Bath Spa has a reputation for vocal excellence. Activities have grown considerably since 1997 when we first staged the UK premiere of Philip Glass’s opera, "Satyagraha". This programme brings together all aspects of vocal performance into a single, focused course that includes one-to-one lessons, coaching, stage and acting skills, vocal health classes, annual staged opera and musical theatre performances and numerous masterclass opportunities with nationally and internationally renowned artists.
You´ll develop practical and critical skills in tandem, first gaining a grounding in all areas of music - performance, composition, technology, musicology, world music and musicianship. Ample opportunities to enhance your employability include work placements, multi-and-interdisciplinary collaborations, public performances and the opportunity to study abroad in year two.
Vocal Performance gives you "Conservatoire style’" training in all aspects of classical and musical theatre, including concert and recital work, staged performances and a wide range of choral and ensemble performances.
You´ll have weekly voice lessons, coaching, language classes, acting and stage skills workshops, and intensive rehearsal periods towards public performances - both concert and staged.
Typical offer range for UK / EU applicants
280–320 UCAS Tariff points.
Year one
The first year provides a grounding in all aspects of music. One-to-one lessons in performance focus on vocal technique, aural analysis, ensemble and choral performance. You´ll study composition - musicianship skills, notation, free composition, writing for the voice and music technology, and musicology - history, style and context. You´ll also benefit from a study of the music of other cultures in our Global Music module.
Year two
The focus is performance - one-to-one lessons, solo and group performance workshops, languages, coaching and vocal health. You´ll embark on Opera Project 1 - comprising rehearsal and public performance, and Stage Skills for Singers 1, which includes acting and musical theatre performance skills. Optional modules include Music research 1, where you´ll focus on musicicology, opera and song topics. You´ll need to be industry-aware, and the option to undertake a work placement supports you in your second year.
Year three
You´ll continue to develop your vocal performance skills with one-to-one lessons, solo and group performance workshops, language training, coaching, vocal health awareness and by taking part in public recital performances. Opera Project 2 comprises rehearsal and public performance, and Stage Skills for Singers 2 furthers your acting and musical theatre repertoire. In Music Research 2 (optional) you´ll study musicicology, opera and song topics. The Independent Study module (optional) comprises a creative project or dissertation.
Many of our students have gone on to enjoy careers as soloists and performers in professional choirs and on stage. Tenor Anthony Gregory is one of our alumni.
