Why Study Vocals?
If you’re thinking of starting your career as a vocalist, BIMM University Berlin is the place to be. This is where extraordinary singers are made – with the help of our experienced lecturers, inspiring masterclasses, and performance opportunities included in our vocal degree course.
We’ve seen countless successful vocalists study with us, before leaving to work as successful musicians and recording artists. This includes Ella Mai, Kelly Barnes (recorded for Clean Bandit and performed at the 2012 Olympic Ceremony with Beverly Knight) and KStewart.
Whether you’re looking to begin your career as a recording vocalist or live performer, you can guarantee that what we currently offer is fully relevant to the modern music industry. We work closely with industry partners and advisors to ensure that our vocalists have the skills and experience to own the stage.
Choose our three-year vocal degree course and start your journey as a professional musician.
Key facts
Available at BIMM University Berlin
Available as an industry-led undergraduate degree
Cutting-edge facilities and top-tier equipment from some of music’s leading brands
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities
A well-balanced blend of theory, analysis, practical and technical skills
What to expect
Not only do we aim at developing your skills as a recording artist and performer, but we also focus on the wider music industry and the business surrounding it. You’ll build your experiences regularly performing on stage and in the studio, but you’ll also learn vital employability skills that the industry is currently looking for.
In your first year, our modules will 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
- Additional optional modules
Choose your path with optional modules
As you build your foundational knowledge and skills, you’ll begin to develop your own style and interests.
Our undergraduate course offers 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
As a vocalist, your career will lead you down many creative avenues. With our optional modules, you can streamline your path to success by studying modules that fit your career aspirations.
Potential vocals career paths:
- Artist and Songwriter
- Session Vocalist
- Backing Vocalist
- Musical Theatre Performer
- Music Teacher / Singing Coach
- Voice Over Artist
- Top Line Writer
- Choir / Ensemble Leader
For students with a passion for live performance, the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree offers a unique emphasis on live playing within the very first year. You’ll develop expert-level knowledge and performance skills in your chosen discipline, preparing you for a career in the live music industry.
The Performance Skills module will guide you through the process of developing an authentic live performance, from individual preparation and rehearsal to ensemble performance and reflective practice. Weekly instrument-specific preparation classes will help you develop effective rehearsal techniques and strategies tailored to your discipline.
Through the Live Performance Workshop, you’ll put these skills into practice through full-band performances, receiving constructive feedback and advice from lecturers and peers. You’ll use this feedback to develop your reflective practice, which you’ll document in a weekly Reflective Journal.
Throughout the module, you’ll build confidence on stage while developing the arrangement, communication, and collaborative skills needed 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 you find your place in the music business.
After stepping onto our campus, you’ll be surrounded by the very musicians, vocalists, music business professionals, producers and filmmakers that will populate the future creative industry. Not just in Berlin, but across Europe.
At BIMM Berlin, your success is our success. 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 learn from experienced lecturers with extensive industry backgrounds, many of whom continue to work professionally across the music industry.
Drawing on their first-hand knowledge and expertise, they’ll guide you through your studies and help you understand how to navigate the ever-changing music business. Their goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to take your first step into the industry.
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 regular Masterclasses give students the opportunity to learn directly from musicians at the top of their game.
Held on campus throughout the year, these sessions offer first-hand industry insight and knowledge you simply won’t find in a textbook.
This has previously included:
- Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age)
- Mabel
- Carleen Anderson
- Lalah Hathaway
The best way to establish yourself in Berlin is by doing it for real. And our specialist Careers Team (Creative Futures) are here to assist with just that. Armed with invaluable contacts and industry connections, they’ll find you the opportunities that other universities can’t and help bring your portfolio to that next level.
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 or attend some of the best festivals on the planet (like The Great Escape Festival, Tons of Rock, Reeperbahn, and Glastonbury). You will also regularly collaborate with fellow students across our music, production, and filmmaking faculties.
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-university.de.
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