<p>can anyone give me some information on the vocal music program/scene at UVA? what genres you're able to study, what the ensembles are like, are there any a cappella groups, etc.?</p>
<p>A capella is a HUGE scene, and there are some incredible groups (all-male, all-female and mixed)</p>
<p>There’s also an opera club.
There is a large University choir that does typical stuff, there is a smaller even more elite chamber choir… There is a jazz choir, an early music choir, etc etc. Benefits of being at a huge university.
I sang in an early music choir outside of UVA (CVille music scene is extraordinary). I had friends that sang in the Women’s Choir, the university and chamber choirs, many a cappella groups, etc. Whatever you want you can do.
The music major itself is iffy…</p>
<p>why do you say that the music major is iffy?</p>
<p>From friends who did it, they just said it wasn’t that great of a program. I don’t remember their reasons, other than the obvious this is a large research university not a small arts/music school.</p>
<p>The music major is a BA, organized like the other arts and sciences majors at UVA; it’s not a BFA, conservatory-style program. So if you want to be training for a performing career 24/7, UVA is not the right place for you. If, on the other hand, you want a solid liberal-arts education with a music concentration, it’s a fine program. There are lots of music double majors, and you can audition for ensembles and take private lessons whether or not you’re a major. </p>
<p>Some of the vocal groups–e.g. USingers and Chamber Singers–are sponsored by the department and carry course credit. Others–Glee Club, Women’s Chorus, etc.–are department-affiliated but really are more like extracurricular clubs.</p>