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SCAD Launches Vocal Performance Degree with Jon Batiste as Director

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is launching a new Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in vocal performance this fall, anchored by an eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist who will serve as the program's founding director, according…

By Marcus Liu - Business Editor Updated September 3, 2026

SCAD Launches Vocal Performance Degree with Jon Batiste as Director

SCAD Launches Audition-Only Vocal Performance B.F.A.

According to reports from PR Newswire, the Savannah College of Art and Design partnered with musician, composer, and bandleader Jon Batiste to create an audition-only B.F.A. degree in vocal performance. The curriculum targets the entertainment industry, where performers transition between music, stage, film, and television. Students in the inaugural class will study under Batiste as founding director, focusing on musicianship, storytelling, and creative versatility. “With Dr. Jon 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,” said SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace, according to PR Newswire.

Jon Batiste Shapes Curriculum and Creative Direction

As an Emmy, Academy Award, Golden Globe, and eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Batiste defined the program’s vision and creative direction, drawing from his background across music, film, television, and live performance. The partnership builds on previous collaborations between Batiste and the university, including his role as SCAD’s 2025 commencement speaker and his involvement in developing Press Play, SCAD’s music listening lounge featuring a curated vinyl collection and individual listening stations, as reported by PR Newswire. “My family has deep roots in the southern United States, hailing from Louisiana and Georgia,” Batiste said, according to PR Newswire. “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.”

Interdisciplinary Study Within the School of Film and Acting

Photo: prnewswire.com

The new Bachelor of Fine Arts in vocal performance operates within SCAD’s School of Film and Acting. The program joins existing majors in acting, film and television, production design, sound design, and music production. This structure allows vocal students to collaborate directly with filmmakers, designers, composers, and producers across media platforms. Prospective students can review audition requirements and program details through the official admissions portal at scad.edu/vocal-performance.

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About the author: Marcus Liu - Business Editor

MBA and ex‑B bureau chief specializing in global finance and fintech. Marcus speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English, and has interviewed CEOs from the Fortune 50 to Y‑Combinator unicorns. Marcus Liu delivers sharp analysis on markets, startups, and corporate strategy for investors and entrepreneurs alike.