BM Vocal Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance provides students with a full range of resources to develop their talent and prepare for a music career. Students receive exclusive individualized vocal training from LIU’s prestigious faculty and world-renowned visiting artists. Aspiring performers sharpen their aural skills, study the roots of musical theory, delve into the technical aspects of songwriting and vocal dictation, while preparing for a professional career in the music industry.
In addition to world-class training, Vocal Performance students engage with visiting artists, participate in competitive internships, and have a variety of opportunities to perform. Unique electives, such as The Business of Shawn Carter and The Making of the Album enable students to peek behind the scenes of the music industry in a way that only the one-of-a-kind partnership between LIU and Roc Nation can provide. While attending the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, students develop invaluable industry connections that will continue to open doors long after graduation.
Qualities that Set Our Program Apart:
- Students work with New York City’s most talented musicians and decorated scholars. LIU’s faculty members are active musicians and are the most cutting-edge and high-profile professionals in the industry.
- LIU’s location in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn provides students with direct access to the best of New York City’s vibrant arts community, including outstanding concerts, workshops, master classes, and collaborative projects.
AUDITION DATES & REQUIREMENTS
Major Requirements
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Required Musicianship Courses (16 Credits) | ||
| MUS 207A | Theory/Keyboard Harmony I | 3 |
| MUS 207B | Theory/Keyboard Harmony II | 3 |
| MUS 208A | Aural Skills I | 3 |
| MUS 208B | Aural Skills II | 3 |
| TEP 210P | Private Instruction - Piano (2 Semesters) | 2 |
| Required Applied Music Courses (12 Credits) | ||
| MUS 213 | Vocal Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUS 214 | Vocal Diction | 3 |
| TEP 346 | Songwriting I | 3 |
| TEP 464 | Songwriting II | 3 |
| Required Professionalism Courses (7 Credits) | ||
| ARM 262 | Principles and Practices of the Music Industry | 2 |
| MUS 230 | Professional Preparation for a Music Career | 2 |
| TEP 207 | Introduction to Music Technology / Production | 3 |
| Required Music History (6 Credits) | ||
| MUS 101 | Musical Concepts | 3 |
|
Choose 3 credits from the following: |
||
| MUS 107 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 108 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 248 | History of Hip Hop | 3 |
| MUS 147 | History of Rock Music | 3 |
| MUS 148 | History of Rhythm and Blues | 3 |
| MUS 159 | History of Country Music | 3 |
| Required Vocal Concentration Courses (18 Credits) | ||
| MUS 216V | Studio Lessons: Voice (4 Semesters) | 2 |
| MUS 249A | Vocal Coaching (4 Semesters) | 1 |
| MUS 250 | Junior Recital Ensemble | 3 |
| MUS 251 | Senior Recital Ensemble | 3 |
| MUS 100 | Convocation | 0 |
| Required Chorus/Ensemble (8 Credits) | ||
| MUS 223J | Small Instrumental and Vocal Combo | 2 |
| MUS 223V | The Jazz Salon | 2 |
| MUS 225 | University Chorus | 2 |
| MUS 205 | Music Theater Workshop | 2 |
| MUS 206 | Brooklyn Soul Ensemble | 2 |
|
Recommended Music Electives
Choose from the following: |
||
| MUS 211 | Monetization of Music | 3 |
| MUS 221 | The Business of Shawn Carter | 3 |
| MUS 231 | Making of the Album | 3 |
| TEP 443 | Creative Promotion in Media | 3 |
| TEP 262 | Legal Aspects of the Music Industry | 3 |
| TEP 381 | Concert Promotion | 3 |
| TEP 384 | Artist Management | 3 |
| TEP 356 | The Making of Music Videos | 3 |
| TEP 205 | Internship | 0 |
| TEP 221 | Foundations of Recording | 3 |
| TEP 348 | Foundations of Mixing | 3 |
| MUS 110 | Music and Culture | 3 |
Core Requirements
|
Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) |
Courses |
|
ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities (3 credits) Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge. |
ART 101: Introduction to Art ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II CIN 111: History of World Cinema CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology DNC 108: History of Dance ENG 167: Creativity and Nature ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You MA 109: Media Arts and Technology MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts MUS 102: Music Fundamentals MUS 110: Introduction to World Music PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking THE 100: Introduction to Drama THE 111: The Art of Theatre THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance |
|
ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits) Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies. |
History HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877 HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877 Intercultural Awareness ANT #: Any Anthropology Course ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts CIN 105: The Art of Documentary ENG 115: Global Literatures ENG 132: Shakespeare ENG 158: American Literature FRE 111: Introduction to French I FRE 112: Introduction to French II GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen HIS 144: Topics in Asian History HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization MUS 146: History of Hip Hop MUS 147: History of Rock Music MUS 159: History of Country Music PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex POL 150: International Relations POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 135: Global Cultures SOC 165: Culture and Society SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 165: Culture and Society SPE 100: Oral Communication THE 142: Modern Theatre History |
|
ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits) Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts. |
Scientific Reasoning AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II BIO 120/120L: General Biology I BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth ERS 103/103L: Oceanography ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry PHY 103: University Physics I PHY 104: University Physics II PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy PHY 131/131L: General Physics I PHY 131/131L: College Physics I PHY 132/132L: General Physic II PHY 132/132L: College Physics II Quantitative Reasoning MTH #: Any Mathematics Course |
|
ILO 4: Oral and Written Communication (6 credits) Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines. |
Written Communication ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation |
|
ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies (3 credits) Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. |
AI 105: AI Fundamentals CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone DA 108: Applied AI: Strategy and Innovation EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature ENG 173: Writing in the Community ENG 175: Writing in the Professions ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences HIS 107: Engaging the Past HIS 190: Research Problems in History POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science SOC 102: Social Problems SOC 148: Medical Sociology SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness |
|
ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis (3 credits) Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines. |
ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English ENG 112: World Literatures I ENG 113: World Literatures II ENG 140: Introduction to Literature ENG 180: Literary Genres FRE 100: French Cinema GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development HIS 104: Topics in American History HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality HIS 167: History of Science and Technology PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy PHI 163: Philosophy of Art PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy POL 147: Political Psychology POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation PSY 103: General Psychology PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity SOC 126: Sociology of Gender SOC 161: Sociology of Sport |
|
ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits) Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities. |
AI 110: AI Ethics and Society ART 177: High Impact Art CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema ECO 101: Microeconomics ECO 102: Macroeconomics ENG 150: Empathy and Literature HIS 116: History of Race and Society HIS 158: History of Politics and Power PHI 105: Bioethics PHI 113: Philosophy and Film PHY 178: Ethics and Society POL 101: Introduction to Political Science POL 102: Introduction to American Politics POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion SOC 108: Sociology of Youth SOC 109: Social Movements and Change SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice SOC 119: Sociology of the Family SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context SPA 105: The Hispanic World |
Courses
MUS 101 Introduction to Musical Concepts
This course explores the topic of Women in Music from multiple perspectives, highlighting the contributions of female, trans, and non-binary musicians who have shaped popular contemporary Western music over the past century. Students examine the artistic journeys of these musicians within the broader historical, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts that have influenced their careers and work.
Credits: 3
Every Fall
MUS 102 Music Fundamentals
This course introduces basic music theory, notation, and terminology, covering topics like rhythm, scales, key signatures, and basic harmony, preparing students for further musical study.
Credits: 3
Every Fall
MUS 103 Music in Western Civilization
This course explores the characteristics and evolution of 19th-century classical music, beginning with the death of W.A. Mozart and extending to contemporary art music. Students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and global trends that have shaped this period in music history.
Credits: 3
Every Fall
MUS 110 World Music
This course offers an introduction to musical styles, emphasizing the cultural contexts in which music is created and experienced. Students learn the fundamental elements of musical composition and explore the music, cultures, and customs of various peoples from around the world. Course materials include lectures, discussions, and live performances, providing a comprehensive examination of musical styles and forms.
Credits: 3
Every Fall, Spring and Summer
MUS 146 History of Hip Hop
This course traces the origins and evolution of hip-hop from the early 1970s to the present. It charts the growth of a unique youth culture from the streets, parks, and playgrounds of America's most influential city to the streets, beaches, pubs, dance halls, and parks across the globe. The class explores the transition of rap music from a counter-culture to a subculture, and ultimately to mainstream culture.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis
MUS 147 History of Rock Music
This course covers the development of rock music from the 1950s to the present. Sub-genres covered include Rock and Roll, Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, Grunge, and Indie Rock.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis
MUS 159 History of Country Music
This course highlights the singers and instrumentalists who have played a pivotal role in the development of country music. Students explore the historical, sociocultural, and stylistic factors that have shaped the genre, gaining a deeper understanding of country music's influence on contemporary music development.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis
MUS 175 Introduction to Music Production I
An introduction to the technology and aesthetics of digital composition, sound design, multi-track recording and production using digital software including Logic and/or Pro Tools on state-of-the-art hardware. Weekly individual access to studios is provided.
Pre-requisite of MA 101 is required or permission of the instructor.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring
MUS 205 Musical Theater Workshop
This ensemble course emphasizes both solo and ensemble performance, focusing on developing appropriate styles for the modern performer. Students will gain a well-rounded background in musicals from the mid-19th century Golden Age, as well as contemporary commercial genres such as Rock, Country, and Pop.
Credits: 2
Rotating Basis
MUS 206 Brooklyn Soul Ensemble
This audition-based ensemble course focuses on performing contemporary Black popular music styles, including Classic Soul, Funk, and NeoSoul. The Brooklyn Soul Ensemble prepares students for a vibrant and dynamic live performance experience.
Credits: 2
Rotating Basis
MUS 207A Theory/Keyboard Harmony I
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of music theory and keyboard harmony. Students explore topics such as major and minor modes, simple and compound meters, basic rhythms, chords, and harmonization.
Prerequisite: MUS 102.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring
MUS 207B Theory/Keyboard Harmony II
This course continues the fundamental concepts of MUS 207A, examining the basic components of music theory aimed to give students the skills to read, write, and perform basic musical concepts such as chords, scales, and rhythms as well as introductory musical terminology.
Prerequisites: MUS 102, MUS 207A/TEP 206, and MUS 208A/TEP 209.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring
MUS 208 Publicity and Promotion in the Performing Arts
This course will provide an overview of the goals, strategies and techniques of Publicity and Promotion in the Arts, as it applies to diverse fields including Music and Theater/Dance. Topics include identifying a target market, marketing strategy, and implementation through traditional and innovative media approaches.
Credits: 3
Every Spring
MUS 208A Aural Skills I
This course includes the fundamentals of ear training, sight-singing, melodic dictation, rhythmic dictation, harmonic dictation, and an introduction to intervals.
Prerequisites: MUS 102, MUS 207A/TEP 206.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring
MUS 208B Aural Skills II
This course continues Aural Skills I with emphasis on advanced ear training, sight singing, dictation, intervals, and chord structures
Faculty
Colin Levin
Director of Vocal Performance Program
Specialty: Vocal Literature
Roswitha Bartussek
Specialty: Voice
Carrie Erving
Director of Rock/Pop/Jazz Ensemble
Specialty: Voice/ Songwriting
Alba Quezada
Specialty: Voice
Trineice Robinson-Martin
Director of Brooklyn Soul Ensemble
Specialty: Voice/ Vocal Pedagogy
Fay Victor
Specialty: Voice
Jestin Pieper
Specialty: Collaborative Piano
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