Coordinator:
Joseph L. Shively
308 Varner Hall
(248) 370-2287
shively@oakland.edu
Program description
The Graduate Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy is a professional program for experienced singers, designed to enable them to explore approaches to teaching voice, to expand their knowledge of repertoire and technique, and to further their personal performance skills and musical understanding.
Admission terms and application deadlines
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.
- July 15 for fall semester
- November 15 for winter semester
- March 15 for summer semester
Readmission and program transfer
Requests for readmission and program transfers must be completed and approved prior to the beginning of a semester.
International application deadlines
International applications are reviewed for fall and winter admission only. To ensure adequate time for review, international applications must be completed at least six months before the desired date of intended enrollment in the University. All international application materials must be submitted by May 1 for fall admission and by September 1 for winter admission. International applicants are not eligible for Special Graduate classification.
Special Graduate classification
Applicants who are seeking a graduate degree or graduate certificate, but are unable to meet the deadline for filing all required application materials or credentials for graduate admission, may contact the department and request Special Graduate temporary admission. The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to Graduate Study, plus a copy of a transcript providing evidence of a bachelor’s degree awarded and any specific evidence concerning their qualifications for graduate study as required by the department. Up to 12 credits may be earned in the Special Graduate classification. Admission as a special graduate student in no way assures subsequent admission to a degree or graduate certificate program.
Students may request special graduate classification beginning with the dates below.
- August 1 for fall semester
- December 1 for winter semester
- April 1 for summer semester
Note: Special Graduate classification will not be granted after the first week of classes in a semester.
Application requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all of the following University and Program application documents by the published application deadlines:
University graduate application requirements
Program application requirements
- Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree in music from a regionally accredited institution or proof of a U.S. equivalent degree for foreign educated applicants.
- Applicants must schedule and perform a successful audition that shows an appropriate level of prior experience and potential for success in the program.
For vocal pedagogy, contact Professor John-Paul White (jpwhite@oakland.edu).
Admission review and assessment
Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to the Graduate Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy program, the department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, letters of recommendation, audition and any other admission requirement established by the academic program.