<p>Hello, I'm a fairly new student to the world of vocals. I started my study about two years ago. Half way through my time of study I decided that I wanted to pursue vocals as a major in my undergrad years of college. Now a year later, I am applying to schools such as Depaul, Roosevelt (Chicago College of Performing Arts), Lawrence University, Lake Forest College (all of which I have visited and sang with professors at). Additionally I applied to Oberlin with a below decent screening and was rejected as expected. I have started to become very skeptical of my ability and the quality of the schools which I am auditioning for. My Question is, how do you judge if you, yourself, are good enough material for pursuing vocals. Also, are the any other respectable music programs out there that someone would recommend auditioning for? </p>
<p>Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated.</p>
<p>Erik, you ask some very good and practical questions.</p>
<p>Young voices go through a lot of changes, for example, you could end up being a tenor, my son did. It is hard to find someone who will tell you the truth about your voice. And you do want to hear the truth before your commit yourself to four + years and thousands of dollars to train it. If you have a school near you you could ask/pay a voice teacher/professional for an honest evaluation of your potential. Also you could record yourself singing something that you feel you sing well, something simple and compare it with recordings of well known professionals singing it. Listen for tone, control, and color.</p>
<p>The school doesn’t matter as much as the teacher. Look for teachers who you connect with and who have a good track record of producing successful singers. When it comes time to audition for professional work they will be far more concerned with your ability to sing the role and far less concerned with where you went to school.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help! You give some very good advice. I have connected with a few teachers at the school which I mentioned I applied to, one in particular I felt very secure with. Any advice about ways to search for successful track records? </p>
<p>Additionally, I feel that I probably should of elaborated on my progress in technique of singing. Currently I am working with my private teacher to develop the correct free breath with out constraining the vocal chords. I have a decent support in the diaphragm, but I am still forcing the sound opposed to flowing with the breath.</p>
<p>The places you mention are respectable. What did those professors say when you sang for them? Did you connect with them? Agree with srw, particularly for undergrad your teacher is important. You have time to develop and pursue big name schools for grad school. Good singers come out of many different undergrad programs. </p>
<p>If you are concerned about staying in music make sure you pick schools where you can take other classes that interest you too. Rejection from one school does not mean you are doomed. If you have other pre-screenings to do, record it over again and do a better job. Do not send in a sub-par recording.</p>
<p>Good idea musicamusica, I plan to participate in one of their competitions later in the spring in the chicagoland area</p>
<p>Once again, thank you for your advice Singersmom07. When I visited Depaul and Lawrence both professors encouraged me to apply to the program. Specifically with Depaul I developed a good connection with one of the professors meeting with him multiple times and left the impression that he would be willing to work with me. I continually have to remind myself that it’s the teacher that matters and that undergrad doesn’t have to be prestigious. However, I have developed an incorrect standard that I have to attend a well know reputable program to succeed.</p>
<p>One way to find a successful teacher is to look up some voice competitions and then look up the winners and see who they have/do study with. Classical Singer magazine is a good source for information regarding teachers, schools, competitions and summer programs.</p>
<p>Erik, don’t stress this too much! At your age, no one expects you to be terrific and singing on the breath will come with age and practice. Guys are in demand whereas there are dozens of sopranos for each available spot (Oberlin has a very specific “Sound” that they like and also accepts with a strongly leaning toward the productions they will be doing) so make your list and learn the rep. In any given year, one can be accepted to one program and turned down from another- you don’t know what is in the minds of the panel or what they are looking for!
Are you looking just in the Illinois area? PM me and I’ll give you some suggestions.</p>