Voice and Opera

Guiseppe Verdi | Falstaff 2006
KU student Stanford Felix as Falstaff

KU's Voice and Opera program features prominent faculty and numerous performing opportunities. The KU Opera produces two fully staged operas each year. In addition, the voice and opera division collaborates each spring to produce a third opera or a major musical. Students are encouraged to audition for all plays and musicals; and take theatre and audition classes. Numerous choral activities are also available.

Benjamin Britten | Albert Herring 2005
KU student Johnathan Thomas
as Albert Herring

The spring opera workshop provides stage instruction and produces a series of scene recitals. Additionally, a quartet of graduate students is selected annually for prestigious apprenticeships with the Kansas City Lyric Opera through which they receive training and opportunities to fill performance comprimario roles.

Important Audition Information

Your audition with the Department of Music and Dance is crucial. It serves as an application to the department. It is also a contributing factor in scholarship considerations.

Information on audition procedures and requirement are found on the Audition Application Form.

Requirements and Repertory

Undergraduate students should present two memorized selections; one of them must be an art song or aria. The other may be from musical theatre. A foreign language piece is not required. All music must be performed with piano accompaniment. An accompanist will be provided, but your own accompanist is welcome. The audition will include sight-reading.

The audition will be used for acceptance into voice degree programs: the B.M. in vocal performance, B.F.A. in theatre voice, B.A. in voice, a B.M.E. with vocal emphasis in music education or music therapy; the audition is also applicable for a minor in music. For more information, visit the Undergraduate Studies page.

Graduate Auditions

Master's students are expected to present a maximum of six selections covering the major languages and including an aria from either oratorio or opera. Doctoral students must present a full recital. For additional information, please visit the Graduate Studies page.

Contact: Music and Dance Scholarship Secretary, (785) 864-3436, music@ku.edu or address below.

460 Murphy Hall
1530 Naismith Dr.
Lawrence, Kansas 66045-3102