My S17 is getting ready to apply to colleges and he wants to make vocal performance part of his college studies. He is looking for a serious music program but is leaning more towards a LAC with good music or dual degree although he hasn’t ruled a conservatory out.
As we live in an area with virtually no arts education, I don’t have any good resources for learning about the process, the schools etc. he went to a good summer program and got good feedback on his chances but not a lot of nuts and bolts. So I am thinking of paying some sort of consultant. Not some do it all, high priced person, but just someone who really understands the process. Have you guys used someone? Is Acceptd a reasonable program (it is pretty affordable)
Thanks
You might be able to get the help you need from VP folks here on the CC music forum 
Especially via PM’s.
We did not use such a service, and I don’t personally know of anyone who did (however I know that “coaching” services are very popular in the MT world). I am a little leery of such things in the more classical realm, simply because you really do need up-to-date and instrument specific (in your case, voice) advice; others may have had good experiences, though! There IS a huge learning curve and it does take a LOT of time and energy to research programs. Certainly, reading through some of the recent threads here on CC (and taking notes) may help! Perhaps search" VP", “vocal performance”, etc., on the Music Major forum as a way to start, if you are interested in doing more research yourself. Otherwise, picking the brain of a well connected vocal teacher or coach is also a good way to start. Hopefully others will chime in!
You can PM for any specifics. I am more than glad to help you with any info or concerns.
For VP, the “coach” is the private teacher. If he was able to get into a good summer program and get good feedback with his current teacher it sounds like you’re on the right track. The teacher should be choosing repertoire and giving some feedback on schools. If the teacher hasn’t sent many kids on to college you may want to check other teachers in the area (including at universities) for a lesson or two and feedback on school choice.
My D met a local coach a few times to help her choose monologues for theater and MT and to practice them a bit. But her private voice teacher chose her songs.
Before I would hire someone I would want to define their role. Is it to get more school names? Is there something that’s lacking in his preparation…like you want them to help with essays and maybe a music resume? Maybe your kid would work better with another adult managing the process? I knew a few VP parents who used some local help just for ideas and “administrative” assistance. It was “general” assistance and not targeted to music acceptances solely. But is it necessary…no. I don’t know anyone who used a coaching service similar to services for MT acceptances.
Until now I didn’t realize that Acceptd offers coaching services–I thought it was just a platform for applications, like Submittable. Personally, I’d try to connect with an independent application coach if I thought I needed a service like that.
@bridgenail , I meant a professional Vocal Coach/Collaborative Pianist in regards to getting advice regarding programs of study, etc., in VP! And yes, as you said, a Theater/MT coach would not be very helpful, as their focus is not classical VP (which is a very different animal than MT).
@dramasopranomom I was only agreeing/adding on to your comment. As usual we’re on the same page.
@glassharmonica I agree. I just know Acceptd as the application portal. I would have to look into what services they are offering. @DVmom18 I’m a VP parent. Feel free to PM me.