The University of Southern California (USC) is conveniently located in the center of Los Angeles, which is also happens to be the nation's musical recording center. The University of Southern California offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees in the vocal arts. Master's of Music (M.A) programs include classical ensemble singing (such as opera, oratorio), vocal literature and vocal pedagogy. In 2009 the USC founded a popular music Bachelor of Arts program which allows prospective students to pursue degrees in pop, rock, folk, country, R&B and Latin performance styles.
Perhaps the best known classical vocal school in the United States, Juilliard offers both bachelors and masters of arts in vocal performance. Juilliard also offers non-degree diplomas in opera studies and a doctorate of musical arts in voice. The Juilliard school offers many opportunities to take master classes with world renowned vocalists and the curriculum includes participation in two fully-staged operas.
The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia is world renowned for both its vocal and instrumental programs. A bachelors of music degree is offered in vocal performance and a masters of music is offered in opera. The Curtis institute also offers a non-degree, two year certificate in opera performance, which parallels its masters program. Admission into the the Curtis Institute is competitive yet the school does offer merit-based full-tuition scholarships.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the Berklee school of music specializes in contemporary styles of music, particularly jazz, pop, rock, and musical theater. A special emphasis is spent on preparing vocalists for studio work. The Berklee school of music not only offers undergraduate degrees in vocal performance but in song writing as well. The vocal department encourages students to study and experiment with more than one type of vocal style.