Join a closely knit community of voice students pursuing a professional career in music. The Bachelor of Music in Performance in voice studies at the University of Toronto provides performance-based training of noteworthy breadth and depth. Students hone their skills in small classes and benefit from ample opportunities to perform in public. Students in years 3 and 4 have the opportunity to participate in two major opera productions of U of T Opera each season.
Why it stands out
One of North America’s strongest and most comprehensive undergraduate voice programs, the Bachelor of Music in Performance is delivered by an exceptional cohort of faculty and guest lecturers. Instructors are performers of national and international reputation able to share their professional experience with students in individual lessons.
Who it's for
Students focus on the songs, chamber works, choral music, and opera of the classical repertoire; however, they also have options for studying a diverse range of other genres, including jazz, musical theatre, and popular music. The program is ideal for curious, motivated, collaborative, and versatile students who are are passionate about music, demonstrate potential for musical growth, and are willing to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to them.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
All students have ample opportunities to perform in curricular and co-curricular events involving other vocal and instrumental areas. In addition to the lectures, masterclasses, and roundtable discussions conducted by faculty and distinguished visitors, student concerts contribute fundamentally to the busy “Singing Year” noon-hour series held every Tuesday throughout the school year.
Paid professional work both on and off campus is facilitated through our Music Booking Office.
Opportunities after graduation
This program will train students to respond to the changing landscape in musical fields by preparing for a diverse set of career paths. Graduates typically pursue careers as solo, or choral singers. Some build careers as artist-teachers or as leaders in arts organizations in which a broad musical background is an asset.
Postgraduate opportunities
Students qualify to apply for admission to graduate voice performance programs, including those that focus on opera, voice pedagogy and collaborative voice studies. Students also pursue a wide range of other programs after graduation, depending on their interests. Graduates could apply to pursue further study within Music, or professional programs such as business, medicine and law.
The student’s experience at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music is one characterized by a distinct sense of community. Established on a foundation of unparalleled instruction and personal support, the hallmark which sets it truly apart is the invaluable connections it provides by way of instructors, peers, and industry professionals. Located in the cultural centre of Canada, there is truly no other community of artists like it in the country.
– Ian Gillis
Bachelor of Music in Performance 2025 - Voice
My time spent with the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto completing my undergraduate degree was nothing short of extraordinary. I experienced an immense amount of support from friends, peers and all of my teachers. I received training and coaching that has helped my voice progress in more ways than I could have hoped for. Being at the Faculty of Music has allowed me to grow and feel confident as a musician and performer and I am so fortunate that I get to continue my studies at the University of Toronto as part of the Opera Division, to complete my Master’s degree.
Core courses focus on music history and culture, music theory, musical skills and keyboard harmony or skills. Students also receive individual instruction in their major performance medium and participate in major ensembles.
The program offers a unique array of courses that focus on lyric diction, English art songs, and Italian vocal repertoire. The Topics in Performance studies exposes students to a variety of skills necessary for entering a career as a singing artist of the 21st century. Using performance-based process work, students will be invited to explore audition techniques, develop operatic role study skills, and discuss current performance and repertoire trends all while being encouraged to use real-world technology solutions. Upper year requirements, include German Lieder, French mélodie and Oratorio.
Music & Breadth Electives
All programs require the completion of a specific number of Music Electives and Breadth Electives. A Music Elective is any Faculty of Music course (excluding Basic Music Courses) that is not required for a specific program. A Breadth Elective is a course offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science; however, up to one full credit of designated Music courses can be counted towards this requirement. Students have the opportunity to benefit from the diverse course offerings, that span different areas and traditions of music. Some examples include courses such as the the Business of Music, The 21st Century Creative Performer: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry to Performance and Performance Practice, Performance as a Freelance Artist in North America, Introduction to Computer Applications in Music to Japanese Taiko Drumming! Voice performance students also have the option of completing their electives within the Voice area, by choosing from a range of options - courses that focus on Early Music, Vocal Pedagogy, Piano-Vocal Masterclass and Piano-Vocal Master Class in Music Theatre, Jazz & Contemporary Commercial Music.
Options within the Degree
Music: Certificates are offered in conjunction with a degree. Currently there are Certificates offered in Health Applications in Music, Music Technology, Popular Music Studies and Ethnomusicology, and Piano Pedagogy.
Currently there are Minor programs offered in History and Culture, Composition, and Historical Keyboard. (The Minor in Composition is not available to students in the Bachelor of Music in Composition.)
Arts & Science: Within the Breadth Electives, students have the option of completing requirements towards a Minor or a Major from the Faculty of Arts & Science, in a discipline that sparks their interest.
My time at the University of Toronto has consistently been fostered by the close-knit community atmosphere which stems from the Faculty of Music. While being in one of the largest cities in Canada where there is unlimited access to resources and live performance, we are able to form life-long connections with both students and professors. I very much cherish the supportive network of colleagues who continue to share a passion for creative expression within and outside of our community.
– Chihiro Yasufuku 安福知優
Bachelor of Music in Performance 2023 - Voice
I will never forget the transformational time I spent at U of T. Coming from a small city in B.C., I had no idea what amazing experiences I would have over the course of four years: being exposed to all forms of music and instruments, working as an Orientation Leader and Student Ambassador, partaking in incredible masterclasses and workshops, meeting renowned artists and performers, having countless performance opportunities, and making lifelong friends. Most notably, receiving a well-rounded education at Canada’s top university, being taught and mentored by some of the leading musical faculty in the country. I owe so much of my personal growth in my musicality and artistry to the professors, who not only taught me to become a better musician on an educational level, but saw my potential and pushed me to recognize and appreciate it in myself. What I gained from U of T, I will carry throughout the rest of my life.
– Danielle Nicholson
Bachelor of Music in Performance 2020 - Voice Headshot photo credit: Delle Images Opera photo credit: Richard Lu
