NEW: M.F.A. in Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy Launching in Fall 2020

Boston Conservatory at Berklee has announced a new Master of Fine Arts in musical theater vocal pedagogy degree program that will launch in fall 2020. Boston Conservatory’s new M.F.A. in musical theater vocal pedagogy is a one-of-a-kind program that draws on Boston Conservatory’s deep expertise in both musical theater and vocal pedagogy.

May 22, 2019

Boston Conservatory at Berklee has announced a new Master of Fine Arts in musical theater vocal pedagogy degree program that will launch in fall 2020. The program is offered through the school’s Music Division and will begin to accept applications in August 2019. Those interested in receiving updates, including a reminder of when the application is open, can sign up now.

“We’re ecstatic to offer this new M.F.A. in musical theater vocal pedagogy, a one-of-a-kind program that draws on Boston Conservatory’s deep expertise in both musical theater and vocal pedagogy,” says Dean of Music Michael Shinn. “It’s an amazing opportunity for musical theater singers and teachers, teaching both performers and instructors how to protect and nurture the voice while mastering the techniques of musical theater performance.”

Boston Conservatory’s M.F.A. in musical theater vocal pedagogy is the only program of its kind in the world. A sister program to the school’s respected M.M. in vocal pedagogy, the M.F.A. is focused specifically on musical theater voice practice, technique, and performance, drawing from the school’s deep expertise in musical theater performance (see Boston Conservatory’s musical theater program accolades) and vocal pedagogy training. The program is designed and taught by award–winning faculty, including voice specialist Kevin Wilson, who was recently named a master teacher by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

The M.F.A. in musical theater vocal pedagogy is ideal for musical theater performers and educators looking to hone their performance skills while learning about teaching pedagogies in voice, voice and speech, acting, and movement.

Throughout the program, students will:

  • explore a range of singing pedagogies to gain a deeper understanding of appropriate standard and contemporary singing and acting repertoire for their teaching libraries and the audition setting;
     
  • learn about vocal health and how to maximize the longevity of the singing actor;
     
  • gain a deep understanding of various modalities and pedagogies of acting, voice and speech, and movement; and
     
  • gain a thorough understanding of musical theater history, performance, and practice.

“Understanding proper performance technique and vocal care are the best ways that performers can protect their voices and enjoy long, healthy performance careers,” Shinn explains. “If you’re a teacher, it’s also vital that you are knowledgeable about voice pedagogy and best practices so that you can educate your students. This program taps into the Conservatory’s expertise in both musical theater and vocal pedagogy to educate performers and teachers alike."

The M.F.A. is a terminal degree for musical theater. The program will begin accepting applications in August 2019. Learn more about the program as details become available.

View all of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s esteemed music programs.