University of Nebraska at Kearney
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Bachelor of Music in Performance with Vocal Emphasis
•Develops high-level vocal performance skill through intensive private instruction
•Two full-length recitals required (junior and senior)
•8 semesters of private instruction on primary instrument/voice
•NASM-accredited since 1976
GRADUATE OUTCOMES
•100% employment rate for music graduates in their field (2020-2024)
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Full-length opera productions and one-act opera/musical theatre performances
•"Loper Opera" outreach school performances
•Eligibility for national competitions: Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, NATS, MTNA, American Traditions Competition
•Summer opera programs domestically and internationally
SCHOLARSHIPS
•Over $200,000 in music scholarships awarded annually
•Entrance audition doubles as scholarship audition
•In-state tuition available to all students through New Nebraskan Scholarship
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
•Diction for Singers (two semesters)
•Vocal Pedagogy
•Art Song or Opera Literature survey
•French or German language requirement
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus (Kearney)Jan 23, 2026
On-Campus (Kearney)Feb 13, 2026
OmahaFeb 14, 2026
ScottsbluffFeb 27, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, performed from memory
•One should be a folksong arrangement, art song in English, or old Italian song
•One selection from a Broadway musical is also appropriate
•Songs should contrast in style and character
•Must sing to musical accompaniment — no a cappella
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to UNK before auditioning
•Register for audition via online Qualtrics form on the music department website
•No separate audition application portal required
ADMISSION NOTES
•Rolling admissions — no fixed application deadline
•Students who do not meet admission requirements may be admitted provisionally
•Students must receive departmental approval to change applied music area or academic program after acceptance
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition strongly encouraged for full consideration
•Remote audition possible only for students unable to attend due to extreme distance
•Contact Dr. John Petzet at petzetj@unk.edu to arrange remote audition
AUDITION DAY
•Vocalists perform two contrasting prepared songs from memory — no sight-reading required
•Theory diagnostic exam and piano skills diagnostic exam also administered
•Plan to spend time on campus meeting music faculty and exploring the university
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Bring your own accompanist, OR
•Use a UNK-provided accompanist (email sheet music to farrelltp@unk.edu at least two weeks before audition), OR
•Perform with pre-recorded accompaniment you provide
Scholarship Info
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
•Over $200,000 awarded annually across the music program
•Available to both majors and minors
•Entrance audition doubles as scholarship audition
•Some scholarships may require participation in two ensembles per semester
Program info updated Mar 23, 12:56 AM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Bachelor of Music in Performance with Vocal Emphasis
•Develops high-level vocal performance skill through intensive private instruction
•Two full-length recitals required (junior and senior)
•8 semesters of private instruction on primary instrument/voice
•NASM-accredited since 1976
GRADUATE OUTCOMES
•100% employment rate for music graduates in their field (2020-2024)
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Full-length opera productions and one-act opera/musical theatre performances
•"Loper Opera" outreach school performances
•Eligibility for national competitions: Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, NATS, MTNA, American Traditions Competition
•Summer opera programs domestically and internationally
SCHOLARSHIPS
•Over $200,000 in music scholarships awarded annually
•Entrance audition doubles as scholarship audition
•In-state tuition available to all students through New Nebraskan Scholarship
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
•Diction for Singers (two semesters)
•Vocal Pedagogy
•Art Song or Opera Literature survey
•French or German language requirement
Updated Mar 23, 12:56 AM
Academic School Information
89%
Admit Rate
59%
Grad Rate
4,088
Enrollment
$50,105
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$8,676
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$15,284
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,242
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$13,066
Family Income $30k - $48k$13,350
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,547
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,703
Family Income $110k+$20,664
