Vanderbilt University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous musicianship training with academic study and practical theatre-related coursework. Core areas include applied lessons (private instruction), aural skills, music theory and harmony, music history and literature, and ensemble participation in orchestras, choirs, bands and chamber groups. Students pursuing interests at the intersection of music and theatre take modules in vocal technique for musical theatre, acting for singers, stagecraft basics, repertoire and scene study, and collaborative rehearsal techniques.

Typical progression begins with foundation work in the first year (sight-singing, keyboard skills, basic musicianship) and moves into advanced applied study, specialised seminars (such as 20th/21st-century music, opera repertoire, musical theatre history), composition and arranging, conducting, and music technology in later years. The degree culminates in a juried recital or capstone project that demonstrates performance, composition or research skills, and may include collaborative productions combining music and theatre.

• Private applied lessons and studio classes
• Aural skills and sight-singing
• Music theory, analysis and composition
• Music history, ethnomusicology and theatre history
• Ensemble participation (choral, orchestral, chamber, musical theatre ensemble)
• Acting, movement and stagecraft modules for music-theatre students
• Music technology, recording and production
• Capstone recital, senior project or collaborative production

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and requires both a university application and an audition or portfolio review for the music programme. Applicants should hold a secondary-school diploma or equivalent and provide academic transcripts and recommendation letters. Standardised test submission policies vary and are considered alongside the rest of the application.

The audition typically includes prepared solo repertoire relevant to the applicant's principal instrument or voice, sight-reading or score work, and may include a short interview to discuss musical background and goals. Those interested in the music-and-theatre pathway should be prepared to present repertoire that demonstrates acting and singing skills, and may be asked to perform short monologue or movement exercises. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency according to university requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers across music and theatre. Common paths include professional performance (solo, orchestral, chamber, choral, musical theatre), composition and arranging, music education at pre-college and secondary levels, and further graduate study in performance, musicology, composition or music education. Skills gained in production, stagecraft and ensemble collaboration also lead to careers in musical direction, stage management, theatre production, arts administration and community arts programming.

Many alumni combine interests—working as performers who teach, arts administrators who produce concert series, or creators who develop new musical-theatre works. The programme’s emphasis on both practical and academic skills also supports careers in music publishing, recording and media, or doctoral research in music and theatre studies.

Why study at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt’s music programme is delivered through a conservatory-style school within a major research university, giving students intensive applied training together with access to broad liberal-arts courses and interdisciplinary opportunities. Small studio sizes ensure regular one-to-one instruction and mentorship from faculty active in performance, scholarship and composition.

Students benefit from a rich performance culture, numerous ensemble options and collaborative projects that cross into theatre and other arts disciplines. Being located in a city with a vibrant music industry provides practical internship and networking opportunities, while university resources — including libraries, research centres and cross-department collaborations — support academic inquiry and creative careers.