As a member of the Voice Department you will be immersed in a program of study commensurate with the demands of professional singing. At each level of study, you will pursue the highest standards of training in developing technique, repertoire, languages, and musicianship. We believe the artist synthesizes all aspects of training with heart, mind, and body.
Voice Faculty
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Penelope BItzas
Associate Professor of Music, Voice; Director, Young Artists Vocal Program, BU Tanglewood Institute
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Thomas Cannon
Assistant Professor, Voice
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James Demler
Assistant Professor, Voice
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Lynn Eustis
Associate Professor, Voice; Chair of Voice
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David Guzman
Assistant Professor of Music, Voice
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Douglas Sumi
Lecturer in Music, Vocal Repertoire and Coaching
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Alison Trainer
Assistant Professor of Music, Voice
A Musician’s Dream: The BU Student Experience at Carnegie Hall
Valentina Pulido Pardo (CFA’24) performs “Capriccio, Op. Posth. No. 9,” by composer Henri Vieuxtemps, at a concert by College of Fine Arts School of Music students, held at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City, January 24. The concert was the capstone experience for graduating seniors and a select group of graduate students. Performers were selected after participating in a School of Music competition, when each applied study program (voice, strings, keyboard, woodwinds, brass, and percussion) held preliminary auditions open to student performers. Finalists selected from each program competed before a panel of outside adjudicators, all renowned performing musicians.
Program of Study
VOCAL STUDIES
Weekly private voice lessons for all levels with collaborative pianists assigned to each student for lesson and studio preparation and weekly studio classes.
- Courses in phonetics and diction
- Three song literature courses for undergraduates
- Special topics in song literature for graduate students
- Private coaching
- Graduate course in vocal pedagogy
- Courses in performance skills and performance techniques
OPERA PROGRAMS
Through the BU Opera Institute students participate in immersive and integrated stagecraft and musical preparation at all levels of study.
- Opera Project (Freshmen and Sophomores)
- Opera Workshop (Juniors and Seniors)
- Opera Theatre (Graduate Students)
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Performing and learning overseas: My experience at The Berlin Opera Academy
Gwyneth Rix (CFA’25)
CFA students continue to make their mark around the globe. Gwyneth Rix (CFA’25) a vocal performance undergraduate student traveled to Berlin, Germany to participate in the Berlin Opera Academy’s summer young artist program. Gwyneth played the role of the Dritte Dame (Third Lady) in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and a study cover of Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro. With the Clare Hodgson Meeker Undergraduate Fellowship helping her fund her trip, and many vocal professors honing her skills to perform on the big stage, Gwyneth capitalized on the opportunity for a transformational and rewarding experience.
This experience was my first performance of a full role with an orchestra! I also got to work with really good coaches, directors, and conductors. It was especially nice that the orchestra, repetiteurs, assistant conductors, and assistant stage directors were also students and were learning alongside us as well as helping us learn, and vice versa. I feel prepared to learn music and staging quickly and to work in an intense, high-stress, professional environment. Additionally, my summer in Germany confirmed my desire to move to Europe and base my career there. The structure and strength of the arts there are truly inspiring.
Photo by Benjamin Rix
A Spotlight on Vocal Brilliance
Lauren Mahoney (CFA’27, Sargent’27, BUTI’22)
BM Vocal Performance & BS Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
After completing the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Vocal Performance program, I was inspired to apply to BU because of the renowned faculty, conservatory-style environment, and rigorous research-based science programs. CFA is filled with talented faculty and students who will inspire, teach, and support their goals every day. Through CFA, I’ve participated in opera projects, faculty recitals, and have performed my original music. Outside of CFA, I won the Seabrook, New Hampshire Idol competition, sang in Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day 2024 Parade in front of a crowd of 1.1 million, and performed the national anthem for the RedSox at Fenway Park.
Photo by Dry Eye Photography, David R. Young
Audition Requirements
Thinking of applying? Find out more about prescreening, repertoire, and audition details by instrument.
Performance Opportunities
- Two fully-produced, mainstage operas per year
- Two Fringe Festival chamber operas each fall
- Historical Performance concerts and productions
- Scenes programs
During the course of their studies, students participate in a range of performance opportunities at a variety of venues at Boston University, in the city of Boston, and beyond. With over 400 performances per year at the School of Music, students are always just a few steps from taking the stage.
From recitals to orchestra concerts, students perform regularly including annual performances at Symphony Hall in Boston and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Notable Alumni
Next Steps for Applicants
The best way to determine if BU is right for you is to visit us in-person or remotely. Observe classes. Faculty members are available to meet with you and to discuss your educational interests, individual learning needs, and career goals.
Explore our admission requirements, financial tools, and resources to determine if the program is the right match. Reach out to visitSOM@bu.edu with any questions along the way.
