Home » Why study Vocals?
Why Study Vocals?
If you’re thinking about studying a Vocals Course, BIMM University Berlin is the place to be. This is where extraordinary vocalists are made – with the help of our world-class lecturers, inspiring masterclasses and unmatched opportunities.
Over the last 35 years, we’ve seen the likes of Ella Mai, Kelly Barnes (recorded for Clean Bandit and performed at the 2012 Olympic Ceremony with Beverly Knight) and KStewart walk through our doors and out into the music industry. And you can guarantee that what we currently offer is fully aligned with what the industry needs. That’s because we work closely with industry partners and advisors to ensure that our vocalists have multiple skills, tools and connections to champion the music business.
Choose our three-year degree course and start your journey to your dream career.
Key facts
Available at BIMM University Berlin Berlin
Available as an industry-led undergraduate degree
State-of-the-art facilities and top-of-the-range equipment from some of music’s leading brands
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities
What to expect
Not only is our Vocals course about developing your skills and finding your niche, but it’s also about the wider music industry and where you’ll fit within it. You’ll build your experiences on stage and performing live, but you’ll also learn vital employability skills that the industry is currently looking for.
In your first year, you’ll be learning modules to give you a broader understanding of what it takes to be a successful vocalist.
You’ll learn core topics within your first year, such as:
- Performance Skills
- Digital Music
- Applied Performance
- Creative Technology
Choose your path with optional modules
As you build your foundation knowledge and skills, it’s only natural that you start developing your own style and particular interests. And that’s where our undergraduate course can really work around you, with optional modules so you can develop your own route to success.
Pave your own path with options such as:
- Session and Recording Skills
- Working in the Creative Industries
- Performance, Stagecraft and Identity
- Gender and Sexuality
Studying Vocals can take you places you never initially thought. With our optional modules, you’ll build your own path to success and launch into a dream career.
Potential vocals career paths:
- Creative Performer
- Session Specialist
- Commercial Band Performer
- Backing Vocalist
- Music Teacher
- Academic
For students wishing to maximise their instrumental and performance experience during their studies, the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree stands unique amongst our courses for its live-performance focus for students within their first year, enabling graduates to have an expert level of knowledge and performance on their chosen discipline.
The Performance Skills module will take you through the process of effective live performance through individual preparation, live ensemble performance and reflective practice. Weekly instrument-specific prep classes will equip you with techniques for effective part-preparation, memorisation and rehearsal strategies. The Live Performance Workshop component will provide you with the opportunity to further your skillset through full-band live performance. Here you will receive guided feedback and feedforward from lecturers and peers to help further your own reflective practice. This will be recorded in a weekly Reflective Journal. You will be encouraged to develop confidence on stage, and the necessary arrangement and communication skills for professional live performance.
Exclusive networking opportunities
At BIMM University Berlin, we believe that collaboration is key. That’s why you’ll have access to exclusive networking opportunities that connect you to the people who can help your industry career. Plus, you’ll have access to BIMM Connect – our own exclusive social media platform. Here, you’ll be able to team up and network with fellow students, alumni, bands, songwriters, press agents, managers and promoters to get the most out of your time here.
We’re immensely proud that so many BIMM students have become successful vocalists in the music industry, finding their niche and following their passion. Head to our BIMM University Berlin Alumni page to find out more.
After relocating to L.A, Mai scored a tour support slot with Bruno Mars and set a new record by becoming the first British artist in 26 years to score a No.1 single on the US R&B chart with her multi-platinum single ‘Boo’d Up’.
One of the main highlights to Eirini's career is surely a leading role in Cirque du Soleil’s show, ‘Kurios’, which has seen her performing relentlessly all across North America on a year-long tour.
BIMM London graduate Izzy Bizu has garnered mainstream radio support from BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac and Phil Taggart and BBC Radio 1Xtra's Trevor Nelson. She has supported Coldplay, Sam Smith, Rudimental, and Foxes on their latest UK tours.
At BIMM University Berlin, you’ll only learn from world-class lecturers. These are the people who live and breathe music. Many are highly respected vocalists themselves, with long lists of achievements and accolades under their belt. And with all these accomplishments comes knowledge, experience and tips that you won’t find anywhere else.
They can provide you with those essential insider tips and exclusive knowledge. It’s their role to help you step into the music industry too.
Theodora is an Irish session keyboardist, vocalist, choir director, and arranger based in Berlin, Germany. In recent years she has toured extensively as a keyboardist and backing vocalist with artists such as Lisa Hannigan, James Vincent McMorrow, Saint Sister and Sorcha Richardson. Most recently, Theodora has been playing alongside German pop artist Michael Patrick Kelly (formerly of The Kelly Family) on his 2022/23 'BOATS' album arena tour.
Tolga teaches Vocals at BIMM University Berlin. He is a singer and vocal coach who started his musical career as the vocalist for his band My State of Mind in 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a B.A. in Creative Musicianship, and has a wealth of experience working with companies such as Coca-Cola, Bayer and Zalando. He has also worked as a vocal coach for artists including Kana Shimanuki, Yetundey and HE/RO.
Katarina teaches Vocals at BIMM University Berlin. She is a singer, producer and DJ. She has worked as a session singer for X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent, singing backing vocals there for Beyonce, Westlife, George Michael, Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams. Other sessions inc. for Michael Ball's Greatest Hits album and recording for Andrew Lloyd Webber.
BIMM University Berlin’s exclusive Masterclasses mean you get to be up close and personal with some of the industry’s leading vocalists. You’ll learn about how they achieved their success, gain access to their advice and potentially see them perform live to discover some invaluable tips.
The likes of Mabel, Carleen Anderson and Lalah Hathaway have given our students career tips and insider insights that they never would have found in any textbook.
What better way to learn the tools of the trade than by getting real life experience under your belt? Our specialist Careers and Industry Teams are here to help you do just that. Thanks to their unrivalled contacts and insider connections, they’ll link you up with real-world experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Being a BIMM student also means you get access to exclusive opportunities other music students could only dream of. This includes the chance to perform at some of the best festivals on the planet (like The Great Escape Festival, Brighton Pride and Glastonbury); performing at our end-of-term gigs; and collaborating with students from other disciplines including Music Business, Event Management, and more.
Discover our resources below to learn more about studying Vocals at BIMM University Berlin. Hear from current students and successful graduates and read our tips on how to get the most out of your time at BIMM University Berlin.
By being here at BIMM, I’ve grown so much as an artist in 2 years . You are surrounded by so many like minded people, so I am just in my element here!
My course for me is a perfect fit. I’ve always been a singer, it is a passion of mine and I can’t think of anything better than being in an environment that encourages me so much.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our Vocals courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM University Berlin, please contact our Admissions Team on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email admissions@bimm-institute.de.