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Could I take private vocal lessons as a piano performance major?

I want to major in piano performance, but I would also really like to get some lessons in voice and choral conducting. Is it possible to take vocal lessons from a voice professor as a piano performance major?

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Thomas’s Answer

Common misconception that you must stick to one thing when you're in college for music. Absolutely wrong. You can do what eeeeeeeeeeeever you want. Your music degree is what you make of it. I combined piano, voice, experimental music, audio production, and music business. I took classes on guitar, harpsichord, and even organ. My piano professor was very encouraging to find other experiences with piano besides his work with me on solo piano and chamber music. Because of that, I learned (a lot on my own) how to accompany vocalists and small ensembles, got coached on how to work with strings and woodwinds, and even accompanied the choirs. That's just me- so many people do different things with their experience in music school. One of my good friends switched his main instrument from drums to guitar but was still known as the "drum guy" and would be approached to drum in a lot of different ensembles. He was also percussion section leader for the marching band if I'm not mistaken. Another one of my friends, a choral ed major, did so much no one could really tell what she wanted to do. She taught herself flute, trumpet, piano, guitar, oboe (I think), was the drum major in the marching band and still plays in jazz bands while she's teaching. I've worked with people who hadn't even learned how to read music before school and ended up recording for multiple of my projects. Your degree is what you make of it. So you want to do piano performance? Doesn't mean you can't take composition lessons, or take up a new instrument, or take choir, or vocal lessons, or join a small ensemble.

I know I'm talking a lot about myself and my friends, but I can really only speak on what I experienced! Keep an open mind when it comes to music school. I did so many things I didn't think I would EVER do when I first got to school. I played with an orchestra, wrote music that resonated with my professors so much that it ended up in a choir concert, I wrote experimental graphic notation that got performed, I made an entire song (that a lot of people liked) out of a PEPSI BOTTLE, I learned harpsichord and organ and guitar and got so much better at voice. I mean jeez, I even got to write music for a project with the honors college at my alma mater that ended up getting played on INTERNATIONAL RADIO.

Don't put a limit on yourself for what you want to do during your college experience. Put a limit on how much you think you can do in one semester- that is literally the only thing holding you back. And your professors will most likely make comments if they think you're in over your head. The semester I had my senior recital, I was also supposed to accompany my best friend in their senior recital as well- and I was barred and forbidden to play that music because my professor wanted me to focus on my own performance. Time management is the biggest and most important thing you'll learn in music school. You either know your limits, or you'll find out very quickly. Enjoy your time in school and soak it all in- cause it goes by so fast.


If you have any other questions: https://www.tyoismusic.com is my website.
Thank you comment icon Thomas, this answer is pure gold! You didn’t just respond—you took us on a whole journey through music school, and I was hooked. You’re so right—music school is basically a choose-your-own-adventure where the only rule is… there are no rules. One day, you're a pianist, the next, you're composing with soda bottles. (By the way, I need to hear that Pepsi Bottle piece—it sounds like pure genius.) And the time management part? That’s the real test. Either you figure it out, or you find yourself drowning in sheet music, caffeine, and last-minute practice sessions at 2 Am, which most students struggle wihh indeed. But honestly, that’s part of the magic. This answer? Perfection. 10/10. Would recommend to every music student out there. Dr H
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Dr’s Answer

Hey there Josiah, my friend, WELCOME to the beautiful chaos of music school, where as my sister says rules are suggestions and your schedule will look like a Jackson Pollock painting.
Well, The short answer? YES, you can absolutely take private vocal lessons as a piano performance major. In fact, you should. Why? Because diversifying your skills makes you a musical Swiss Army knife—useful in any situation.

Think about it, I mean, Imagine you're playing a gorgeous piano piece, but then suddenly—BOOM—your conductor is sick, and you have to step in. Or maybe your vocalist forgets the lyrics, and you have to jump in like a Broadway understudy. These things happen. Plus, voice and choral conducting will improve your musicianship, stage presence, and interpretation skills, which will only make you a stronger pianist.

And let's be real, music school is basically Hogwarts for musicians. ✨ One day, you’re a pianist. The next? You’re singing opera, conducting a choir, and maybe even composing an experimental piece using the sound of a coffee machine. (If someone hasn’t done that yet, I call dibs.) So go for it! Just remember: balance is key. Take on what you can handle, and if you ever find yourself drowning in sheet music, breathe, inhale and exhale! Music school is an experience, and the more you explore, the more epic your journey will be. Good luck, maestro! 🎶 🤗
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Brewer’s Answer

Can I take private vocal lessons as a piano performance major? - Absolutely! Many jazz musicians sing while they play, so you can use that as a great reason to get credit for vocal coaching while you study piano performance.
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Gerald J’s Answer

I do not see why not.
If you have the funds and the time to do both, then go for it.
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