Voice Area

The School of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s offers a substantial voice program with a wide range of experiences for voice majors. Our dynamic voice and choral faculty have extensive performance and education backgrounds and offer outstanding individualized and ensemble instruction in a creative and supportive environment. Voice students have the opportunity to participate in specialized workshops, performance classes by renowned guest artists, and international/national conferences, competitions, and tours. Students perform in a variety of ensembles including the University Chorus, Concert Choir, Opera, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups. Students are frequently selected as soloists to perform with the UNO large and small ensembles.

How to Apply

To be considered for a music scholarship, you must declare a music major as your first major. Please make sure you have filled out the general University scholarship form and the subsequent music scholarship form.

Program Requirements:

Audition Requirements:

Undergraduate (B.M. Performance/Education; B.A. Music Studies)

Prepare two songs. Voice faculty prefer your audition song selections are from the classical, commercial music, or musical theatre genres.

1. The songs should be in contrasting styles.

2. All songs must be performed from memory.

3. One selection should be performed in English, and one in English, or different language of your choice.

4. Songs should show potential, interpretive ability, and musicianship.

5. There will be a UNO staff pianist at the audition. Please bring $15 to pay the pianist at the time of the audition. If you wish to have a UNO staff pianist present for your audition, please contact the voice area coordinator to make arrangements. This must be done at least 2 weeks prior to your audition date.

Need assistance selecting songs for your undergraduate audition? Please utilize learning guides created by UNO students. Learning guides are under the "Submissions from 2023" heading on this website: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/slcedt/

Students interested in the Bachelor of Music in Music Education must also submit a short 2-3 minute video. Please watch the following video before you begin: https://youtu.be/sCx-fw8gPqw. The questions and prompts are also listed in written form below. When completed, please email to Adam Hilt: ahilt@unomaha.edu.

Introduce yourself , tell us your primary instrument ,and any additional instruments you play. Feel free to tell us any additional information that you would want us to know (e.g., you teach piano; work with youth; enjoy learning languages).
Why are you interested in music education?
Name one teacher you respect and why.
Sing a nursery rhyme/children’s song without accompaniment (one verse only).

M.M. Music Performance (Graduate)

1. Perform 20 minutes of music.

2. All music must be performed from memory.

3. A variety of languages should be presented.

4. Repertoire should include five contrasting pieces.

M.M. Conducting with Choral Emphasis (Graduate)

Video Footage of the following:
1. A video that demonstrates 10-15 minutes of rehearsal and 10-15 minutes of performance. The camera should face the conductor so the committee can easily see the conductor's gesture and face. The repertoire in the performance does not need to be the same as that of the rehearsal.
  1. If possible, please include a variety of contrasting styles and genres
  2. Video Submissions should be emailed directly to the Director of Choral Activities (RichardCarrillo@unomaha.edu)
2. For those who are interested in the Assistantship Position should submit their information by December 1st.
3. Finalists for the Assistantship Position will be notified in early January of their invitation for an in-person audition and will be given a list of pieces to prepare at that time

Please make sure videos are able to be shared.

If you have any questions please contact Adam Hilt (ahilt@unomaha.edu).

High School voice students throughout the Midwest participate yearly in the UNO Band, Orchestra, and Choir Honor Festival (BOCH Festival). These students have the opportunity to work with UNO faculty and guest clinicians to perform great repertoire, as well as attend concerts and masterclasses throughout the weekend.