Dr. Paul Rardin, Chair, Department of Vocal Arts
Dr. Christine Anderson, Area Coordinator, Voice and Opera

Voice and Opera students receive high-quality training with emphasis on technique and the repertoire necessary to achieve their fullest vocal potential. Individual progress is guided closely and evaluated through private lessons and vocal juries. Each student studies vocal technique, lyric diction, language and musical styles to achieve polished ease in performance.

There are many opportunities to perform in concerts, recitals and theatrical productions, including Temple Choirs, which regularly appear on campus and at a variety of local, national and international venues. Recent Temple Choirs performances include those at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, Lincoln Center, and regional and national conferences. In addition to degree recitals and studio recitals, students enjoy annual opporunities to perform in master classes with internationally renowned performers. Recent guests include Lester Lynch, Lawrence Brownlee, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Denyce Graves, Eric Owens, Matthew Polenzani, Barbara Bonney, Håkan Hagegård, Dalton Baldwin, Elly Ameling and Mitsuko Shirai. With department approval, Voice and Opera students may audition for any production of Temple University Opera Theater or Temple Theaters.

Students in the BM and MM in Vocal Performance  present final recitals while MM Opera Performance majors perform principal roles in TU Opera Theater productions. The flexible nature of the MM Vocal Arts degree allows students an ability to craft a specialized program of study, combining voice performance with other skills and interests. Elective classes on opera subjects are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students with departmental approval.

Our Mission 

The Voice and Opera area is committed to preparing singers for meaningful, successful, and varied careers. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach involving technique, language, and expression, faculty encourage students to appreciate the power of music to transform lives. Providing conservatory-level training and standards, we also encourage students to engage in their university studies and outside interests to become three-dimensional performing artists, demonstrating technical excellence, expressive power, and connectivity to the community.

Our Values 

We believe in:
Excellence in performance
Creating opportunities for students
Developing well rounded singers
Collaboration across disciplines
Versatility in repertoire and style