Master of Music in Vocal Performance

North Park University’s opera program lets you showcase your classical voice talent in first-class opera productions. You’ll work with vocal and acting coaches, production designers and directors, and accompanists ranging from pianists to a full orchestra. Whether staging scenes or full operas, you’ll gain valuable experience through solos and lead roles, working alongside graduate and undergraduate students who are as passionate about music as you are. The School of Music’s recent productions include The Marriage of Figaro, Gianni Schicchi/The Medium, and Dialogues of the Carmelites.

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From vocal coaches to opera directors to pedagogy instructors, you’ll learn from active, professional musicians. Drawn from Chicago’s world-class musical community, these instructors bring the best of both worlds: the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience you’ll need as well as the passion to help you be the best singer, performer, and teacher you can be.

Meet our full-time and adjunct faculty.

Earn Your Master's in Vocal Performance

A master of music in vocal performance degree is an important step on your career journey as a classical singer. You’ll explore technique, style, lyric diction, and more, gaining valuable performance experience through solo and ensemble work. Advanced training will help you grow your own talent and ability so you can successfully pursue roles in festivals, workshops, and companies. You’ll also be prepared for performance and coaching careers in a variety of professional, nonprofit, or church settings.

Why North Park?

North Park’s master’s program in vocal performance recognizes the uniqueness of all singers, offering individual attention in vocal technique, performance, academic preparation, coaching, and pedagogical instruction to help you excel on your own path. Your study will include private lessons, survey courses, workshops, and ensembles, preparing you for a performance career and as a coach for other singers. The School of Music’s close connections to Chicago’s music community provide opportunities to learn from active professionals and to experience a wide range of performances as you grow toward your own professional goals.

Stage Time

You’ll get extensive stage experience in the MMVP program, performing in a variety of settings with opportunities for both solo and ensemble work with other music students.

Fully staged operas
Choral performances with solo opportunities
Year-round opera workshop with voice and theatrical coaching
Master classes in vocal performance with faculty and guest clinicians
Ensemble and solo performances, on- and off-campus

Where Students and Alumni Work

Lyric Opera of Chicago
Glimmerglass Festival
Main Street Opera
North Central College Musical Theatre Department
Midwest Institute of Opera
Opera Up Close at Governors State University

Alumni Profile

Tenor John Concepcion G'06 is a full-time chorus member at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and started the Opera Up Close program at Governors State University. He chose North Park’s MMVP program for the personal attention, variety of singing opportunities, and excellent faculty.

Learn more about John’s experience and career.

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Karen Bauer brings more than 30 years of professional experience as a classical singer, teacher, vocal coach, and director to the vocal education and master's degree program in the School of Music.

Learn more about Dr. Karen Bauer and the music faculty.

Challenging, Personalized Curriculum

North Park's MMVP curriculum offers core courses ranging from concentrated studies in vocal technique to lyric diction to academic classes that lay the groundwork for authoritative performance. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose elective courses specific to your career goals.

Learn more about the courses and requirements for the MMVP.

Music Events

North Park’s School of Music offers a wide range of concerts and events you can attend throughout the year. Special events each year may include professional musicians conducting master classes, the annual Bach Week Festival, and partnerships with Chicagoland organizations for community concerts.

Explore upcoming music events.

Next Steps

Program Requirements