Inside Belmont's Reimagined M.M. Vocal Pedagogy Program

When Belmont welcomes its first cohort to the revised Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy program next fall, it will represent a significant evolution in voice education. The reimagined curriculum, developed over two years by Dr. Angela Yoon, integrates hands-on anatomy lab experience, cross-disciplinary work with physical therapists and instruction from specialists in classical, commercial and musical theater voice. 

The program's comprehensive approach reflects how dramatically vocal pedagogy has transformed throughout recent decades. While voice instruction spans centuries, the field's structured approach to teaching emerged primarily in the 20th century. As technology advanced, the field increasingly embraced scientific analysis. 

"People wanted to see how we could explain these beautiful voices mathematically, through physics, through the lens of science," Dr. Yoon explains. However, she notes that some programs became so focused on science that "people started forgetting how to be practical." 

Simultaneously, student interests were evolving. While classical training remains valuable, today's students increasingly seek instruction in musical theater, pop, rock and jazz styles. Yet many programs remained locked in traditional approaches, creating a disconnect between training and real-world demands. 

Belmont's revised program aims to bridge these gaps. While building on the foundation of their existing vocal pedagogy program, the new curriculum brings together scientific understanding, practical application and comprehensive style training.  

A Conversation with Program Leaders and Students 

To explore how the program brings together science, artistry and practical experience, Dr. Yoon and current M.M. student Megan Calgaro offered a Q&A-style inside look at what makes this approach distinctive. 

What makes this scientific approach to vocal pedagogy different? 

Calgaro: “When I was looking for a graduate vocal pedagogy program, I really wanted to attend a school with a vocal arts lab. Although the combination of science and singing is a popular trend in voice teaching, there are still very few vocal pedagogy programs in the country that collaborate with science departments. Cross-disciplinary programs such as this are the future of this field.” 

Dr. Yoon: “We take our students to Belmont's anatomy lab so they can actually see how our whole body works together to create sound. When students understand the whole body, they share all the workload. The vocal cords don't have to work as hard, which means longevity for our instrument.” 

How does the program bridge different vocal styles? 

Dr. Yoon: “The younger generation wants to learn how to sing musical theater, pop, rock, jazz –– all those commercial styles. But in many programs, these worlds remain very divided. At Belmont, each style is taught by specialists in that field.” 

Calgaro: “All voice faculty here exemplify what teachers of singing everywhere should be doing — working together to provide all students with a solid foundation upon which they can build long and healthy singing careers. I am better equipped to help my students because of Belmont's commitment to collaboration.” 

What role does physical therapy play in the program? 

Dr. Yoon: “We collaborate with the School of Physical Therapy because we see our body more like athletes' bodies. Just like football players or basketball players always have physical therapists on the side, we want to understand how to prevent injury and optimize performance.” 

Calgaro: “Working with Dr. Lindsay Ison in the Gross Motor Skills Lab changed my perspective completely. I understood that posture was important for healthy singing, but I hadn't realized how many technical faults can be the result of posture. It changed how I approach my individual practice and continues to impact how I teach my students.” 

How valuable is the anatomy lab experience for future voice teachers? 

Calgaro: “While it's common for students to view a resected larynx and trachea, seeing something 'in real life' is very different from seeing it in a textbook or on a 3D model. Seeing how certain components of the vocal tract connect with the rest of the body is invaluable knowledge for the voice teacher. Teaching students how to release tension and utilize their bodies in the most efficient way possible requires that the teacher understands how everything interacts.”  

Beyond technique, how does the program prepare students for teaching careers? 

Dr. Yoon: “We prepare students for the business reality of teaching voice. How do you handle taxes? How do you create an independent voice studio? How do you recruit students and build contracts? We also address practical teaching challenges –– what if you have students who need a unique approach? How do you ensure those students are still included?” 

Calgaro: “I meet with my professors weekly to discuss how my lessons are progressing and work through any difficulties. Even though I also teach students outside of Belmont, I am still able — and encouraged — to ask my professors questions about challenges I encounter while teaching.” 

What makes Nashville an ideal location for this program? 

Dr. Yoon: “Because we're in Music City, our students get professional experience early on. They perform with Nashville Opera and local theater companies. Compared to more remote places where students might have to drive hours just to see an opera, our students get to experience it right here. Local music studios are always looking for teachers, and I get emails all the time asking if I have any graduate students they can trust.” 

What resources support student success? 

Calgaro: “The Vocal Arts Lab contains extensive literature, anatomical models and technology for visualizing overtones. The Lila D. Bunch Library gives me access to even more vocal pedagogy books and thousands of scores. But honestly, the most valuable resource is the supportive environment. All the knowledge in the world won't mean a single thing if you graduate burned out and drained of passion. Here, the passion that drives my career goals is nurtured.” 

What's your vision for graduates of this program? 

Dr. Yoon: “I want our students to feel different when they leave Belmont. I hope they feel equipped to learn more, or they're equipped to do what they'd like to do — whether that's opening a new studio or pursuing further education they had no clue they were passionate about before. Our students need assurance that there's no such thing as perfect teachers. We evolve as our students evolve, and it is an ever changing and ever learning experience.”