Voice Area

Undergraduate students who intend to major in music must audition for the School of Music faculty. Regular audition dates for undergraduate students are scheduled throughout the year. Your audition is for consideration for certain School of Music scholarships as well as entrance into the music program.

Sarah Shirkey Gietzen Endowed Scholarship Fund

This Scholarship is awarded annually to one WSU School of Music undergraduate student enrolled in Vocal Performance, who performs in WSU Opera and/or Musical Theatre productions, and has the goal of an operatic career. The award may be renewed up to four years.

George and Mary Jane Gibson Opera Scholarship, Fellowship, and/or Assistantship

Awarded to a graduate or exceptional upper class level WSU undergraduate student enrolled full or part time in the WSU College of Fine Arts opera program. The award is based on audition and can be renewed until completion of the Master's degree or two years, whichever comes first, upon application for renewal and continuing satisfaction of fellowship criteria for the student's degree program.

Prior to scheduling a live audition, applicants must pass a pre-screening audition. Pre-screening materials should be sent directly to Professor Alan Held by December 1. Admission to the program is based on the results of a live audition and an interview with the director of the WSU Opera Theatre and voice faculty. 

Pre Screening Materials

• Headshot and resumé
• A statement of academic and career goals
• Four YouTube video recordings showing facility in English, Italian, German, and French repertoire of various styles

Audition Dates

In-person audition dates are February 10 and 24, 2024. Applicants should apply to the Wichita State University Graduate School.

Additional Info

Students admitted to this program must show potential for future success and should have already had some experience with opera. Specific requirements include:

1. Strong Vocal/Operatic vocal potential
2. Good academic background with a minimum 2.750 GPA
3. Some stage experience, including a basic acting class
4. Ability in at least one of the following languages: French, German or Italian.

There are several Graduate Teaching and Graduate Staff Assistantships available in the Voice and Opera Theater Area. For more information, please contact Prof. Held.

Samuel Ramey Opera Fellowship

Awarded annually to a WSU graduate student enrolled in the College of Fine Arts MM in Opera Performance. The award is based upon audition. The Fellowship is renewable annually until completion of the Master’s degree (two years). Application for renewal is required.

Carolyn and Arthur Skaer Opera and Operetta Fund

Awarded annually to a WSU graduate student enrolled in the College of Fine Arts MM in Opera Performance. The Fellowship is renewable for two years on completion of the Master’s degree. Application for renewal is required.

George and Brenda Farha Scholarship in Opera

Awarded annually to a student enrolled in the WSU College of Fine Arts MM in Opera Performance. The award is based on audition and can be renewed only on the basis of audition.

Feiertag Endowed Fellowship for Vocal Performance Majors

Awarded annually to a student enrolled in the WSU School of Music, by determination of the faculty to one graduate student with a goal of an operatic career.

George and Mary Jane Gibson Opera Scholarship

Awarded to a graduate or exceptional upper class level WSU undergraduate student enrolled full or part time in the WSU College of Fine Arts opera program.  The award is based on audition and can be renewed until completion of the Master's degree or two years, whichever comes first, upon application for renewal and continuing satisfaction of fellowship criteria for the student's degree program.