New Jersey City University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Comprehensive 92-credit program covering applied music, theory, history, and performance
•Coursework in vocal pedagogy, diction for singers, and vocal literature
•Training in choral and instrumental conducting
•Language study in French, Italian, and German
FACULTY
•Baritone John Hancock — Metropolitan Opera debut and over a dozen roles with the company
•Prof. William Riley — world-renowned voice trainer whose clients include over 100 Met Opera contract winners
•Soprano Adria Firestone — Carbonell Award winner, 25+ year career in opera and musical theatre
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Concert Chorale and Opera Workshop participation throughout four years
•Eight semesters of ensemble participation
•Progressive applied instruction across eight levels
CAREER PREPARATION
•Prepares for careers as vocal performer, private voice teacher, or choral conductor
•Strong foundation for graduate study in vocal performance or choral conducting
•Minutes from New York City — access to world-class performance venues
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Priority (Spring)Dec 1, 2025
Priority (Fall)Mar 1, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$55Waiver
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO MEMORIZED SONGS
•From classical or Broadway repertoire
•At least one item must be sung in a language foreign to the singer
•Operatic repertoire is not required
ACCEPTABLE REPERTOIRE LANGUAGES
•English: American folk songs, sacred songs, or selections from beginners anthologies
•Italian: Selections from 26 Italian Songs and Arias or other Italian collections (16th-19th centuries)
•German: Brief, simpler lieder — Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Mendelssohn
•French: Brief, accessible melodie — Chausson, Chaminade, Faure, Hahn
•Spanish: Folk song settings — Granados, de Falla, Rodrigo
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Submit to the Music, Dance, and Theatre Department
RESUME (required)
•Musical resume with performance experience
Good to Know
ELIGIBILITY
•Must first be accepted to NJCU before applying to the Music, Dance, and Theatre Department
•Audition required for all areas of study within the department
ENSEMBLE REQUIREMENTS
•Concurrent enrollment in chamber music, large ensemble, and music seminar required when taking applied instruction
IMPORTANT
•This program is not currently accepting applications
•NJCU is merging with Kean University effective July 1, 2026 — the Jersey City campus will operate as Kean Jersey City
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition with faculty required for acceptance
•Students must be accepted to NJCU and separately apply to the Music, Dance, and Theatre Department
•Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in music courses required
CONTACT
•Music, Dance, and Theatre Department
•MDT@njcu.edu | 201-200-3151
Program info updated Yesterday
Academic School Information
3.24
Avg GPA (W)
89%
Admit Rate
39%
Grad Rate
4,076
Enrollment
$52,745
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,971
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,888
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$11,732
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$10,254
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,051
Family Income $48k - $75k$13,160
Family Income $75k - $110k$15,986
Family Income $110k+$17,431
