In this column, we spotlight amazing vocal programs and highlight how they’re helping singers!

Pacific Lutheran University

School of Music, Theatre, Dance

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The natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, the cultural richness of the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, the beautiful campus centrally located in Puget Sound—these define our great place on the map. The Mary Baker Russell Music Center, with its exquisite Lagerquist Concert Hall and state-of-the-art rehearsal and learning facilities, is an architectural and aesthetic jewel carefully set amid majestic trees.

Ours is a wholly undergraduate program, where students have the chance to explore opera roles, gain valuable experience in musical theatre productions, and participate in our award-winning choral program.

The School of Music, Theatre & Dance offers awards each year to incoming students seeking to develop their skills alongside some of the most talented student-musicians and faculty members in the Pacific Northwest. Students do not need to be a music major to receive a Music Artistic Achievement Award; awards are offered regardless of major.

Music Artistic Achievement Awards and limited endowed scholarships are offered in renewable amounts ranging up to $7,500 per year and are in addition to academic merit awards. Awards are available to students in a single specific area (for example – strings, voice, brass, etc) and are renewable up to another three years. Recipients are required to take private lessons in the area of the award, maintain academic standards, and participate in an assigned ensemble.

Auditions are required and awards are competitive. To be considered for a Music Artistic Achievement Award for the 2026-2027 academic year, both an application to PLU as well as the scholarship application form must be submitted.

• Angela Meade Vocal Competition, Nov 2
• Opera Scenes: An All-Mozart Showcase, Nov 21 and 22
• Sounds of Christmas, featuring Knights Chorus and University Singers, Dec 3
• “All Shall Be Well”: A PLU Christmas, featuring Choir of the West and University Chorale, Dec 5-9
• Choir of the West Tour, January 2025 [Performances in San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Palm Desert, and San Diego]
• The Light in the Piazza, May 8-10

• Angela Meade, Metropolitan Opera, et al.
• Anthony Webb, Seattle Opera, Israeli Opera
• Spencer Lang, Opernhaus Zurich
• John Marzano, Seattle Opera
• Louis Hobson, Broadway (Next to Normal, Bonnie & Clyde)
• Aaron Finley, Broadway (Moulin Rouge, Kinky Boots, Rock of Ages)

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