The Best Classical, Jazz & Contemporary Voice Programs in The U.S.

by Steven Lipman

This guide highlights the top classical, jazz, and contemporary vocal performance programs in the United States. It compares conservatories and university-based music schools, outlines what makes each program distinct, and helps singers identify which voice programs best match their artistic and career goals.

Who This Guide Is For:

• High school singers considering a vocal performance degree
• Transfer and graduate students exploring advanced voice study
• Parents researching top music schools for singers

What is the best music college to study voice?

If you’re one of the up-and-coming songbirds of the world, you may be asking yourself, “What is the best school at which to study voice?”

For singers, studying vocal performance in college is the chance to develop both a larger “vocabulary” if you will, and a more practiced technique. And for many, their vocal performance program of choice is where passionate singers discover their voice. Surrounded by other serious, like-minded, and complimentary musicians – both vocal majors and otherwise – you can find lasting and valuable inspiration.

But let’s face it. You’re a creative person who needs the right environment to flourish. With enough hard work and fortitude there’s no doubt you can make the most of a vocal performance program anywhere. You can even strive for the “best” music school, but you’ll never have the same experience as attending the “right” school for you.

And the right school – or a selection of top schools – for you will have specific criteria for auditions, portfolios, and experience. Some schools are more rigorous and disciplined, while others offer experimental paths to explore your creativity. You might also want to know whether your favorite singer or composer is an alumni of one of your top choices, which you might find out below.

How We Selected These Vocal Performance Programs

Inside Music Schools has put together a list of the top 32 vocal performance bachelors programs — from New York to California and everywhere in between — to shed some light and offer guidance. For singers, preparing for the next step to serious vocal study is crucial, and that’s where we can help.

Schools were chosen based on faculty reputation, performance opportunities, alumni success, curriculum strength, and historical outcomes in music careers. This list reflects conservatories and universities known for preparing singers for professional performance, graduate study, and related music careers.

Deep Expertise Developed over Decades of Experience in Working with Music Colleges and Applicants

We are educators who know music schools inside and out. Informed by over 40 years of experience in music school admissions, we offer students audition preparation, portfolio development, and a personalized list of schools to submit applications to based on your career goals and creative aspirations.

If you want some quick facts on schools you may already have in mind, take a look at this list. You’ll find some information about the school and program, top faculty, and notable alumni. Looking forward to hearing from you!

 Best Classical & Opera Voice Programs in the U.S.

1. The Juilliard School – New York City, NY

In name alone, Juilliard is arguably the most famous – and one of the most exclusive – music schools in the world. Its legacy as a performing arts school bleeds into the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts, with a curriculum spanning one of the broadest ranges of performance.

• Notable Faculty: Edith Wiens, Darrell Babidge, Cynthia Hoffmann, Donald Palumbo, Natalia Katyukova
• Notable Alumni: Renee Fleming, Anne Brown, Neil Rosenshein, Ruby Elzy, Hanan Alattar, Paul Groves, Audra McDonald, Pamela Coburn, Sarah Brightman

2. University Of Cincinnati College-Conservatory Of Music – Cincinnati, OH

Along with offering the full range of degrees from bachelor’s to artist’s diplomas, the University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music produces a staggering six operas most years. Students of their opera program often find their first gigs after graduation from one of several companies who scout there.

• Notable Faculty: Karen Lykes, Thomas Baresel, Robin Guarino, Kenneth Shaw
• Notable Alumni: Kathleen Battle, Cortez Mitchell, Corwyn Hodge, Sylvia Cooper, Audrey Luna

3. New England Conservatory – Boston, MA

The extensive voice and opera faculty at NEC take their students through a course of study spanning baroque to modern, and operatic singing. Students who are particularly focused on classical forms will be well-served at NEC, perhaps the oldest traditional conservatory in the country.

• Notable Faculty: Carole Haber, Jane Eaglen, Justin Williams, Karen Holvik, Joshua Major
• Notable Alumni: Phyllis Curtin, Denyce Graves, Deke Sharon, Monir Vakili

4. Indiana University (Jacobs School Of Music) – Bloomington, IN

Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music is one of the largest and most diverse music programs in the country. Your talents will be employed at the Jacobs School of Music Ballet and Opera theater, and most all students take part in at least one of six double-cast operas and musicals each season.

• Notable Faculty: Brian Horne, Marietta Simpson, Heidi Grant Murphy
• Notable Alumni: Lawrence Brownlee, Jamie Barton, Kevin Langan, Vivica Genaux, William Burden, Bruce Hubbard, Sylvia McNair

5. University Of Rochester (Eastman School Of Music) – Rochester, NY

Eastman prides itself as an artistically diverse program, even for opera majors. Students will learn from a range of styles outside their focus because of a notable emphasis on holistic development in technique and repertoire.

• Notable Faculty: Katherine Ciesinski, Steven Daigle, Lindsay Baker, Timothy Long, Kathryn Cowdrick
• Notable Alumni: William Warfield, Joyce Castle, Karen Holvik, Thomas Meglioranza, Maurice Stern, Claire Watson

6. Boston University – Boston, MA

While most notably a major research university, Boston University’s School of Music students benefit greatly from both accomplished faculty and expansive, well-rounded academic opportunities. Students who would like the option to incorporate a liberal arts education into their musical one will enjoy studying at BU.

• Notable Faculty: Sharon Daniels, James Demler, Penelope Bitzas
• Notable Alumni: Janet Chvatal, Arturo Chacon-Cruz, Grace Bumbry, Marcus Haddock, Stephen Salters

7. Manhattan School Of Music – New York City, NY

Manhattan School of Music’s “historical approach” takes most of its students through different eras of vocal music. They also boast performance opportunities with the likes of the New York Philharmonic, the Verdi Square Performing Arts Festival, and more. Little can compare with studying the arts in NYC.

• Notable Faculty: Maitland Peters, Marlena Malas, Harolyn Blackwell, Neil Rosenshein, Ashley Putnam, James Morris
• Notable Alumni: Dawn Upshaw, Beth Clayton, Kate Aldrich, Ned Barth, Lauren Flanigan, Brandon Jovanovich, Susan Neves, Sanford Sylvan

8. Johns Hopkins University (Peabody Institute) – Baltimore, MD

This incredibly vigorous program offers students many avenues to perform across the nation and the world. Additionally, Peabody’s faculty are among some of the most accomplished in the world, a valuable asset for any ambitious student.

• Notable Faculty: Madeleine Gray, Min Sang Kim, Lori Sen, Alina Kozinska, Kristen Toedtman
• Notable Alumni: Jessye Norman, James Morris, Rebecca Pitcher, Tori Amos

9. Academy Of Vocal Arts – Philadelphia, PA

For operatic soloists, the Academy of Vocal Arts is one of the top schools to seek admission. It also offers tuition-free education for their highly-competitive program – only about 30 students a session are admitted.

• Notable Faculty: Luis Ledesma, Sally Wolf, Bill Schuman, Florence Quivar
• Notable Alumni: Beverly Wolff, Seymour Schwartzman, Gwendolyn Bradley, Gregory Stapp, Joyce DiDonato, Richard Troxell

10. Bard College & Conservatory Of Music – Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

Another incredibly competitive program, voice students at Bard embark on a storied tradition of musical education excellence. Intensive language lessons help students explore deeper into the heart of their favorite French, Italian, and German operas.

• Notable Faculty: Ilka LoMonaco, Rufus Muller, Teresa Buchholz
• Notable Alumni: Ann Moss, Gilda Lyons, Attila Dobak, Jeanne Lee, Michelle Trainor, Davron Monroe

11. Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Melon’s robust and diverse musical program is made more valuable by its cutting-edge academic offerings. Vocal students take on a diverse set of courses for a holistic and technology-enhanced learning experience. Their musical theater program is among the very best in the country.

• Notable Faculty: Maria Spacagna, Douglas Ahlstedt, Marianne Cornetti, Thomas Douglas
• Notable Alumni: Liam Bonner, Lisa Vroman, Emily Skinner, Leslie Odom Jr.

12. Rice University (Shepherd School Of Music) – Houston, TX

Rice University’s music program is a major part of Houston’s cultural scene, averaging several hundred performances and lectures offered each year. They are also constructing a new 600-seat, European-style theatre to house one of the country’s most quickly-evolving opera programs.

• Notable Faculty: Stephen King, Bethany Self, Robin Rice
• Notable Alumni: Fredrick Ballentine, Ben Edquist, Ricardo Jose Rivera-Soto, Angel Vargas, Nicholas Newton, Lindsay Kate Brown, Brandon Gibson

13. Northwestern University (Bienen School Of Music) – Evanston, IL

Bienen’s opera program is a robust one, with three productions put on a year. Also only a short drive from downtown Chicago, this school offers a massive amount of performance opportunities in a widely-coveted music scene.

• Notable Faculty: Pamela Hinchman, Theresa Brancaccio, W.Stephen Smith, Nancy Gustafson
• Notable Alumni: Grace Bumbry, Mary Dunleavy, Phillip Skinner, Nancy Gustafson, Sherrill Milnes, Margaret Lloyd

14. Vanderbilt University (Blair School Of Music) – Nashville, TN

Vocal students at Blair are in the heart of Nashville, with all its varied and rich musical history. Blair alumni have found themselves performing across the world, armed with a valuable education in music business and marketing.

• Notable Faculty: Gayle Shay, Tyler Nelson, Amy Jarman, Tracy Prentice
• Notable Alumni: Chris Mann, Evan Mack, Joshua McGuire

15. University Of Southern California (Thornton School Of Music) – Los Angeles, CA

You’ll be busy at Thornton not only because you’re a stone’s throw away from the renowned Los Angeles music scene, but because students at Thornton take on many performance opportunities to continually sharpen their skills in voice, performing arts, and musical literacy. LA’s ever-expanding cultural and arts scene presents a creative environment for music students.

• Notable Faculty: Lynn Helding, Thomas Michael Allen, Elizabeth Hynes, Rod Gilfry, Lisa Sylvester
• Notable Alumni: Marilyn Horne, Angela Meade, Kelley O’Connor, Alexander Blake, Karen Garret, Jessica Rivera,

16. University Of Miami (Frost School Of Music) – Coral Gables, Fl

The Frost School of Music is known for its highly innovative music program that is, perhaps more than others, integrated deeply with technology. Along with a coveted set of entrepreneurial skills, voice students at Frost are truly receiving a cutting-edge education.

• Notable Faculty: Frank W. Ragsdale, Robynne Redmon, Jeffrey Buchman
• Notable Alumni: Marvis Lynn Martin, John Easterlin, Johanna Meier, Carl Franklin DuPont, Linsey Coppens, David Tayloe, Elizabeth Caballero, Sandra Lopez

17. Southern Methodist University (Meadows School Of The Arts) – Dallas, TX

The Meadows School offers wide-ranging opportunities to develop the whole artist, as it’s focus on a complete set of artistic study enables students to explore both their passions and interests in excellent programs.

• Notable Faculty: Cliftin Forbis, Barbara Hill Moore, Virginia Dupuy
• Notable Alumni: John Holiday, Laura Claycomb, Fernando del Valle
  

Best Jazz & Contemporary Voice Programs in the U.S.

1. Berklee College Of Music – Boston, MA

Berklee is a name that is behind the careers of many artists who have transformed their genres. The highly creative, collaborative, and expansive offerings for both performance and academic enrichment are renown the world over, and will suit adventurous, modern-minded students perfectly.

• Notable Faculty: Livingston Taylor, Paula Cole, Peter Eldridge, Janice Pendarvis, Jerome Kyles, Aubrey Johnson
• Notable Alumni: Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, John Mayer, Melissa Etheridge, Esperanza Spaulding, Donald Fagen, Natalie Maines, Jillian Butler

2. The New School University– Jazz & Contemporary Music Program – New York City, NY

The sheer amount of ensembles give New School students almost non-stop performance opportunities. It’s a program not for the faint of heart, but these singers leave incredibly well-rounded and often ready to embark on exciting and thrilling careers in modern music.

• Notable Faculty: Sarah Charles, Marlon Saunders, Machan Taylor, Richard Harper, Amy London, Charlotte Small
• Notable Alumni: Jazzmeia Horn, Bianca Muniz, Bilal Sayeed Oliver, Becca Stevens, Thana Alexa

3. Belmont University (The Mike Curb School Of Music) – Nashville, TN

Belmont University is right on Music Row in Nashville, which makes the Mike Curb School an exciting and adventurous choice for modern voice majors. These students perform often in one of the world’s most famous music scenes for rock, pop, jazz, and of course, country.

• Notable Faculty: Sandra Dudley, Henry Smiley, Stephanie Adlington, Bruce Bennett
• Notable Alumni: Brad Paisley, Trish Yearwood, Deonte Warren, Steven Curtis Chapman, Levi Kreis

4. University Of Southern California (Thornton School Of Music) – Los Angeles, CA

Thornton, along with having an incredible classical and operatic program, developed one of the finest jazz music curriculums in the country. Long traditions of excellence inform a voice student’s educational and professional career. USC’s Popular Music Program is among the country’s most competitive and prestigious programs.

• Notable Faculty: Patrice Rushen, Sara Gazarek, Jeffrey Allen, Lyndia Johnson, Parmer Fuller, Adriana Balic
• Notable Alumni: Renee Elise Goldsberry, Rozzi Crane, Tamar Davis, Salli Terri

5. Los Angeles College Of Music – Los Angeles, CA

Located in the heart of the entertainment and performance industry, students at the Los Angeles College of Music are a hotbed of exciting and inventive hotbed musical talent redefining the industry.

• Notable Faculty: David Joyce, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Francisco Ruiz, Dani Palomino
• Notable Alumni: Debi Nova, Mayu Wakisaka, Margie Mays, Tal Wilkenfeld

6. San Francisco Conservatory Of Music – San Francisco, CA

Vocal students at San Francisco Conservatory of Music deeply explore the early repertoires of Gershwin, Sondheim, and the like while also engaging in traditional jazz styles.

• Notable Faculty: Carmen Bradford, Clairdee
• Notable Alumni: Desiree Goyette, Arielle Jacobs, Gwendoline Yeo

7. University Of Miami (Frost School Of Music) – Coral Gables, FL

The Frost Method is a style of teaching music developed and perfected at Frost. Known far and wide as an innovative and technology-enhanced music school, modern vocalists will dive into varied and at times highly-experimental training and ensembles. Frost remains at the forefront of top music programs.

• Notable Faculty: Alison Wedding, Kate Reid
• Notable Alumni: Carmen Lundy, Jeremy Fox, Arianna Neikrug, Raul Midon, Dawnn Lewis, Justin John Moniz

8. University Of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI

For this public university, the conservatory-level vocal programs offer an incredible opportunity – especially if you’re interested in majoring or minoring in music, or pursuing a double (academic) major. U of M has been called the “quintessential” American university experience.

• Notable Faculty: Dennis Wilson
• Notable Alumni: Sachal Vasandani, Tyler Spencer, Becky Baeling, Joe Henry, Theo Katzman, Antwaun Stanley

9. Oberlin College & Conservatory – Oberlin, OH

At Oberlin, all music students get weekly studio time, offering a lot of experience recording and producing music. With only about 30 students admitted each year, it’s one of the more robust and competitive programs, and an ambitious jazz singer will do well with this somewhat tucked-away school. Undergrads only; many double-major students here (music & academics).

• Notable Faculty: LaTanya Hall
• Notable Alumni: Liz Phair, Josh Ritter, Judy Kuhn, Jason Myles Goss, Carla Kihlstedt, Amy X Neuburg

10. University Of Hartford (Hartt School Of Music Jackie Mclean Institute Of Jazz) – Hartford, CT

While there’s only a small jazz vocal program, faculty Shawnn Monteiro and Nancy Anderson – incredibly accomplished singers and educators in their own right – foster incredible talents amid a program with a long jazz tradition. An impressive list of small combos abound.

• Notable Faculty: Nancy Anderson, Shawnn Monteiro
• Notable Alumni: Dionne Warwick, Javier Colon, Phillip Boykin, Dan O’Connor, Jessica Vosk

11. New York University, Steinhardt – New York City, NY

NYU’s Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Voice is a program that explores popular singing and songwriting in both a deeply academic and musically experimental manner. It’s a rigorous program that will develop strong career readiness skills for new vocal graduates. Outstanding opportunities to hear live music at every turn.

• Notable Faculty: Janice Pendarvis, Ana Flavia Zurim, Alex Gemignani, Sheri Sanders, Justin John Moniz
• Notable Alumni: Stefani Angelina Germanotta, Donald Glover, Idina Menzel, Dot Da Genius, Mary Wilson, Patti Scialfa

12. William Paterson University

Wayne, NJ

Ensembles at William Paterson travel all over the country to participate in competitions and performances. Their highly-credentialed mostly NY-based faculty train students in jazz, musical theater, teaching, and other fields, and they boast a very high job-placement rate.

• Notable Faculty: Nancy Marano
• Notable Alumni: Judy Bady, Alexis Cole, Jewel Crenshaw, Sarah Manning

13. University Of Colorado – Denver, CO

UC Denver’s College of Music offers a well-rounded vocal program perfect for students looking to incorporate music into a progressive liberal arts education. The program at Univ. of Col – Denver includes strong music business/industry courses.

• Notable Faculty: Erin Hackel, Owen Kortz, Douglas Krause
• Notable Alumni: Isaac Slade, Chloe Tang

14. University Of California At Los Angeles (Herb Alpert School Of Music) – Los Angeles, CA

UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music is considered one of the best music schools on the west coast, and for good reason. Voice students benefit from a wide range of ensembles featuring incredibly talented student and teacher musicians to develop a wide breadth of performance and compositional experience.

• Notable Faculty: Barbara Morrison, Michele Weir
• Notable Alumni: Kalil Wilson, Martha Gonzalez

Expert Guidance for Navigating Vocal Performance Programs

With decades of experience in music school admissions, Inside Music Schools helps singers and families make informed decisions about where—and how—to apply. Our team understands the nuances between conservatories and university programs, the expectations of voice faculty, and what it takes to present competitively in auditions and prescreenings. By guiding students through preparation, school selection, and strategy, we help them find programs where they can grow artistically and thrive long-term.

Did one or more of the schools above interest you? Contact us today to find out what the “right” school could be for you.

FAQs About Vocal Performance Programs

What are the best colleges for vocal performance in the U.S.?

The best vocal performance programs depend on a singer’s goals and style. Top schools include conservatories like Juilliard and the New England Conservatory for classical and opera voice, and universities such as Berklee College of Music, NYU, and USC for jazz and contemporary vocal studies.

Is a conservatory or a university better for voice majors?

Conservatories typically offer more intensive performance training with fewer academic requirements, while universities provide broader academic options, including double majors. The best choice depends on how focused a student wants to be on performance versus academics.

Can you study contemporary or popular voice in college?

Yes. Many schools now offer contemporary, jazz, and popular voice programs that include training in songwriting, commercial singing styles, recording, and music business. Schools like Berklee, NYU Steinhardt, and USC are well known for these programs.

What should I look for in a vocal performance program?

Key factors include faculty expertise, performance opportunities, curriculum focus, alumni outcomes, and how well the program aligns with your vocal style and career goals. Fit matters more than prestige alone.

How competitive are top voice programs?

Top vocal performance programs are highly competitive, often requiring prescreening recordings, live auditions, and strong musical preparation. Acceptance rates can be low, especially at elite conservatories and small studio programs.

Do I need to know what type of singer I am before applying?

Not completely—but having clarity around your vocal style (classical, jazz, musical theater, or contemporary) helps you apply to programs that align with your strengths and interests. Many students refine their focus during the application process.

How can students prepare for vocal performance auditions?

Preparation typically includes selecting appropriate repertoire, developing solid vocal technique, understanding school-specific requirements, and preparing prescreening videos well in advance of deadlines.