
Music - Applied Voice
Major
Apply nowExplore the music - applied voice bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire
Take your talents to the next level with a bachelor's degree in music - applied voice from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Designed for those aspiring to be performing artists, the applied voice major provides valuable professional experience to promising singers. Perform lead roles in operas and musicals, sing in our ensembles, participate in solo recitals and collaborate in chamber music.
Known for producing successful graduates, our renowned music program will help you gain a high level of musical maturity. Weekly studio classes with faculty mentors and peers prepare you for public performance. And an array of choirs, events and show opportunities will help you add to your performance resume.
You'll also have plenty of opportunities to explore the world around you. Guest artists and tours with our opera outreach program will further your knowledge of best practices and new areas of music. And all applied voice students are invited to study in Italy for four weeks through our InCanto Italia program. There, you can sing opera in the land where opera was born, while also studying the Italian language and culture.
With its emphasis on technical mastery and high-level musicianship, our applied voice program will give you the skills and experience needed to pursue a graduate-level performance program, establish your own private music studio or go wherever your dreams take you.
Chances to perform like no other
Elijah Vanderpoel may have come to UWEC undeclared, but it wasn't long before he realized his passion for performing. With encouragement and guidance from his professors, Elijah was able to find a major and career path he loved. Now he is using the skills he's learned in the classroom on stage, performing a music genre he's grown to love: opera.
Watch the video to hear more from Elijah about discovering his path at UWEC.
Why music - applied voice at UW-Eau Claire?
Expert faculty. Our student-focused faculty make it a top priority to keep you motivated, engaged and inspired, so you continue to grow. Small class sizes allow you to get one-on-one attention from experts and feel connected with others who are passionate about vocal performance.
Opportunities to travel. Each spring break, music and theatre arts students have the opportunity to visit New York City. There, they attend plays, musicals, masterclasses and other artistic events, while also shadowing working professionals and meeting various actors and musicians to learn more about their specific trade.
Global learning. Gain a global understanding of culture and music through study abroad, the National Student Exchange program or undergraduate research opportunities. Frequent world-renowned guest artists will introduce you to new music and new ways of thinking. And chances to perform internationally are also available to students, from choir tours in Portugal and Ireland to an opera program in Italy.
One-of-a-kind spaces. UW-Eau Claire is home to multiple concert venues, six music classrooms, over 40 practice rooms (including chamber music practice rooms), percussion rooms, a reed room, organ practice rooms, harpsichord practice rooms, an audio recording studio, a music technology lab, a digital piano lab and several rehearsal rooms. We are also proud to partner with the Eau Claire community's newest performance venue, Pablo Center at the Confluence. This state-of-the-art facility is home to many UWEC classes, rehearsals and performances.
Skill-building student organizations. Join one of 20 student clubs and organizations dedicated to celebrating music, theatre and dance. Express yourself, learn new techniques and network with other students. Many student organizations lead to volunteer opportunities, competitions and shows.
6
performance venues
200+
performance events per year
100% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2021-2022 Graduate Report
Quick facts
Music - applied voice program details
- Program length: four years
- Offered: in person
- Campus: Eau Claire
- This major does not require a minor.
- Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree.
Student organizations
- Gospel Choir
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (PMA)
- Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI)
- The Innocent Men
- Audacious
- Fifth Element
- Callisto
- Impromptu
- Student National Association of Teachers of Singing
Accreditation information
All music degrees from UW-Eau Claire have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
What can I do with a music - applied voice degree from UWEC?
Our applied voice graduates are well-prepared for their next chapter. By earning a music degree from UW-Eau Claire, you will have the knowledge and experience you need to pick your career path — and excel within it.
Where are music - applied voice alumni now?
- Professional singer, Chicago Lyric Opera
- Grand finalist, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions
- Performer, Broadway
- Vocal studio instructor, Wisconsin
- Chicago Lyric Opera
- Indianapolis Opera
- Sarasota Opera
- San Francisco Opera
- Grant Park Chorus
- Aspen Music Festival
- Bayview Music Festival
To which grad programs have our students been accepted?
- The Juilliard School, New York
- Curtis Institute, Philadelphia
- Indiana University, Indiana
- Temple University, Philadelphia
- Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati
Music - applied voice careers
- Professional singer
- Private studio instructor
- Vocal coach
- Music professor
- Arts administrator
My time here at UWEC has been absolutely inspiring. It has strengthened my love for singing and acting, and has solidified my passion to be a professional performer. I also had the opportunity to study classical music in Italy for two summers in a row! Next year I will be pursuing my master's in vocal performance. I know I would not be at the level I am today if it hadn't been for the amazing faculty and the fantastic opportunities this institution gives its students.
Music - applied voice bachelor’s degree program curriculum
UW-Eau Claire’s applied voice program will provide you with many opportunities to enhance your musicals skills and knowledge. A broad curriculum includes courses that go way beyond singing, with classes in acting, vocal pedagogy, diction, music history, conducting and much more.
In addition to UW-Eau Claire admission requirements, students enrolling as a music major or minor are required to successfully complete a departmental audition for instrument or voice prior to enrolling. Audition information and scheduling are available on the department website.
What classes do music - applied voice majors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- Analyzing global traditions in music
- Music history and society
- Diction
- Opera/musical theatre
- Voice literature
- Voice pedagogy
- Acting
Learn more about the comprehensive music - applied voice major in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
Related programs at UW-Eau Claire
Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in music? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.
Department information

Music and Theatre Arts
Haas Fine Arts Center 156121 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703 Visit the Music and Theatre Arts department website