice and Speech
Repertoire for the Teaching Studio
History of Musical Theater/Theater
Academic Research/Dissertation
Courses in Leadership and Creating Change
Applied Mentored Teaching
Applied Voice
Capstone Recital Performance
Throughout the program, students receive weekly one-one-one lessons with a member of the Conservatory's voice faculty, as well as vocal coaching.
Program Requirements
The Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theater: Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy requires students to complete 60 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below. View the Sample Curriculum by Semester for additional details.
Applied Voice / Musical Theater / Vocal Pedagogy
M-PD 5742 Structure and Function of the Singing Mechanism (2 credits)
M-PD 5743 Repertoire for the Teaching Studio (1 credit)
M-PD 5751 Foundations of Voice Technique 1 (1 credit)
M-PD 5752 Foundations of Voice Technique 2 (1 credit)
M-PD 5753 Aesthetics of Voice Production 1 (1 credit)
M-PD 5754 Master Teacher Observation and Instruction (1 credit)
Upon successful completion of the M.F.A. in Musical Theater: Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy program, students will:
recognize and accurately diagnose vocal faults in their students and effectively address them employing the tools and skills discovered through the study of structure and function as well as historical and current pedagogical approaches;
select and assign age- and level-appropriate repertoire to address specific technical challenges in their students;
research, perform, and appreciate the music of underrepresented composers;
produce the wide range of sounds required to sing repertoire from throughout the historic music theater canon, understanding the aesthetics of sound that determine appropriate style through the ages;
explore sound making both for themselves and with their students through the lens of speech teachers such as Linklater, Fitzmaurice, Lessac, as well as the classic vocal pedagogues;
market and establish themselves whether in developing a private studio or applying for a job in any of a range of industries not limited to but including the educational field and the music theater industry;
create change in their chosen field drawing on skills developed in Pedagogy Seminars and Leadership and Transition courses as well as while working with a wide range of mentors in academia and the music theater industry;
spread the use of good music theater singing technique and appropriate repertoire assignment across the globe; and
envision and create the teaching and artistic life best suited to their personal mission.
Your Future
With a degree in musical theater vocal pedagogy from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, career options are endless. Whether pursuing performance, teaching, production, or an entrepreneurial endeavor, this program prepares students with a versatile toolkit for success. Example employment opportunities include: