Study will focus on masterworks of symphonic repertoire in addition to classics of today. Real world instruction arrives from student involvement in one or all of the university’s three orchestras — Opera, Sinfonia or the Symphony Orchestra. Much of the studio faculty are members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and other major metropolitan performance organizations.

String concentration students are looking to gain advanced skills and expertise with the

• violin,
• viola,
• cello,
• double bass,
• classical guitar and
• harp.

Woodwinds and brass students will have extensive performance opportunities through university orchestras, bands and chamber music ensembles. You will study with faculty who make music at the highest levels of artistry: Much of Boyer's studio faculty is drawn from the Philadelphia Orchestra and other top metropolitan performing organizations.

The Woodwinds and Brass concentrations include the following instruments. 

• Flute
• Clarinet
• Oboe
• Bassoon
• Saxophone
• French Horn
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba

Percussion students have opportunities to perform in a wide range of ensembles, including symphony orchestra, percussion ensemble, big bands, jazz combos, and Latin and Brazilian musical ensembles. A diverse musical curriculum complements private instruction and ensemble coaching by faculty members who are themselves high-caliber performers.  

Temple alumni holding BM, MM and DMA degrees in Percussion perform all over the world, with many others holding respected teaching positions at universities and conservatories across the country.

The Department of Keyboard Studies provides a variety of programs tailored to future keyboard solo artists, chamber musicians, accompanists and teachers. Students have weekly private instruction with Boyer faculty along with regular performance and master classes taught by both members of faculty and guest artists.  

Students in the Keyboard concentration may play the following instruments. 

• Piano
• Harpsichord

Instruction will arrive by way of private lessons with Boyer faculty in addition to rehearsals, master classes and studio classes. Students seeking a career in opera will perform a pair of fully staged operas in addition to opera scenes, concerts and recitals. Students seeking to study Choral Activities routinely perform in one of Temple’s seven choirs and receive opportunities to perform at professional conferences in addition to an annual concert alongside Temple’s Symphony Orchestra at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Paul Rardin is the graduate program contact for the Vocal Arts Department.
Phone: 215-204-4742
Email: [click-for-email]

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student organizations at Temple University.

• American Choral Directors Association provides students opportunities to experience choral conducting through guest lectures and rehearsal practice, and offers opportunities to earn practical experience through various regional and state conferences.
• National Association for Music Education is a conservatory chapter of the national organization of music educators. Semester activities include creating projects, presenting guest speakers and workshops, attending the PMEA All-State conference, participating in outreach activities, and learning to use various online music education resources.
• Temple University Theory and Musicology Society (THEMUS) gives students an open forum to discuss and develop scholarly work within the disciplines of music theory and musicology. Each semester, THEMUS hosts guest, faculty and student lectures. THEMUS organizes a regional graduate student conference each year for theory and musicology.

Learn more about clubs and organizations.