In the Graduate Vocal Pedagogy Program at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, we prepare teaching-artist–scholars who elevate the voice field through inclusive pedagogy, creative practice, and applied research. Our two degree options—M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy and M.F.A. in Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy—equip students with the skills, knowledge, and vision to lead in the voice studio, on the stage, and in academic and professional settings.
Whether you’re called to the concert hall, the classroom, or the rehearsal room, you’ll gain:
Pedagogical expertise grounded in voice science and inclusive, genre-diverse teaching practices
Performance experience that supports your artistic identity and professional goals
Research literacy to generate new knowledge and shape the future of voice teaching
The M.M. is a 36-credit, two-year degree designed for singers seeking focused training in classical vocal performance, alongside robust development of pedagogical skills. The M.F.A. is a 60-credit, two-year terminal degree (including a summer session) that integrates advanced study in musical theater performance through acting, movement, and pedagogy with in-depth thesis research, writing, and presenting.
This is a program for singers who want to teach,
teachers who want to grow,
and leaders who are ready to shape what’s next.
Here are some program highlights:
Proven Success: Our graduates have gone on to secure voice faculty appointments at institutions such as Oberlin Conservatory, Brown University, Dean College, Berklee College of Music, Oklahoma City University, Western Carolina Univerity, Viterbo University, Catholic University of America, Pace University, SUNY Cortland, Baldwin Wallace University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Wuhan University of Communication in China. Additionally, several MFA MT Vocal Pedagogy graduates have performed in regional theater, national and international tours, including The Sound of Music, The King and I, The Lonely Few, music directing Into the Woods, and singing in 1776 on Broadway. Two of our 2024 Vocal Pedagogy graduates (MM and MFA) were recently selected as 2024-25 Post-Graduate Fellows at Boston Conservatory.
Individualized Training: We understand vocal artistry doesn't usually fit into one specific mold, or follow one professional pathway. You will work closely with world-class faculty in voice, theater, and vocal pedagogy, receiving tailored mentorship that supports your individual artistic and professional goals.
Expansive Curriculum: Our students experience a thorough education in the structure, function, and perception of the singing voice, foundations of voice technique, acting and interpretation, and multiple modalities of bodywork. Our curriculum examines the field of vocal pedagogy through historical, current, and future-facing approaches. With integrated, paid teaching opportunities for students, like the BCB voice class for non-majors and through community partners like Boston City Singers, our students graduate with the experience to propel them into their next career steps as passionate voice educators.
Performance Opportunities: As part of a thriving conservatory environment, you’ll have access to numerous performance opportunities with chamber music ensembles, opera, choral ensembles, and performances specifically curated for the graduate vocal pedagogy program. Situated in Boston, our students often participate in local professional performance opportunities while enrolled.
State-of-the-Art Resources for Research: Gain hands-on experience with the latest technology for voice analysis in the Vocal Arts Pedagogy Lab. Our expert faculty-mentored approach leads our students to present and publish their original voice and vocal pedagogy research at national and international conferences, including the Voice Foundation Symposium, Pan American Vocology Association Symposium, Northwest Voice Conference, International Conference of Voice Teachers, Pan European Voice Conference, and Musical Theatre Educators Alliance Conference.
Program Leadership
Vocal Pedagogy Area Faculty Representative & Vocal Pedagogy Professional Workshop Director - Professor Kayla Gautereaux
Vocal Pedagogy Professional Workshop Associate Director - Emily Siar
Vocal Pedagogy Program Graduate Assistant - Sarah Kochevar (MM '26)
Chair of Vocal Arts - Isai Jess Muñoz
MFA in Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy
2-Year Program with a summer session between years 1 & 2 (60 Credits)
What You Will Learn
Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s graduate vocal pedagogy programs offer state-of-the-art training. Students graduate prepared to make an impact in the voice studio, on the stage, and in the field of vocal pedagogy.
Upon successful completion of the M.F.A. in Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy, students will excel in three key areas: voice teaching, vocal artistry, and research. The M.F.A. is a terminal degree program.
Voice Teaching
Graduates will be able to:
Guide their students in developing efficient vocal techniques using the tools and skills acquired through courses in structure and function, pedagogy, and repertoire tailored to vocal instruction.
Instruct students across diverse musical styles, including musical theater, commercial music, and western classical, with adaptability for varying ages and skill levels;
Compare and contrast various pedagogical approaches to develop their unique teaching style through the study of the history of vocal pedagogy and peer/faculty teaching observations and feedback;
Offer impactful feedback, guidance, and cues to students, seamlessly blending technical instruction with the art of teaching;
Establish and market themselves as entrepreneurial educators in private or institutional settings.
Vocal Artistry
Graduates will be able to:
Discover and embrace their unique artistic identity through the exploration of various genres and forms of expression that are best suited to their skills, interests, and personal mission;
Produce the diverse range of sounds needed to perform repertoire from the historic musical theater canon, with a deep understanding of the stylistic aesthetics that define each era;
Explore bodywork and sound production through modalities such as Linklater, Fitzmaurice, Lessac, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, and dance;
Authentically interpret text with creativity and curiosity, drawing on the study of acting methods such as Meisner and Stanislavsky, as well as the exploration of Shakespeare;
Study and perform works from the historical musical theatre canon alongside pieces by living and underrepresented composers, enriching the field with diverse and inclusive repertoire.
Research
Graduates will be able to:
Formulate thoughtful research questions in the field of voice pedagogy and explore topics with intellectual curiosity;
Demonstrate fundamental research skills, including gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information;
Prepare scholarly materials for publication and professional presentations, contributing to the advancement and expansion of knowledge in the field of vocal pedagogy;
Craft original research through a mentored process encompassing question formulation, data collection, analysis, thesis writing, and defense;
Create meaningful change in their chosen field as informed thought leaders, leveraging skills cultivated in their courses and mentorship experiences across academia and the music theater industry.
Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy
2-Year Program (36 Credits)
What You Will Learn
Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s graduate vocal pedagogy programs offer state-of-the-art training. Students graduate prepared to make an impact in the voice studio, on the stage, and in the field of vocal pedagogy.
Upon successful completion of the M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy, students will excel in three key areas: voice teaching, vocal artistry, and research.
Voice Teaching
Graduates will be able to:
Guide their students in developing efficient vocal techniques using the skills acquired through courses in structure and function, pedagogy, and repertoire tailored to vocal instruction;
Instruct students across diverse musical styles, including western classical, musical theater, and commercial music, with adaptability for varying ages and skill levels;
Compare and contrast diverse pedagogical approaches to develop their unique teaching style through the study of the history of vocal pedagogy and peer/faculty teaching observations and feedback;
Offer impactful feedback, guidance, and cues to students, seamlessly blending technical instruction with the art of teaching;
Establish and market themselves as entrepreneurial educators in private or institutional settings.
Vocal Artistry
Graduates will be able to:
Study and perform works drawn from the Western Classical canon, appropriate musical theater including pieces by living and underrepresented composers, enriching the field with diverse and inclusive repertoire;
Discover and embrace their unique artistic identity through the exploration of various genres and forms of expression that are best suited to their skills, interests, and personal mission;
Develop the technical skills to interpret text expressively and authentically in multiple languages and styles, applying translation, poetry analysis, and diction expertise.
Research
Graduates will be able to:
Formulate thoughtful research questions in the field of voice pedagogy and explore topics with intellectual curiosity;
Demonstrate fundamental research skills, including gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information;
Prepare scholarly materials for publication and professional presentations, contributing to the advancement and expansion of knowledge in the field of vocal pedagogy.
Voice Faculty for Vocal Pedagogy Courses
Kayla Gautereaux, Vocal Pedagogy Area Representative (Profile)
Emily Siar (Profile)
Zipporah Peddle (Profile)
Dan Callaway (Profile)
Jessye DeSilva (Profile)
Greg Zavracky (Profile)
Kerry Deal (Profile)
Michael Hanley (Profile)
Lori L’Italien (Profile)
Scott Nicholas (Profile)
Rachel Klippel, Vocal Pedagogy Liaison (Profile)
Tara Stadelman-Cohen, MGH Voice Center Speech Language Pathologist (Profile)