Voice and opera performance programs teach people to sing solos and perform with groups such as choirs and operas. Students learn stage movement, diction, and vocal exercises. They also learn about operas and related forms of singing and musical theater.

Do you love singing and performing on stage? Are you blessed with a voice that you can share outside of the shower? If so, voice and opera performance may be the program of study for you.

Whether it's the drama of opera, the zip of musical theater, or the combined power of choral music that moves you, you can nurture your love for vocal performance in this program.

As a student, you combine practical skills with theoretical knowledge. You take courses in music theory, musicology, and music history to give you a general understanding of the musical field. This knowledge also serves as a solid foundation for the rest of your studies and your future career. You might then take courses that survey the history of opera or choral music.

You develop your personal style and skills through practical courses. As an opera student, you might take courses in Italian so that you can understand the aria from Puccini's La Boheme. You would also learn how to pronounce words clearly, make expressive gestures, and even time your movements across a stage. You gain performance experience through frequent recital opportunities and learn vocal exercises through private lessons.

Many colleges and universities offer programs in voice and opera performance where you can earn a bachelor's, a master's, or a doctoral degree. Typically, studying voice and opera at the undergraduate level is usually done as a concentration in a general music performance program.

If you want to study voice and opera at a deeper level, you should pursue a master's degree. And if you want to further refine your performance skills or teach at the college level, you should consider getting a doctoral degree.

A bachelor's degree generally takes about four years of full-time study after high school and a master's degree about two years after that. A doctoral degree usually adds another three to four years.

As a student in voice performance, you can sometimes choose to focus on a certain type or style of music and presentation, such as musical theater or choral music.