SDSU Vocal Arts will uphold a tradition of excellence on a daily basis, dedicating time, energy, and focus to the Art of being a vocalist allowing for growth as musicians and people. We will earn and maintain a reputation as a first-class vocal program with its three main pillars of study being Choral, Opera, and Studio. The program will provide meaningful opportunities for students of all voice types who will explore the many possible career paths for vocalists in the 21st century. The SDSU School of Music and Dance connects academia to the professional world at every stage of learning while exploring what it means to be a working musician at present and what it could mean in the future. Our students are given numerous opportunities to perform in weekly recitals, concerts, master classes taught by visiting artists and current faculty, large and small choral ensembles, off-campus tours, opera scenes programs, and full-scale opera productions. Students, faculty, and staff will maintain professionalism on a daily basis and dedicate time to understanding and participating actively in a rigorous and demanding curriculum. We will be ambassadors for all music making and promote quality in every aspect of what it means to be a working artist in the world today and in the future. Upon graduation, students of San Diego State University will have been empowered to achieve the highest levels of music making, music teaching, and music leadership in the field. Graduates will be self-sufficient contributors to the Arts. They will maintain an earned reputation for professionalism (punctuality, reliability, and ability to work well with others), superior musicianship, sight-reading, rhythmic tenacity, and refined sung-language (diction) skills. Most importantly, graduates will offer an informed interpretation of, and human connection to, all music.