The primary emphasis of the Bachelor of Music degree is on development of the skills, concepts and sensitivities essential to the life of the professional musician. At the center of the instructional program for this degree are courses in performance (such as applied lessons, masterclasses, and ensembles), musicianship skills and analysis (music theory, aural skills, keyboard skills, and conducting), and history and repertoire. Voice studies at VCU Music focus on developing the highest possible level of performance while providing the essential context of a well-rounded music education. Once accepted into one of the programs, all voice students participate in weekly master classes, which serve as informal performance laboratories. Music majors also attend weekly convocations that offer students an opportunity to perform in a concert setting. In addition to the core curriculum, vocal performance majors take additional courses in song literature, voice pedagogy, opera theater, lyric diction and foreign language. Choral music education majors study lyric diction and the music education curriculum, which includes choral methods and rehearsal techniques. Music education majors may also take opera theater and additional vocal electives as time permits.