2014-2015 Pre-Screen Thread- OPEN TO ALL THIS YEAR

@Mezzo’sMama - Popping in to see how things are going this year for everybody. Is it possible that some violinists are using VP when they list their news here? When I joined last year, I thought VP was violin performance for a while. Also, I know it’s really hard for all you parents and students going through this stage. It really does get better. A lot better. Even if there have been major disappointments. Hang in there.

Sguti40…I know you said you were just kidding about the tenor comment, but people usually don’t say things unless they mean it. My son is a tenor and bust his butt just like everyone else. He has worked hard for everything he does and continues to do just like every other voice type. He has not gotten anything handed to him just because he is a tenor. The comment has upset me even if you were just joking and yes you did stir my pot and I really don’t think it is a fun thing to do. And if a school would tell someone that they are “too large” it would be a school which would not even be worth going to in my eyes. Costumes can be altered in any way. Sorry for venting, but your comments were hurtful.

Im sure he sguti40 didnt mean any harm by it. I am a Soprano (eye roll…) and theres so many of us, more than any other voice type by far, that we always make jokes about tenors having it easy. The vocal business is all supply and demand. We have a huge supply of women and a shorter supply of men. Therefore, the demand for women will always be less and the demand for men will always be higher. That is just the fact of the business. Again, this is not to discredit the hard work your son has done. Every singer has to do an immense amount of work to make it. But I really dont think sguti40 was trying to point fingers. It’s just sort of the reality of the business.

Sounds like many people here could use a double martini…

Blaming audition season for the added stress everyone’s venting out on here. :-<

…and then we can restart the old debate about whether performance majors or music education majors have to work harder…

Shaken or stirred, @paintbrush22?! Count me in, please. Please, folks, take a deep breath, and cease fire.
@Sguti40, quoting that particular person may not be the wisest choice. Let’s just say that he has been very controversial over the years and no doubt will remain so. He may choose to use “size” as a determining factor in his programs, but I can honestly say that I know of no school which would limit itself in such a manner and I am in a position to know.
@momoftenor- I don’t think that Sguti40was intending to be rude. Programs are in desperate need of guys though, and good tenors will get more $$, although not the full rides that used to be commonplace just a few years past. I do happen to know your son and he is a talented and very hard working young man with a great work ethic. You should be very proud of him!
@paintbrush22- you’ve heard me say that “Sopranos are the lifeblood of VP programs” time and time again here, and you’ve paid your dues long enough to know that I’m right and not to take offense.There are dozens of you for every tenor, baritone and bass (and for that matter, real mezzo) out there but there are also more roles for soprano voice type, not only as leading roles but also supporting, compromario parts and in the chorus.
@OperaAdri- I hope it’s just stress and not bad manners. This is unusual behavior for this forum and I’d like it to stop. Parents aren’t setting a very good example.
@onekidmama- Nope, these VP’rs are all Vocal Performance and we are bereft of violinists and violists this year! How is your son doing? I’m sure he’s terrific!

I want to take this time and apologize for my comment above. Just having one of those days. Mezzo Mama thanks ofr the compliment. And we need to really stop the bashing of each other. Again I apologize.

Get 10 musicians in one room and you will get at least 18 different opinions. Let’s remember that all of our experiences and our students experiences are going to differ. And so are our opinions. No reason to take umbrage.

I love you all for being such passionate advocates for your kids! They’re all facing a ton of stress and so are we. I’m so glad to find a community of people who care so deeply. I also think musicians born in months starting with the letter M work harder than other musicians. Just sayin’ …


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:D< Sending you all a big hug!!!

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Just heard from sons Jiulliard UG Violin performance and he was not offered a live audition. He just passed 2 of his 5 prescreens, very hard but he is taking it well. He did have a very good audition with Ithaca and felt confident that he would be accepted, so at least that was some relief. This process is brutal!

Hi @eternalmom, sorry about your disappointing news. I’m very glad your son is taking it in stride and focusing on his live auditions. So long as he gets into a program where he can continue to grow as a musician, all is well. This is just a stepping stone in the journey.

Deep cleansing breaths, everyone. It does all work out, but I know from experience how horribly stressful this whole time is. I’m glad this thread has been brought back to being a Pre-Screen list again…let’s keep it that for now. We have to all support and care for each other on this forum.

@eternalmom- sorry about your son. It is hard to watch our kids be disappointed. Best of luck on his live auditions.

Thanks oscar63. Good luck to your daughter also!

Thank you, Mezzo’sMama. This forum has been invaluable throughout undergrad, and now grad school auditions. As a parent, it’s difficult to navigate the process, especially the first go-round. I have learned a lot and appreciate all of the information and sharing that goes on here. Thanks and good luck to everyone. It does work out…

Yes, I also want to thank you, @mezzo’smama. Thank you for your extraordinary generosity of time and spirit.

@mezzo’smama is the best!

blushing Thank you, all!

1/30, jazzer123, Juilliard, Artist Diploma in Jazz Studies