ATLANTA — The Savannah College of Art and Design announced Tuesday the launch of a new Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in vocal performance.
Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste will serve as the program’s founding director.
The new program marks SCAD’s first audition-only degree and will launch this fall within the university’s School of Film and Acting.
The curriculum is structured to prepare vocalists for careers spanning music, stage, film and television through instruction in vocal artistry, musicianship and performance storytelling.
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The program joins SCAD’s School of Film and Acting alongside existing degree options in acting, film and television, production design, sound design and music production.
Under this interdisciplinary setup, vocal students will work with student filmmakers, designers, composers and producers on joint projects.
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“With Dr. Batiste serving as the Founding Director of SCAD’s new vocal performance degree, students are sure to enjoy unparalleled opportunities to develop their own talents into a thriving profession,” SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace said in a statement. “Mentored by Jon and other legendary performers, SCAD students write, produce and perform across every platform, from studio to screen to the world’s every stage. Only SCAD offers vocal artists an education as complete as the careers they—and audiences—will love.”
Batiste, an Emmy, Academy Award, Golden Globe and eight-time Grammy Award-winning musician, composer and bandleader, helped define the program’s vision and creative direction.
“My family has deep roots in the southern United States, hailing from Louisiana and Georgia,” Batiste said. “I am so excited to invite singers from all around the world to join me back home down south for this very special program that will help to hone, deepen and celebrate the power of your one-of-a-kind voice.”
The launch expands Batiste’s existing partnership with the university.
Over the past year, he collaborated with SCAD to create Press Play, the university’s first music listening lounge featuring a curated vinyl collection and dedicated listening stations.
Batiste also served as SCAD’s 2025 commencement speaker, delivering an address accompanied by a live piano and vocal performance.
“SCAD is a blessing for artists who want to study the craft while actively pursuing professional opportunities,” Batiste said. “Wallace has built such a positive, encouraging and rigorous educational environment that supports every facet of your artistic journey.”
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program launches in the fall. Prospective students seeking details on the degree requirements and audition process can learn more here.
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